Meet Adelyn MacDonald: Lakeshore’s Young Celtic Dance Star

Chris Herbert
2 days ago
4 min read

At Lakeshore Recreation, we are fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring athletes of all ages. Some train for triathlons, some compete in powerlifting, and some pursue excellence in sports many people know very little about.

Eleven-year-old Adelyn MacDonald is one of those athletes.

A dedicated Celtic dancer with Celtic Academy Canada, Adelyn has already achieved remarkable success in her sport through hard work, determination, and a genuine love for dance.

While she may be one of the youngest athletes training at Lakeshore, her commitment, discipline, and competitive spirit rival those of athletes much older than herself.

How It All Began

Like many great stories, Adelyn’s journey into Irish dance began unexpectedly.

Originally interested in another activity, Adelyn's plans changed during the COVID years when Irish dance classes became available once again after adapting to online instruction. Her mother signed her up for a class, and after that very first experience, she was hooked.

Today, she trains under the guidance of dance instructor Mary Foley and is fully immersed in the competitive world of Celtic dance.

When asked what made her fall in love with Irish dance, Adelyn’s answer was refreshingly simple:

"I just kind of like doing it. I find it fun to move around and be on stage."

Of course, she also admits that winning medals and trophies is pretty exciting too.

A Young Athlete with a Strong Work Ethic

Success in competitive dance doesn't happen by accident.

Adelyn attends dance training three to four times per week and spends additional time practicing at home. Her family has created a dedicated practice space complete with a dance surface, a large mirror, and even a display area for the medals she has earned through competition.

Her mother often sits beside her during practice sessions, playing music and helping provide feedback and encouragement. That commitment to daily improvement has paid off.

One of Adelyn’s proudest accomplishments came at her second Regional Championship competition. After placing near the bottom of the standings during her first appearance, she returned the following year and moved up an incredible 20 places, earning an impressive 8th-place finish and a coveted medal.

For Adelyn, that moment represented far more than a placement. It was proof that hard work works.

Progress Through Persistence

Like all athletes, Adelyn understands that improvement comes from consistent effort.

This year she has worked especially hard on improving:

High kicks
Timing and musicality
Overcrossing technique
Strength and control
Overall dance execution

When she first started, her kicks only reached chest height. Today, they extend above her head. Those improvements didn't happen overnight. They came from hours of practice, repetition, and determination.

Cross Training at Lakeshore Recreation

While dance remains her primary sport, Adelyn credits Pilates and Barre classes at Lakeshore Recreation as an important part of her athletic development. Many people don't immediately think of strength training, Pilates, or Barre when they think of dance, but Adelyn has discovered how valuable they can be.

Barre Training Benefits

According to Adelyn, Barre has helped improve:

Ankle strength
Calf strength
Leg endurance
Balance
Posture

As a dancer who spends significant time on her toes, strong ankles are essential.

She also noted that Barre exercises have helped improve her posture by reducing excessive back curvature and teaching her how to maintain better alignment.

Pilates Benefits

Pilates has become another important part of her training routine.

Adelyn credits Pilates with helping develop:

Core strength
Leg strength
Stability
Body control
Power

She believes Pilates has helped her perform stronger clicks, move her feet faster, and execute difficult dance skills with greater confidence.

Her favourite Pilates exercise?: The Jackknife.

Her favourite Barre exercises?: Split squats and oblique work—answers that would likely surprise many adults in the class!

When asked whether dancers should participate in Pilates, Barre, or both, Adelyn didn't hesitate:

"I'd recommend both."

Big Goals and Bigger Dreams

Competitive Irish dance follows a structured progression system, and Adelyn has her sights firmly set on reaching the next level.

Her current goal is to move through Prizewinner and qualify for Preliminary Championships, where dancers compete in a full round featuring more advanced choreography, greater technical demands, and longer performances.

The challenge isn't just learning new steps. It also requires greater strength, stamina, endurance, and athleticism.

As dancers move up the competitive ladder, they increasingly resemble elite athletes.

Adelyn understands this and embraces the challenge.

Thinking Like a Champion

Perhaps the most impressive part of Adelyn's story isn't her medals or competition results. It's her mindset.

When asked how she feels standing on stage before a performance, she answered:

"I know I've put a lot of hard work into getting there. I just feel ready."

She also revealed her secret strategy for maintaining a smile during competition: Thinking about lollipops, cake pops, unicorns, and rainbows. It may sound simple, but it reflects a positive mindset that many adult athletes could learn from.

Adelyn competes with confidence, joy, and excitement.

She genuinely loves what she does.

Looking Toward the Future

Like many young dancers, Adelyn dreams of one day performing on some of the biggest stages in the world.

Her dream opportunities include:

Riverdance
Lord of the Dance
World Championship competition
International performance opportunities

For now, however, her focus remains on daily improvement, enjoying the process, and continuing to grow as both a dancer and an athlete.

Advice for Other Young Athletes

If Adelyn could offer advice to other children thinking about trying dance, Pilates, or Barre, it would be simple: Give it a try. You never know where it might lead.

Her own journey began with a single class and has grown into a passion that has taught her discipline, perseverance, confidence, and resilience.

More Lakeshore Athletes

Congratulations, Adelyn!

Everyone at Lakeshore Recreation is incredibly proud of Adelyn and all she has accomplished.

She is a wonderful example of how sport, movement, dedication, and a positive attitude can help young athletes achieve extraordinary things.

We look forward to following her journey and cheering her on as she continues climbing the competitive ranks of Celtic dance.

The future is bright for this young athlete—and we're thrilled to be a small part of her story.