The NY dance squad, 'Keltic Dreams Dancers' . . . all of Hispanic and African descent . . .

have crossed cultures, giving up salsa and R&B in favour of a modern version of Irish dance. The children were the sole performers in this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Queens, attended by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and recently won the prestigious Building Bridges Award at the Irish Connections Festival in Canton, Massachusetts. They were asked to appear on The Late Late Show with Pat Kenny, but lacked the funds to bring 29 students over.

The public primary school . . .

known as 'PS 59' . . . has been running Irish dancing as an after-school programme for a number of years, following the arrival of Dubliner Caroline Duggan. The Crumlin native was initially hesitant about being assigned as a music teacher to an area notorious for violence and unruly students . . . the school has an assigned police officer and the building is fitted with metal detectors. Duggan admits the students in the Bronx "have seen things Irish students would never want to see" and have far less opportunities, but insists Irish dancing gives them a chance to achieve something through discipline and hardwork.

"We take our dancing very seriously, " she told the Sunday Tribune. "We offer opportunities for every student in the school from age seven to 11, but they have to show dedication; this in turn has taught them how to stay committed to their studies. If they are not getting good grades, they are pulled from the programme."

Even though the troupe have no Irish connections, Duggan said they warmed to the Irish culture immediately.

"When they heard my 'funny' accent they became interested in where I came from and were keen to learn Irish dance steps, " she said. "They have a natural rhythm . . . because of their Latin roots they're always dancing at home. Some of these girls could learn entire routines within six weeks and a few of them are already better than me." Duggan understands that Irish dancing in America is expensive with fees costing $50 per hour. "I would like to raise enough money to bring the group to Ireland next year. Hopefully we'll have a fusion of cultures from the north and south of Ireland with the Bronx, and perform music and dance live next May. And I hope we can finally make that appearance on The Late Late Show."