Shannon Doran, Purdue University

Shannon Doran is the Founder of the Purdue University Irish Dance Team. Shannon hosted the first CIDA competition at Purdue University, and left a legacy behind at her school that will allow the school to give Irish Dancers a place to thrive for years to come.

1. What advice would you give students looking to start an Irish dance team at their college or university?

You get to decide the legacy that you leave! Establishing an Irish dance team at your college or university fosters a community that will last beyond your time on campus. 

2. What campus resources did you find the most helpful as you started the Irish Dance team at your school?

The Office for Student Activities and Organizations was the most helpful campus resource as I established the Purdue Irish Dance Team. They connected me with a faculty advisor who guided me through the registration process and helped us find our initial performance opportunities.

3. What do you love most about College Irish Dance?

The thing I love most about College Irish Dance is watching old competitors join forces and become a family. It has given me more than I could have imagined, providing me with the most amazing friends, leadership opportunities, and an entirely new perspective on Irish dance.