The Michael Ryan School Of Irish Dance

The talented Irish dancers of the Booley House show have been trained by the famous Michael Ryan School of Irish Dance. Michael Ryan himself is a native of Co. Tipperary and has been teaching Irish-dancing for over 20 years throughout Waterford, Cork and Tipperary. There are 400 pupils currently in his school, which is recognised internationally as one of the premier Irish-dancing schools. Competitive solo dance is taught as well as the traditions of figure and ceilí dance. Pupils have won Championship titles in such competitions as All-Ireland, Munster, Great Britain, British Nationals, All-Scotland, and of course the World Championships. His classes are well-known for the extremely high standards that they set, and students train hard to achieve their fullest potentials.

These standards are also expected in his classes in the University of Limerick, where he is a tutor of the B.A. and M.A. programme in The Irish Academy of Music and Dance. When not in class in Ireland, he is often invited to teach dance workshops in Australia, Canada and the U.S.A.

Michael is also well-known for his part in the choreography of such well-known shows as Ragús, Flames of the Dance, Draíocht, as well as our own "Booley House" show. He has been involved in "The Booley House" since it's inception in 1991, treating us to more varied and intricate routines year after year. He believes in encouraging his pupils to take part in these shows, when they are not busy practising for dance championships. "Traditional shows like the Booley House lie at the heart of the living tradition of music and dance in this country, and are a great showcase for the student's talents" comments Michael. As a result, many of his former pupils have gone on to have successful dance careers in their own right.

We are delighted to have him as the resident Irish-dance teacher here in Ballyduff. Read more about Ballyduff music and dance classes.