A group of eleven talented dancers from the Academy of Performing Arts McCafferty Academy Irish Dance Team is set to grace the stage in Dublin for the 2025 World Irish Dance Championships. Among them, four performers proudly represent the Cherokee Nation. The team will present their narrative through dance, focusing on the historical connection between the Choctaw people and Ireland during the Great Famine era. This performance highlights an act of kindness when the Choctaws, despite their recent struggles on the Trail of Tears, extended support to famine-stricken Ireland.

The centerpiece of their performance is titled "Kindred Spirits," a six-minute drama that encapsulates the emotional journey shared by both cultures. According to Lena Gladkova-Huffman, owner of the Academy of Performing Arts and instructor at the McCafferty Academy of Irish Dance, the piece takes audiences through moments of joy, sorrow, resilience, and eventual triumph. Developed over two years, this project was envisioned by senior teacher PJ McCafferty as a way to honor this significant historical bond. The troupe has already performed multiple times within the Choctaw community, receiving heartfelt appreciation for bringing awareness to this lesser-known story.

Beyond competition, the dancers will also perform at the "Kindred Spirits" monument in Cork, Ireland, commemorating the Choctaw's generosity towards Ireland. Mackenzi Harlen and Ella Mae Whisenhunt, both Cherokee members of the team, express pride in representing their dual heritage while acknowledging the challenges of uniting diverse skill levels into a cohesive presentation. Community support has been instrumental in funding this ambitious endeavor, with contributions from local organizations, notable figures like Wes Studi, and generous donors. Through crafting authentic costumes and engaging deeply with cultural history, this initiative transforms a dance routine into a profound educational experience celebrating unity and mutual respect across nations.