In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese is putting on her dancing shoes with guests from Legacy Irish Dance: owner and teacher Abbey Wood, dance mom Jennifer Forbes (wife of 2024’s 200th Grand Marshal John Forbes), and students Keegan Forbes (12) and Faren Wood (9).
The episode highlights Irish dance as a vibrant part of Savannah’s Irish culture and a bridge between generations through performance, mentorship, and tradition beyond St. Patrick’s season. Abbey shares how Legacy was founded after she moved to Savannah to teach when visiting instructors could no longer fly in, eventually growing the school into her full-time career.
She explains the meaning of “Legacy” as carrying forward a tradition created by those before her, noting she now teaches former students’ children and supports the community through scholarships and donated costumes.
The group discusses how the school emphasizes discipline, resilience, teamwork, and learning to handle subjective outcomes, with Jennifer describing her daughter’s progression from starting at age three to training 5–6 hours per week and performing at many seasonal events. Keegan reflects on dancing during her father’s Grand Marshal year and her upcoming competition trip to Ireland. Abbey also recounts a recent performance opportunity at the White House for the annual pot of shamrocks ceremony, including extensive security, a stage near the Rose Garden, interactions with the President and the Irish Prime Minister, and Michael Flatley filming and applauding the dancers.
AND SPECIAL NOTE: During the recording, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce representatives surprise the producers of the Savannah Irish Podcast - Dee Daniels Media - with the Savannah Area Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year award.
The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.
Legacy Irish Dance: Building the legacy
Legacy Irish Dance Parent Association
Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival
MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company
MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Season 3 + Why Irish Dance Matters in Savannah
00:54 Meet the Guests: Dance Mom, Teacher/Owner & Young Dancers
02:21 Surprise Interruption: Chamber ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Reveal
04:32 How Legacy Irish Dance Was Founded (Abby’s Savannah Story)
06:50 Why It’s Called ‘Legacy’: Tradition, Community & Generations
08:49 Why Savannah Is the Perfect City for Irish Dance (Green Season & Shows)
11:37 Irish Dance as Culture: Music, Storytelling & Identity
14:34 Why Arms Stay Down: History, Tradition & Technique
17:48 Mentorship & Mindset: Competition, Character, and Life Lessons
23:38 Dance Mom Perspective: Starting Young, Balancing Activities & Weekly Hours
25:32 Green Season Schedule: How Many Performances Do They Really Do?
26:07 The Real Cost of Irish Dance Dresses (and How Families Make It Work)
28:37 Scholarships, Hand-Me-Downs & Community Support at Legacy
30:27 Meet the Dancers: When They Started & Why They Chose Irish Dance
32:32 Favorite Dances Explained: What a “Reel” Is (and Why It’s So Fun)
33:32 First Time on Stage: Nerves, Excitement & Irish Festival Memories
35:33 Hardest Moves to Master: “Birds,” “Rocks,” and Training Drills
38:28 Costumes, Crowns & Dancing for a Grand Marshal Dad
41:11 Dream Stages: Ireland, Championships & Inviting Friends to Join
42:35 White House Performance Story: Secret Service, Shamrocks & Michael Flatley
47:38 Rapid-Fire Q&A + Final Thanks
