CAROLINE PICKETT
CAROLINE PICKETT
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Caroline Pickett is the founder of @ Assisted Living. She is 18 years old and resides in Ridgefield, Connecticut. At the age of seven, Caroline began Irish dancing after watching Riverdance: Live From Radio City Music Hall on DVD. She immediately fell in love with this sport and devoted all of her time to Irish dance. Caroline has performed with her Irish dance school at various festivals, fundraisers, halftime shows, libraries, nursing homes, bars, parades, schools, and weddings. She has performed with many international groups as well, including the Celtic Tenors and Christmas with The Celts. Caroline and her Irish dance school have been interviewed by local news stations and appeared on a segment of The Sunday Morning Show. As the years went by, Caroline worked her way up to the highest level in competitive Irish dance, from competing at local feiseanna, all the way to international competitions. By the age of fourteen, Caroline competed at the New England Regional Oireachtas seven times, placing second and third in her respected age group. In addition, she qualified for and competed in the 2019 World Irish Dancing Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina. In more recent years, Caroline has qualified for nationals numerous times and competed in Montréal at the 2022 North American Irish Dance Championships. As a championship dancer, Caroline student teaches younger students. Since the age of 12, Caroline spends several hours per week working with students ranging from ages three to twelve. Caroline loves student teaching and enjoys sharing her love for Irish dance with younger dancers.
From left, Genevieve Mallon of Southbury and Caroline Pickett of Ridgefield.
From left, Deirdre Smith of Newtown and Caroline Pickett of Ridgefield at the Leap Year Feis.
From left, Acadia Petersen of Newtown and Caroline Pickett of Ridgefield at the 2019 New England Regional Oireachtas.
A few weeks into quarantine, the feeling of hopelessness spread as many were isolated and had zero contact with others. As an active member in Lion's Heart and her community, Caroline took this opportunity to bring hope to those who are suffering during this difficult time. From making cards for isolated senior citizens, to writing letters for frontline workers, Caroline was determined to bring joy into a world full of chaos.
Caroline felt that she can do more to help her community firsthand during COVID. She became inspired to share her love of Irish dance with isolated residents of local assisted living facilities. Caroline reached out to three of her dance friends, Acadia Petersen, Britta Petersen, and Genevieve Mallon, with an opportunity to dance at Ridgefield Crossings, an assisted living facility located in Ridgefield. This performance was the start of @ Assisted Living. The name originated from her first show, which she titled, Irish Dance at Ridgefield Crossings. As her project expanded to more assisted living facilities and more types of entertainment, Caroline stuck with the name @ Assisted Living so it applies to all aspects of the shows. Now, Caroline is working with over 20 and counting performers, branched out to multiple assisted living facilities, incorporated a variety of entertainment, and partnered with student-led clubs and groups from Ridgefield High School. In addition, Caroline is still working to expand her project in different directions and in new forms of entertainment.
Caroline's outdoor performances follow COVID regulations by practicing social distancing and wearing masks. The performances are approximately 45 minutes long and range from Irish dance shows to musical performances. Caroline supplies the dance floors, microphones, music stands, seating for the performers, and wireless speakers. She creates programs for each performance with information about each performer and the name of each number. She also choreographs the dances for the Irish dance performances. During the show, Caroline introduces the performers and their act in between numbers and shares other information, as well. For example, during the Irish dance shows, Caroline talks about the Irish dance shoes, competitions, and culture. During the winter, Caroline creates virtual performances. From choreographing and filming to editing the videos and music, Caroline crafts together a performance residents can watch inside away from the cold.
To learn more about @ Assisted Livings performances, please refer to the "Gallery" tab where you can find photos, videos, and so much more, as well as the "Performances" tab. To get involved in this project, please contact Caroline Pickett and feel free to reach out with any questions, as well.
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