Irish Dance shoes, photos, clothes and make-up. That’s the order in which Elaine Laps packed her suitcase when she moved from Ireland to Ohio in 2001. She’d been competing in Irish Dance competitions since the age of seven and knew dance was still going to be a big part of her life in America. “At about the age of 15, I came to terms with the fact that I had more than a love for dance—I was addicted. I danced morning, noon and night, and loved every minute,” she said. “There was no way I could just switch it all off by moving across the Atlantic.” And she didn’t. Six years later, Laps now teaches at Candy Apples Dance Center in Canton. Laps’s dedication and love for dance rewarded her well though out her years in regional, national and international competition. In her last few years as a competitive dancer, Laps placed in the top five at the World and All Ireland Championships. She also claimed the title of North American National Champion in 1998. “When practicing for large competitions I’d go straight from school to dance class and not get home until after 10 p.m., but I never felt exhausted when dancing. I just seemed to have unrelenting energy for it all,” she said. Laps’s desire to keep dancing prompted her to begin visiting local dance schools looking for studio space. Candy Apples Dance Center in Canton was the only one that offered to share its wooden floor with a stranger. “We welcomed a new dance form at our studio and immediately thought it would be a great class to offer,” said Cathy Stein, creative director and owner of Candy Apples. “We asked Elaine to join our teaching staff and she gladly accepted.” Halfway through her third year of teaching at Candy Apples, Laps received a call from the internationally acclaimed dance show, Riverdance. She had signed a contract with them a few years before but never had the opportunity to tour because of college. “I took full advantage of the opportunity, took a semester off school and traveled with Riverdance around North America,” Laps said. “It was a great experience that I’ll never forget.” Laps returned from Riverdance, finished college and is in her fifth year as a teacher now at Candy Apples. She said the best part of teaching is watching kids the moment they master new footwork or an entire dance step. “Irish dance involves intricate footwork, but with a little practice it can become second nature,” she said. “I also love to pass on the Irish culture to my students and teach them a little about life in Ireland. I don’t think there’s a class that goes by without me pointing out something different between American culture and Irish culture.” Laps teaches dance from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings at Candy Apples Dance Center, 20th Street in Canton. If you would like more information about the class, please call 330-477-7171. | 
