"I had these dreams of being so graceful and good at something. I tried so many different things, and was pretty terrible at all of them." The reason? Kim has Cerebral Palsy which affects her legs.

The condition means that her muscles and tendons cannot relax, but stay tight and contracted all the time. In addition her left leg is a fraction of an inch shorter than her right, causing her to walk with a permanent limp. "It's not painful, and I walk better than many people with Cerebral Palsy, but it can be frustrating, though," she admits. Despite her problems, she still dreamed of becoming a dancer. 

The turning point occured when she was 21. Kim saw Riverdance on TV and knew she had to learn Irish step dancing. She found a teacher in Atlanta, and began lessons 4 years ago. Irish step dancing started in America as a way for Irish immigrants to keep their culture alive. With the advent of shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, classes have swelled over the past few years. 

Kim points out, "It has something for everyone. The music is energetic; the dances are very aerobic; and it doesn't matter what size you are." The steps are done entirely on the balls of the feet with little or no bending of the knee before jumps and hops. The arms are held close to the sides and the upper body stays still. "My balance and stamina have improved so much since I started dancing. And I've discovered I love competing," Kim says. 

Competition, or the feis (pronounced fesh) is a cornerstone of Irish step dance. There are five levels divided by age. Dancers compete in the reel, jig (4 kinds) and hornpipe. The reel and hornpipe are in 4/4 time, and the jig is in 6/8 time. In addition, girls dance the slip jig in 9/8 time.

"I went to my first feis in 1997 just for experience," remembers Kim. "There were about 12 other adults in my competition, but I got third place in my beginner jig after taking lessons for only three months. That was exciting!"

Having an understanding teacher helped Kim realize her dreams. "I've been very fortunate to have wonderful teachers who have been willing to work with me. I don't ask for special treatment but I do need steps modified sometimes."

In addition to competitions, Kim has performed in the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day parade, at schools, and even in a few pubs in Ireland. "I really like performing. Audiences don't notice if my toes are turned out or my feet are pointed. They just enjoy the dancing and the music." And, for one young woman, sharing the joy of the dance is all that matters.