The O’Sullivan Academy of Irish Dance is under the direction of Melissa
O’Sullivan. T.C.R.G. Ms. Melissa began studying Irish Dance at the
age of 4 with Annie McBride, A.D.C.R.G. in Oakland, California. Ms. Melissa
studied dance in high school and college and received her Bachelor's Degree
in Dance from San Jose State University in 1995. Ms. Melissa has been a
professional dance instructor and choreographer since1989. She owned and
directed O’Sullivan’s Dance Academy from 2002 until
June of 2008. In July of 2008 Ms. Melissa sold the Non-Irish dance part
of her studio and began to focus exclusively on Irish Dance.
The O’Sullivan Academy of Irish Dance officially came into existence in 2006. Melissa O’Sullivan received her T.C.R.G. in 2006 and is registered with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, the Irish Dance Commission in Ireland, I.D.A.N.T.A. and the Western U.S. Region of Irish Dance.
The O’Sullivan Academy of Irish Dance is a unique and exciting school. The O’Sullivan Academy offers 5 days of classes. Our studio has state of the art Sprung Marley Stage Step dance flooring which prevents injury to the dancers' knees and ankles.
The O’Sullivan Academy is proud to have its own touring Company, The Irish Repertory Company (IRC) which travels and performs year round. Auditions for this dynamic group are held each August.
Ms. Melissa has a very broad dance and fitness background which she brings into all of the Irish Classes. She obtained Aerobics Certifications from AFAA and AEA which emphasized injury prevention and proper warm up technique. She is currently working on obtaining her personal trainer certification through AFAA to further assist dancers with their strength and fitness goals as well.
Ms. Melissa studied dance teaching and choreography intensely while obtaining
her Dance Degree at San Jose State University. Ms. Melissa spent 5 years
as a dance judge for Winterguard competitions and is planning on sitting
her Irish Dance judging exam (A.D.C.R.G.) in 2010.
The O’Sullivan Academy offers workshops for it’s students. In the past we hosted the Southern Region Oireachtas Champion, Erin Cass, T.C.R.G. from Houston, TX. This year we hosted Ms. Fiona Gallagher, from Dublin, Ireland who has won a total of ten world medals ranging from 2nd to 10th, has been the British national champion, Great Britain’s champion, Australian Champion and the American nationals champion. She just finished touring with Lord of the Dance for 4 years and will be teaching another fantastic workshop for us in Spring 2009.
In addition to all of the above, the O’Sullivan Academy fosters a family
atmosphere in which dancers and parents have found a second home. Students
will learn proper Irish technique and character building at the same time.
Mission Statement
The mission of the O’Sullivan Academy of Irish Dance is to promote, preserve, and share the tradition and culture of Irish Dance. At the O’Sullivan Academy, our focus is on the health, happiness, and education of each student. We will offer a fun, family-friendly atmosphere open to all students willing to learn about the joys of Irish dance. We offer a commitment to excellence and to reaching each dancer's personal potential.
Teaching Philosophy
Ms. Melissa has a true belief that all people can dance and is excited
to show each student how they can become an Irish dancer. With nearly 20
years of dance teaching experience, she has developed positive instructional
methods that can help students reach their goals.
Ms. Melissa believes in teaching students proper dance technique from the moment they walk into the studio. She emphasizes knowledge of the muscles, dance terms, rhythm, and music recognition. In our classes, students will focus on important standards in Irish Dance such as Turn Out, Timing, Crossing, and Carriage.
Ms. Melissa believes most of all in human potential. Any dancer who is willing to work hard, come to class, and give it their all will succeed.
Directions to the Studio
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