Cultural Events

Ashurst Academy Of Irish Dance Marks A Decade

Published: Jun 23, 2026 7:30 am

Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance recently celebrated its ten year anniversary with a production at Newtown High School called "From the Vault."

The end of year show, performed on May 16, featured nostalgic favorite numbers from all the academy's previous productions and celebrated the progress of the dancers ranging from Little Shamrocker level through elite, championship levels.

The academy opened in May 2016 and is owned and instructed by husband and wife team Craig Ashurst (ADCRG) and Christina Ashurst (TCRG). The pair met on a North American tour of Riverdance in which Craig was a lead dancer. The couple also toured with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, where Christina was lead dancer.

Elite dancers perform “Reel Around the Sun” during the ten year anniversary celebration presented by Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance. —photos courtesy Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance

Newtown dancer Peter Lindemann steps out during the boys’ dance. —photos courtesy Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance

Dancers battle in the “Villains” number. —photos courtesy Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance

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My "actions" were a single request for audio recordings of public meetings. It would have cost the Borough ZERO dollars to turn those over, as required by law. Instead, the Chair of the Borough Zoning commission decided, unilaterally, without informing the rest of his commission, to fight that Freedom of Information request. Mr. Johnson attempt to deflect blame falls flat on its face here. Facts matter.

What’s Going On In The Borough?

Can you name a single person involved in one of the lawsuits who does not reside in the Borough? I'll wait......

You do realize President Trump was born on June 14, the same date the US Army was founded. The parade was to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. My uncle was a sergeant in the Army and was KIA 3 months before the war in Europe ended fighting the Germans. I'm happy there was an acknowledgement by the President for the brave men and women who are veterans of that branch. Too bad others don't honor them by insisting it was a "birthday parade". What an insult to our veterans! I'm not into cage fighting, but as far as being tacky or disgraceful, I would the UFC fight at the White House pales in comparison to Bill Clinton and an intern named Monica did during working hours.

Elections Have Consequences XXVI

To add a bit more context: the adopted Borough budget was for just under $300,000 [https://boroughofnewtownct.gov/borough-of-newtown-budget-approved/]. $58,000 in legal fees (to date) means a significant cost must be shouldered by Borough residents and businesses, increasing taxes noticeably. Many of those pushing the lawsuits were not subject to the added costs because they do not reside nor do business in the Borough.

Well said. Unfortunately, we are back to more of the same and we know how this will end. However, it gives us an opportunity to question many ways in which the DTC failed residents, voters, candidates, everyone. Brandon Moore was the first candidate to voice interest in running. A strong and well prepared candidate that the town republicans did not want to run against. They made it clear they wanted Ku to be the candidate. We all know you endorse the candidate you have no concerns about. Once Ku decided to try to unseat Bolinsky again, the DTC should have done what it can do and that was choose a candidate or put a good process in place to set up forums and get the caucus over and done smoothly, fairly, and ethically. It did neither. and this is what resulted: The Young Dem Debate became a Ku strategy to claim Ku being victimized, and it backfired; Ku's previous campaign committee went with Brandon Moore in hopes of finally flipping the seat; the DTC delay in organizing any candidate forums led to an inability to get the information out to all (as we see in complaints from new residents regarding lack of information); the DTC was severely split by the caucus chaos and some did not fully participate as a result; and we are back to square one with the candidate Alex Villamil preferred, and the same old guard and the same chance of flipping the seat.

Brandon Moore vs. More of the Same

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Ashurst Academy Of Irish Dance Marks A Decade

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