Irish Dance Academy Coming to South County

An instructor with an Irish dance academy registered with one of the largest Irish dance organizations in the world will be coming to south county next month.

Joanie Feeney Ohrt is a certified teacher with O’Grady Quinlan Academy and will begin offering classes in April in Galesville. She’s been holding classes as a teacher of the academy from her home in Dunkirk but she’ll soon be based out of the Galesville Memorial Hall at 952 Main St.

Ohrt is registered with An Comisiun le Rinci Gaelacha in Dublin, one of the largest Irish dance organizations in the world and home to stars like Michael Flattely of Riverdance.

“I intend to focus on offering lessons for children ages 4 and up with a focus on technique and having fun while gearing towards competition,” Ohrt said.

As part of the O’Grady Quinlan Academy, students and young Irish dance enthusiasts will be trained for potentially competing in regional and national championships.

“At O’Grady Quinlan, we know the importance of positive life values in the overall development of the child as a dancer and young adult,” according to the academy’s website.

Ohrt said she originally planned on hosting classes in Edgewater in addition to Galesville, but it didn’t work out.  

Classes with Ohrt and the O’Grady Quinlan Academy begin April 12, but Ohrt said more classes will be offered in September.

To get an idea of the type of dance the academy offers, that occurred last weekend at the Westfield Annapolis mall.

For more information, email Ohrt at Joanie.OGQ@gmail.com or check out the academy’s website.