When she learned about the Harvard University Arts First Festival during college orientation last summer, Colleen O'Brien of Woburn said she knew she wanted to be part of it. In fact, she and her fellow members of the Dunleavy-Shaffer School of Irish Dance - including her 17-year-old brother, Brendan - compose a dozen of the 3,000 students who will share the spotlight next weekend.
Initiated by actor and Harvard University alumnus John Lithgow in 1991, Arts First is an annual performing arts festival celebrating Harvard student and faculty creativity. This year's event, which runs campuswide Thursday through next Sunday, will feature more than 200 music, theater, dance, film, and visual arts events.
O'Brien, who is studying history and literature at Harvard, began taking Irish dancing classes when she was 4 years old.
"The audience can expect a high-energy, enthusiastic performance, because we're all putting in a lot of work," said O'Brien.
The Irish dance team will perform at Arts First on at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Harvard University's Lowell House. Call 617-495-8676 or visit fas.harvard.edu/arts.
CINDY CANTRELL
rising
falling 