South America is now part of the Southern Region

Well, this is news indeed. Russell Beaton, a well-respected teacher (TCRG) and judge (ADCRG ?), was the speaker for Sunday evening's dance dramas and awards. I loved how he asked people to pretend that they are at the theatre. He also stated that South America is now part of the Southern Region. (My mind quickly wondered if Central America was also included, now, but I don't know if any certified Irish dance schools are located there, as presumably that's a qualification. Hmmm, or Puerto Rico, or the Caribbean........)

The Irish Dance Teacher's Association of North America (IDTANA), North America Southern Region, had included: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Mexico.

When a dancer from one of the regions qualifies for NANs, that's short for North American Irish Dance Championship. That still worked when including only those in North America, as Mexico, and Canada (in other regions, not Southern Region), are included, even if some people refer to that competition as "nationals." Adding an entire continent is really big news, and I look forward for hearing more about this.

UPDATE: According to anonymous posters to the Southern Region (voy) message board, meaning the source could be incorrect, it's possible that there is a certified Irish dance school in San Paolo, Brazil. If so, then congratulations, and welcome aboard!