Our Members and Associates

Southern Region - England

* Travers Academy Of Irish Dance

  Classes taught by Hannah Travers in Coulson Surrey

* The Ace Academy

Classes taught by Andromeda Cunningham, Abigail Collins and Portia Langley in Crawley, West Sussex, Hailsham, East Sussex, Cheshunt and Hertfordshire  

South East Region - England

* The Drumenagh School Of Irish Dancing 

Classes taught by Cieran Exley in South Ockendon and Grays, Thurrock, Essex. 

* The Jordan Academy 

Classes taught by Julie Jordan TCRG in Rainham, Barking and Dagenham Essex

* Grove Irish Dancers 

Classes taught by Elaine Day, Laura Day and Kearney Harding in Swanscombe Kent. 

London Region - England

* The London Academy 

Classes taught by Erin Coyle in East, South East and North London

The East Region - England

* The Claddagh School

Classes taught by Sandie Bunda TCRG in Tring, Heartforshire.

East Midlands Region - England 

* Kathleen Grace Academy Of Irish Dance 

Classes taught by Kerry Pancutt in Northampton. 

* The Davey Academy 

Classes taught by Michele Davey TCRG in Welwyn Garden City and Northampton.

* Conroy Irish Dance Academy 

Classes taught by Tom Conroy in Lincoln. 

West Midlands Region - England 

* Phoenix Academy Of Irish Dancing

Classes taught by Rebecca Forster TCRG in Rugby. 

Northern Region - England 

* The Cordon Academy 

Classes taught by Scott Cordon in Leeds

* The Thompson Academy Of Irish Dance

Classes taught by Sylvia Thompson in Harrogate and Leeds

* Barnsley Irish Dance Academy

Classes taught by Tamara Doherty in Barnsley

* Ferris Irish Dance Academy 

Classes taught by Jade Clibbens in Pudsey Leeds. 

North West Region- England 

* Pheonix Odyssey 

Classes taught by Eileen Plater TCRG ADCRG in Rossendale 

* Morcambe Irish Dance Academy 

Classes taught by Miss Shay and Mollie Donnelly in Morecambe Lancashire. 

North East Region - England 

* Carson Connelly Academy Of Irish Dance

Classes taught by Lauren Carson in West Rainton Durham  

Scotland UK

Central Scotland

* Na Laochra Irish Dance 

Classes taught by LisaClaire Finnon TCRG in Central Scotland and Fife. 

United States of America 

Western Region - USA

* Rowan Fae Irish Dance Company 

Classes taught by Amber Sterland in Greater Seattle. 

Meet Our Chief Executive

Daniel Bolger

My name is Daniel Bolger, and I am the chairperson and a founding member of CNRG. My journey into the world of Irish dance began at the age of four when my parents took me to my first class. This early start led me to achieve numerous titles, including placing in the top 10 at the CLRG World Championships in 2014. I have danced in both CLRG and Open Platform.

At 14, while in Year 10, I taught myself to play feis music, which has allowed me to perform across the globe at many different feiseanna. This musical journey was a natural extension of my passion for Irish culture.

In addition to my dancing and music achievements, I also created and designed Reel Digital Feis Score, a unique scoring system exclusive to CNRG. This innovation has helped modernise and streamline competitions within our organisation.

As chairperson of CNRG, I am committed to fostering a supportive, fair, safe and transparent community for Irish dancers, teachers and schools ensuring the legacy and growth of our rich cultural heritage.

Meet Our Teachers and Schools 

Siobhan Bareell - Scoil rince gaelach mhig aoidh

Lauren Carson - Carson Connelly Academy

Lauren’s love for Irish Dance began at the tender age of six and has never relented.

Competing and performing in the sport for over 20 years and across the UK and Ireland, Lauren has gained a wealth of experience, not just from her onstage successes, but also with her supportive and caring nature as she was already nurturing the next generation long before the birth of Carson Connelly Academy of Irish Dance.

A children’s nurse outside of the dancing world, her dancers’ happiness and enjoyment of the sport are always at the heart of her school and her teaching - an approach instilled within her by her mentor Cieran Exley of the Drumenagh School.

Tom has been dancing since the age of 8 when he started with the Devaney school in Lincoln after going up through the grades he brought the dancing school back their first thought from a major feis, getting 3rd at the CLRG British nationals aged 16. He went on to many more podium places including 5th at the North American nationals and just missing out by placing 8th at the world championships.
Aged 17 Tom joined the world renowned show Gaelforce Dance and also toured with another show called the Magic of Ireland. After a residency show on a theme park in America he moved from Lincoln to Dublin where he joined up with another residency, Celtic Rhythm. As well as performing in hotels and at weddings with Celtic Rhythm he also started his own performances around Dublin city, performing at many events such as the FIFA Europa Cup final and dinner events for companies like Pfizer. Tom would be performing around the city 7 days a week and usually 3 or 4 times a day for 7 years until 2014 when he moved back to Lincoln.
Back in Lincoln Tom continued to perform , regularly going to dance to join up with the French based Irish dance show Avalon. He would also perform at events such as weddings and also a lot of busking. This is when he also began teaching and now has an established dance school with multiple podium places at world championships including 4th in WIDA, 3rd in CRG and most recently a 3rd place podium at CNRG world’s.
Tom also works as an activities coordinator in a local care home balancing this between 4 classes a week and family life. His partner also competes after starting dancing as an adult and he is hoping their youngest daughter will soon start following in their footsteps.

Scott Cordon - The Cordon Academy 

My name is Scott Cordon, and I have been involved in Irish dancing for 30 years. Starting at the age of 4 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Our family moved to Leeds, England, where I continued Irish Dancing under the tuition of the Joyce-O'Donnell School of Irish Dance (CLRG). Throughout my competitive career, I obtained titles from all major competitions, including British Nationals, All Scotlands, North American Nationals, and the prestigious Senior Men's All Ireland title.

The Cordon Academy of Irish Dance was established in March 2023 with the aim of passing on the knowledge, discipline, and love I had gained over the last 30 years. Within our first year, we obtained 4 world globes, including 1 world champion. Our lessons are inclusive and fun and provide a safe space for girls and boys wanting to learn the art of Irish dancing whilst making friendships along the way.

Erin Coyle - The London Academy

Erin started dancing at the age of eight and was hooked from day one and since then Irish Dance has always been Erin’s main passion but education and work came into the mix and Erin had to take some years off to grow her carrer.
After a five year break, Erin came back to Irish dancing and quickly started to compete again and then decided to move to Open Platform for a more fair and friendly atmosphere. Erin combines her love of travel and Irish dancing and has attended feis all over Europe including Latvia, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Romania as well as all over the UK and Ireland.
Erin opened her first class in 2017 to both adults and children of all abilities. London Academy 2 World Champions and an All Ireland Champions as well as multiple podium placers. In 2024, Erin was invited to become an instructor at the Pineapple Studios in London, becoming the first permanent Irish Dance teacher at the iconic studio.
Erin and everyone at London Academy are delighted to be a part of CNRG and look forward to being in a growing organisation.

Andromeda, Abigail and Portia have achieved many titles across various organisations including Clrg, Crdm, Wida, Caid & Carg; All England Champion, European Champion, National Champion, World medal holder, All Ireland Medal holder.
Andromeda started teaching Abigail at the age of 4 and Portia at the age 8 and we have been inseparable ever since and together built something we are extremely proud of.
The Ace Academy (Previously known as the Edmunds school ) has been running for over 30 years and is home to multiple British, European, All Ireland and World Champions. Taught by Andromeda Cunningham, Abigail Collins and Portia Langley. Our Classes cover West Sussex, East Sussex and Hertfordshire and we strive to give every child the very best opportunity on their dance journey, helping them achieve their goals and build confidence

Michele Davey - The Davey Academy 

Founded in 2020, The Davey Academy of Irish dance is a dance academy based in Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire ran by Michele Davey TCRG.
Michele started Irish dancing at the age of 5 and has competed at a high level since then, gaining many championship titles in the process including European and World champion.
Together we work as a team making sure we focus completely on pushing to achieve the best that we can whilst having the most amount of fun in the process.

Tamara Doherty - Barnsley Irish Dance Academy 

I have been dancing since the age of 5 to world championship level. I retired from competing at the age of 24 and started teaching.
We do lots of dance displays around Barnsley and other areas and love to share our love of dancing with other people.
We are a warm and friendly school and like to think of our school as a small family.
My niece began to assist teaching when she gave up competing and now teaches as well.
We love to encourage everyone of all ages and abilities. 

Caroline Devaney - The Devaney Academy

I started Irish dancing at the age of 6, under the tuition of the Glendarragh Academy of Irish dancing. I was regional champion 10 times and placed top 3 at all major championships -including the All Irelands and World Championships.
I gained my love for Irish dancing from both my parents -who were born in County Mayo Ireland. Irish dancing was part of my childhood and continues to be a major part of my life.

I passed my TCRG IN 1996
and my ADCRG in 2012.

I absolutely love teaching - there is no better pleasure than watching a beginner dancer bloom into a confident open champion dancer.

I have produced many champion dancers and I’m very excited to continue my teaching journey with CNRG, making new friendships while all enjoying this competitive and beautiful art form.

Cieran Exley - Drumenagh School Of Irish Dancing 

I started learning to dance at the age of 7 with the Majko school. My competing career began aged 8. In the March of that year, winning through all grades. I gained my first Open Championship win in the November and my first All Ireland title in May the following year, aged 9. Never losing any major title, I was lucky enough to have the support of fantastic parents and a wonderful teacher. I went on to become British Isles Champion, 3x All England Champion and 5x All Ireland Champion, never having the opportunity to compete at a Worlds. After hanging up my shoes aged 19, when clubbing and boys became more attractive than the hard work needed at classes, the new found freedom of having my weekends free to do as I pleased felt wonderful. However it wasn’t long before I missed what had been such a massive part of my life. The Drumenagh School of Irish Dancing opened in 1999 and is based in Thurrock, Essex. We celebrate 25 years this year. It’s home to numerous title holders including, All England, All Scotland, All Ireland , Double European, British National & eight World Champions. I have made life long friends. Friends that have become just like family through a hobby started as a 7 year old and I wouldn’t change a single moment of any of it.

LisaClaire Finnon - Na Laochra Irish Dance 

Lisa's journey in Irish dance began in 1999 when she started dancing with CLRG. Here she danced for 18 years with a successful competitive career that saw her participating in prestigious international competitions, including the Great Britains (GBs), All Irelands, All Scotland, North American Nationals, and World Championships. These events showcased her talent and dedication, obtaining recalls in several team and solo competitions.

In 2017, Lisa decided to pursue a more relaxed approach to competing, leading her to move to the open platform. This transition allowed her to establish her own Irish dance school, Na Laochra Irish Dance. Within the first year of its inception, Na Laochra produced its first World Champion, setting a precedent for excellence that would define the school. Under Lisa's guidance, Na Laochra continued to nurture multiple champion dancers. In 2022, Lisa further solidified her professional credentials by obtaining her TCRG certification.

By the end of 2023, Na Laochra Irish Dance had grown and evolved, joining CNRG as a member school. This milestone was accompanied by the addition of Andrea to the teaching team, marking a new chapter for the school.

Andrea, a former CLRG champion dancer, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Na Laochra Irish Dance. Her impressive competitive background provides significant value to the school's teaching team. Known for her deep understanding of the dance form and her ability to inspire students, Andrea has quickly become an integral part of Na Laochra's success.

Together, Lisa and Andrea combine their strengths to create a unique blend of traditional and innovative choreography. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in producing strong, confident dancers across all ages and levels. Their shared vision and dedication ensures that Na Laochra Irish Dance remains at the forefront of Irish dance education, continuing to achieve remarkable success.

Rebecca Forster - Phoenix Academy 

Phoenix Academy of Irish Dance established in 2017 by Rebecca Forster TCRG.
Rebecca has been involved in Irish dance since the age of 8 where she danced under the McElvogue School until the age of 21, winning multiple CLRG North East regional Oireachtas and competing at world championship level. Rebecca later moved to Northen Ireland and continued competing until the age of 23 when she undertook her TCRG qualification and began teaching in open platform Irish dance until 2015 when she returned to England and opened the Phoenix Academy in 2017. Classes are run twice weekly in Rugby Warwickshire and has seen countless success across open platform Irish dance, gaining All England, World and National champions. Phoenix Academy offer group classes, private lessons, workshops and the opportunity to perform in both feises and displays throughout the year.

Athena Koloa - AK Academy 

I found my love for Irish dancing when I was 10 years old, when my grandparents took me to the Irish festival in London were I spent hours completely glued to the stage, where the Irish dancers were performing. That love / passion for the art stuck with me through my own competitive career, where I was lucky enough to win titles such as Southern Regional and British Nationals Champion, and place 2nd at the CRG World championships

I decided to take my TCRG exam and
have recently opened the AK Academy of Irish Dance with my biggest goal as a teacher is to help children reach their full potential whilst feeling encouraged and supported in class. One of my favourite things to do is create steps that are tailored to each individual’s strengths as well as making sure they feel challenged within their dances helping dancers grow their skills set

Kerry Pancutt - KP Irish Dance

Kerry started competing at the age of 7 for Phipps School in Hertfordshire. What was meant to be just a bit of fun and laughs with her cousin, turned in to a life long passion. After only 2 weeks of starting her cousin gave up but Kerry decided to keep at it!

At the age of 21 Kerry gave up dancing to become a mum and was not long after she had her son was straight back at class.
Kerry decided to retire not long after returning and competed at her last ever championship,WIDA Europeans.
Kerry was never a stranger to dancing as her younger sister still competed so was often at feis.
After a few years Kerry decided to start teaching alongside Ann and opened a up a branch in Northampton where she was then living.
Kerry then decided to go independent with her school and joined CRDM which she completed her music exam, dance practice exam and teaching exam towards her TCRG, after which she moved to open platform and become an executive committee member of CNRG. 

Amber Sterland - Rowan Fae Irish Dance Company 

Amber started Irish dance in 2008 alongside her children at Rowan Fae Irish Dance Academy. In 2013, Amber became the owner and director of Rowan Fae. Rowan Fae Irish Dance Academy is a proud CNRG member because of the inclusive and welcoming culture that CNRG fosters. We are also home to Rowan Fae Irish Dance Company, an invitation only travelling performance troupe. Our students and company performers come for the Irish dance and music and stay for the community and culture. Rowan Fae Irish Dance Academy strives to support our dance and fitness education with a breadth of curriculum and experiences that help Americans connect and understand Irish culture- past and present.

Sylvia Thompson - The Thompson Academy 

My name is Sylvia Thompson and I am from Dublin, Ireland. I started Irish Dancing at the age of 5 under the teaching of renowned Irish Dancer Teacher Mr Sean Doherty. I enjoyed considerable success in feiseanna throughout Dublin and Ireland.

Having moved to Leeds in 1993 I was given an opportunity to teach Irish Dancing to pupils in a local school. Since opening my first class under Thompson Academy, we have produced champion dancers in regionals and World Championships.