The Original Dance Academy delivers high quality dance classes for students of pre-school and primary school age. Our mission is to instill confidence in young people, whilst having fun! We place an emphasis on providing a nurturing, supportive environment where students feel safe to explore movement and creativity. We believe students of all abilities can benefit from what dance has to offer.
We offer dance classes during after school hours. These classes are suitable for primary school age children of all abilities. Styles delivered are street dance, jazz dance and acrodance.
These classes are designed to get students moving and active as part of the P.E. curriculum. A specialised class which caters to the schools needs can be created. Over several weeks students will cover the skills required in the curriculum.
We provide classes for children from 3 years of age. These classes help develop the child’s co-ordination, balance and proprioception, and helps progress motor skills. The class is delivered in an easy-to-learn and fun way.
“My daughter absolutely loves both the acrodance and street dance classes. She loves practicing the moves at home and showing me the new and exciting moves she has learned. The end of year show was very impressive and you could see the hard work Deirdre and her team put into it. I loved seeing how proud my daughter was of herself after her performance. I would definitely recommend TODA.” – Maria, Parent
“My daughter started with The Original Dance Academy two years ago. She was already doing ballet and gymnastics, but with Deirdre she has gone to a different level. She does acro and street dance and she absolutely loves them both. She likes the freedom to express herself, and the Deirdre is so supportive and creative. Self-confidence and self-esteem on stage has gone through the roof! By far my daughter’s favourite.” – Martin, Parent
“I wanted to congratulate you on a fantastic show. You are a brilliant teacher. Lucy has built great confidence through her classes with you. She has done various bits in school and has never looked comfortable but today on the stage she looked so happy. We look forward to another term.” – Mellissa, Parent
Deirdre is a professional dancer and dance teacher from Birr, Co. Offaly. She began her dance training in Dublin, and after receiving a scholarship to train in the U.S., began her career as a dancer, dance captain and choreographer. Deirdre has performed, taught, choreographed and produced productions in the U.K., Greece and France, as well as on cruise ships.
Her performance career has been rewarding and exhilarating, but her passion has always been teaching dance. Her performance experience and knowledge of the dance industry places her in a great position to teach and guide her students, whether they wish to pursue a professional performance career, or dance as a hobby. Deirdre believes the joy of dance can be found in any and all dance styles and this is why she has trained to become certified in so many; including jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, acro and street dance. She is also the sole person in Ireland and the U.K. qualified to teach the stylised and famous American jazz dance technique; the Giordano jazz technique.
Deirdre adores seeing children’s self-esteem thrive through the practice of dance. She believes the discipline, increase in confidence and increase in creativity that children gain from dance training sets them up for a great start in life, with skills that can be carried on throughout their lives.
