At Claddagh School of Irish Dance, our teachers are more than instructors- they’re mentors, role models, and passionate ambassadors of Irish dance. Each team member brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to safe and positive teaching practices, and a genuine love for helping every dancer grow in confidence, creativity, and skill.

 

Miss Colette – Studio Director

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Learning Management (Early Childhood)

• TCRG & ADCRG (Teacher, Adjudicator, Examiner)

• Postgraduate Certificate in the Optimisation of Health and Performance
  for Irish Dance

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With over 30 years of Irish dance experience and more than 17 years as the director of Claddagh, Miss Colette leads with a passion for developing confident, resilient dancers. She is committed to ongoing professional development, continually enhancing her programs with the latest research in safe dance practices, performance psychology, and physical wellbeing.

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As a fully qualified adjudicator and examiner, Miss Colette brings a wealth of knowledge from the global Irish dance community. She has had the honour of adjudicating at prestigious events, including the World Championships, and uses this insight to guide her dancers through all stages of their development - from local performances to the international stage.

Miss Colette is a proud member of the World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) and  Ausdance Queensland.
These professional affiliations ensure she remains connected to the latest advancements in dance education, safety standards, and industry best practices. Through these networks, she continually brings innovative and enriching opportunities to her students, fostering both technical excellence and a lifelong love of dance.

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Her advanced qualifications ensure that every dancer benefits from cutting-edge training methods that focus on both technical excellence and personal growth - whether they’re dancing for fun, preparing for the stage, or aiming for world-level competition.

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Miss Lucy – Teacher

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Musical Theatre

• Certificate III in Childcare

• WIDA TCRG1

• Masters of Education (In Progress)

 

Miss Lucy has been part of the Claddagh family for over 14 years, growing from a dedicated student into a vibrant and inspiring teacher. She brings a wealth of performance experience across multiple dance styles and a strong background in drama, allowing her to create engaging, expressive classes that inspire confidence both on stage and in everyday life.

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With her childcare qualifications and warm, nurturing approach, Miss Lucy has a special talent for helping younger students feel safe, comfortable, and ready to come out of their shells. Her classes provide a positive and supportive space where dancers can develop strong technique, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of Irish dance from their very first steps.

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Miss Gypsy – Teacher

Qualifications:

• WIDA TCRG1

• Bachelor of Primary Education (In Progress)​

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​​​Miss Gypsy’s journey with Claddagh began in when she was six years old, and from her very first class, she stood out with her confidence and enthusiasm. Over the past 15 years, she has grown from an eager young dancer into a talented performer, and now an inspiring teacher and role model who shares that same confidence and enthusiasm with the next generation.

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Miss Gypsy combines her understanding of child development with her passion for Irish dance to create positive, engaging classes where every student feels encouraged to shine. Her natural confidence and supportive approach help dancers believe in themselves, step out of their comfort zones, and develop both strong technical foundations and a love for performing.

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Miss Sarah – Teacher

Qualifications:

• CLRG Diploma of Irish Dance

• Bachelor of Learning Management (Secondary)

• WIDA TCRG1

• World Champion (2021, 2024, 2025)

 

Miss Sarah is a three-time World Champion who brings over 25 years of competitive and performance experience to Claddagh. Having performed and competed on some of the biggest stages in the world, she offers invaluable insight into what it takes to achieve excellence in Irish dance.

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Miss Sarah has a natural ability to connect with dancers, creating an environment where they feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to achieve their best. She expertly guides dancers in refining their technique, mastering complex rhythms, and growing in both confidence and skill. Her passion for Irish dance shines through in every class, and she takes great pride in helping each dancer discover their potential - whether performing locally or aiming for the world stage.

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Miss Mollie – Assistant Teacher

Qualifications:

• Certificate III in Childcare (In Progress)

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​​​Miss Mollie began Irish dancing at just 18 months old and has developed a deep love for dance that she now shares with our youngest students. With experience across multiple dance styles, she brings a calm, gentle approach to her teaching, helping dancers feel safe, settled, and confident from their very first class.

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Currently studying her Certificate III in Childcare, Miss Mollie understands the importance of creating a nurturing environment where children can learn and grow at their own pace. She has a natural ability to support each dancer’s individual needs, encouraging quiet confidence and steady progress through positive reinforcement.

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Her kind and caring nature makes her a valued part of the Claddagh teaching team, and she takes great pride in helping our youngest dancers build strong foundations and a lifelong love of Irish dance.

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Student Teachers

We are proud to have a team of junior student teachers who support our younger classes with warm-ups, drills, and cool-downs. These inspiring role models help foster leadership and teamwork while sharing their love of dance with our newest students.

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