Black Irish dancer goes viral for genre-bending style

Professional dancer Kaitlyn Sardin, who is known for her viral videos combining Irish dance with hip-hop and dance-hall styles, sits down with NBC News’ Maya Eaglin to speak about her internet fame that is breaking down barriers.

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#IrishDance #KaitlynSardin #Dance

[trixied]

Greetings from Ireland 🖐 When Jean Butler and Michael Flattley danced onto the stage in Dublin for the Eurovision 1994 half time act they changed the world of Irish Dancing forever and we have watched with pride as each new generation has pushed it further and further, Kaitlyn is another young artist pushing forward and showing the endless possabilities within Irish Dancing. From someone who has taught dancing of all genres for 45 years, "Keep it up Kaitlyn !" 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[johneBGood]

As a former dancer, I salute you. 75 years ago when I started, seeing boys dancing was not well accepted. I am shocked to hear that even in today´s world there is a stigma to colour or anything else. Dance is a form of art and this young lady is top-drawer material in the dance world in this old man´s opinion. Keep on keeping on expressing yourself young lady, this old Canuck loves what you represent.

[JayJay-dejv]

I’ll never forget when snoop dogg landed in Scotland and the guy was playing his song with the bagpipe!! Couldn’t believe it sounded so good

[IsabelMeridian]

Former Irish dancer here. What this young lady is doing is FANTASTIC and I applaud her creativity. Irish dance is so beautiful and part of that is because it demands absolute mastery of technique. That’s something that’s open to anyone regardless of culture or background. So glad she’s spreading this beautiful art form further and wish her great success.

[jusherethacomments]

"I never said I was Irish"
Cheers to living your best life ❤️

[derricklangford]

If anyone can remember Missy Elliot did a whole Irish jig routine in one of her videos in the early 2000s and Slayed.

[mikegardens]

Meanwhile hip hop, house, and breakdancing is a GLOBAL influence and style originating from black US culture that Irish, Asian, European and South American folks do, , so I think Kaitlyn has every right to be as talented as she wants to be in any style.

[EileenHall-jf]

We have black people in Ireland, they are Irish to boot. She’s amazing. Being Irish is not a racially defined, just like America. Immigrants change the status quo.

Also not all tango dancers are Latinos, or rappers black. She has every right in the world to participate in Irish dancing, especially because she is making it relevant to young people. Good on her.

[rajo]

A stunning talent. She takes nothing away from traditional Irish dance but is demonstrating its versatility.

[sunnyvasic]

To shut people up, ballet is originally french and italian but its an artform discipline all over the world now...❤ keep going Kaitlyn

[CarolSurles]

She is a natural dancer, and dances without effort. She should not fret over critics' envy. If insular dancers want to limit their creativity, and build a wall around their cultural identity, she should ignore them. She is already in a class of her own -- competing with no one.

[LillianSteele-uv]

I have an Irish American Aunt who was born 95 miles from Belfast. She is a professional seamstress and is married to my dad's brother who also is retired and is ill. You young lady are already a success and I wish you nothing but the best. Irish dancing and African-American dancing is a wonderful combination and has always been a part of each others dance communities here in America.

[kwright]

She’s a pioneer, she’s taken Irish dancing and created something new. Her choreography would look great in a professional dance show. She’s gone down in history for this new type of Irish Mix dancing. It’s really good and so great to watch. 😊❤

[trenae]

This is how dance survives the march of time. New generations take up the torch and add their own spark of life. Just watching this girl - the joy and passion she puts into her work - is enough to invigorate anyone watching!!

[intelliladyn]

She took a style of dance and made it her own. Anyone who is negative about it is just jealous at the fact that she does it better!!!!

[selenaseibt]

She reminds me of Misty Copeland- breaking barriers in the field of dance! I hope the two can meet someday.

[coreygarnett]

Do what makes you happy no matter who does or doesn’t like it ❤

[akc]

I love this isn’t seen as cultural appropriation. It’s cultural *appreciation*

[CanadianSmoke]

You took the saying, "Dance like no one is watching."... and put it to shame. What an incredible talent and gift!

[michelewarren]

I'm a "white girl" who learned Irish dancing from nuns in Catbolic grade school and LOVED it! I'm not Irish but enjoyed the moves! You keep up your beautiful talent and make ALL dancers proud!!!