Dance Performers

Hibernia School of Irish Dance

The Hibernia School of Irish Dance operates in Dallas and Tyler, Texas under the direction of Erin Maureen Reid, TCRG (certified step dance and céilí dance teacher by the Commission of Irish Dance in Dublin Ireland.) The Hibernia School offers an education, ranging from traditional to modern, in competitive solo and team Irish dancing. Classes for the less-competitive dancer, seeking exercise or Irish cultural exploration are also part of the Hibernia curriculum.

The Hibernia School focuses quality instruction and proper technique, performances as well as competition, cultural and community activities, fun and lasting friendships.

Jackson Irish Dancers

Jackson Irish Dancers, a non-profit corporation founded in 1998, spreads knowledge, enjoyment and understanding of traditional Irish dance through instruction, performance, and social gathering in the Jackson, Mississippi metro area. Call 601-592-9914 for information on classes, performances, and other events.

Our NTIF performances feature set dances, céilí dances, traditional solo dancing and more, under the direction of JID member Catherine Sherer Bishop, TCRG. Special thanks to members of Lincoln Irish Dancers of Lincoln, Nebraska, for taking the stage with us for this performance, and to Spirits of the House for great music.

Spirits of the House will play for the Jackson Irish Dancers. Since 1998, SPIRITS OF THE HOUSE has traveled the South, playing festivals and pubs from Memphis to New Orleans -- Atlanta to Dallas. The band has won an enthusiastic following wherever they play. Spirits are: Charles Bishop- flute, banjo, mandolin; Karen Whitlow-accordion; Steve Whitlow-guitar, bouzouki; Georgia Fyke-songs; Limerick's own John Coyne- bouzouki, guitar. Georgia, Karen, Steve and John each bring their own unique repertoire of songs to Spirits performances. A second album is planned for a September 2006 release featuring new songs from John and Georgia, tunes Chuck collected on his rambles through Ireland and the rare, gem of a tune Karen has gleaned from some arcane collection.

Emerald School of Irish Dance

The Emerald School of Irish Dance has been teaching and promoting the art of Irish dance in Dallas/Ft. Worth since 1977. Directed by Emily Touzin and Leslie Touzin Middleton, TCRG, the school is certified by the Irish Dance Commission in Dublin, Ireland which allows our students to compete in Irish dance competitions throughout the world. Students from the Emerald School compete throughout the nation and most recently, one of our students qualified to compete at the World Championships in Ennis. Our Senior Dance Company performs throughout Texas. Among the many performances includes a feature spot in a Christmas concert with a full choir and orchestra, the Bass Performance hall with the Trinity Irish Dancers, and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

The school now has 5 locations including classes in Dallas, Lewisville, Arlington, The Colony, and Norman, Oklahoma. Call Leslie at 972-315-0928 or Emily at 972-458-0145.

San Antonio Irish Dancers

The San Antonio Irish Dancers were established in 1982 by Colm O'Maoileidigh and are part of the Irish umbrella of organizations that promote Irish and Celtic culture. Originally, the group focused on competitive dancing, and members won many state and national awards for both solo and ceili competition. Recently, Colm left the organization, but his students dedicate themselves to preserving Irish dance culture in San Antonio. Our members range widely in age and skill levels. We encourage participation from everyone - children through adults, and beginners through championship dancers The San Antonio Irish Dancers have undergone many changes in the last two decades, but one thing has remained constant. We all share a love of music and dance and a deep desire to demonstrate the pride we feel in our Irish heritage.

McTeggart Irish Dancers

The McTeggart Irish Dancers of North Texas, under the direction of Mrs. Maureen McTeggart Hall, A.D.C.R.G., practice in Fort Worth, Texas weekly. The dance school performs throughout the North Texas area at major cultural events to promote and keep alive traditional Irish dancing. Performances are also scheduled at nursing homes, shopping malls, schools, and hospitals to name a few. The students compete against each other and dancers from all across the United States when they attend a “Feis”, sometimes traveling to New Orleans, Houston, Denver and the Irish Festival Feis in Dallas. Students of all ages are welcome to join for competitive and pleasure dancing instruction.

Shandon School of Irish Dance

The Shandon School of Irish Dance was founded in January of 1998. The school is registered with An Coimisum Le Rince Gaelacha (the commission on Irish Dance) which allows students to compete in feisianna all over the world. When the school was opened in 1998, classes were held in garages and gyms. In September of 1998, Shandon School moved to a studio on the southeast corner of Arapaho and Jupiter in Garland.

The school has been involved in shows and competitions around the world, including performing with the Trinity Irish Dancers when they came to Bass Hall in the winter of 2000. Shandon students continually make the final cut at the regional championships and qualify for the World Championship of Irish Dance. Shandon places importance on improving oneself. Achieve your personal best through the challenge and fun of Irish Dance!

Workshops

Michael and Susan Harrison

Catherine Sherer Bishop

Catherine Sherer Bishop holds a M.F.A in Dance from SMU and a M.A. in Ethnochoreology, with an emphasis in Traditional Irish Dance, from the University of Limerick, the latter of which she earned on a Fulbright grant. She also holds a teacher certification from both An Coimisuún le Rincí Gaelacha and Cairde Rince Céilí na hÉireann. She has studied, performed, and taught Irish dance in multiple locations, including Ireland, France, Germany, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, and South Carolina. In addition, Catherine has called céilithe for the North Texas Irish Festival, The Celtic Heritage Festival, the Austin Celtic Festival, and various other céilithe in Ireland, Texas and Mississippi.

Ceili

Callers: Michael and Susan Harrison

Michael and Susan are no strangers to the Ceili. They have been leading the monthly SCMA Ceili at the Move Studio for the past four months and have drawn a strong local attendance. The Ceili is a chance for everyone to join in, learn a few new dances, meet new friends and generally have a good time. Of course, attending one of the two workshops earlier in the day will give you an added bonus.