Who we are
Who we are
Heart of Ireland School of Dance, LLC offers classes for ages 3 to adult and at levels from Beginner to Champion.
Join the Dance: Welcoming All Ages and Skill Levels at Heart of Ireland
Heart of Ireland School of Dance, LLC offers classes for ages 3 to adult, welcoming students at every level, from Beginner to Champion. Whether you’re just starting your dance journey or have years of experience, we have a place for you.
Spotlight on Excellence: Our Dedicated Performance Companies
Our studio is home to three dedicated performance companies: Celtic Treble, Celtic Beats, and Celtic Pulse.
- Celtic Treble: Designed for our younger dancers, ages 7-10, who are in the Primary to Intermediate levels and have been dancing with us for at least one year.
- Celtic Pulse: Our performance group features Intermediate to Prelim dancers aged 13 to 17 , many of whom have been with us for over two years.
- Celtic Rhythm: Our high school to adults group and are our highest level of dancers.
- Celtic Cadence: Our newest company of older teens and adults.
Participation in these companies is by invitation, extended at the end of each year for the following season. Company members rehearse at least once a week, wear specific outdoor/casual attire, and must own a school costume or solo dress appropriate for their level.
Our performance companies are the heart and soul of our studio, representing us at numerous events throughout the year and competing together at regional feiseanna. Beginners are always welcome, and we are committed to helping every dancer find their rhythm and shine on stage. Being part of a company is a significant commitment for both the dancer and their family, but it is an incredibly rewarding experience that builds stage presence, confidence, and lasting memories. If your student is interested in joining one of our companies, please reach out to us for more information.
Our School In Images
Our Staff
Experienced and Passionate Instructors Guiding Your Dance Journey
Andrea McCarney
TCRG
Owner & Director
Andrea started dancing at the age of 3 and grew up taking tap and ballet. She graduated from Sweet Briar College with a teaching certificate and a BA in dance. While in college, she started taking Irish dance and it quickly became her passion. Andrea has taught dance since 1998 and has received many awards for her choreography. She is certified as a TCRG through WIDA.
Andrea McCarney
TCRG
Owner & Director
Andrea started dancing at the age of 3 and grew up taking tap and ballet. She graduated from Sweet Briar College with a teaching certificate and a BA in dance. While in college, she started taking Irish dance and it quickly became her passion. Andrea has taught dance since 1998 and has received many awards for her choreography. She is certified as a TCRG through WIDA.
Krista Cope
Assistant Director
Krista is Heart of Ireland’s Assistant Director and provides assistance with administrative and office management functions, and also helps with the Monday & Saturday classes. She has studied various styles of dance as well as coached cheerleading and competition cheerleading. In addition to her duties at the studio, Krista has assisted her husband with their electrical contracting business for the last nine years, handling all of the office management.
Colleen Robertson
Colleen is an accomplished dancer and has grades 1-6 completed. She is part of our Celtic Rhythm Performing Company and is a Preliminary Champion Dancer. Colleen holds dual undergraduate degrees in engineering and management from Purdue University and dual Master’s Degrees in engineering and management from the University of Michigan. She is a mom to 2 of our dancers and assistants.
Miranda McCollum
Miranda has grades 1-10 completed and holds her TMRF Ceili Certification. She is an Open Champion dancer who has won numerous National Titles and is the current 2021/22 US Eastern National Champ for U25. She has competed at the WIDA Worlds several times. Miranda has a Bachelors degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Masters degree from Liberty University in Accounting.
Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn is a professional dancer as well as an Open Champion. She has grades 1-6 as well as TCRG and TMRF 1 & 2. She is currently working on her TCRG and TMRF 3 & 4 certifications. She has had a professional residency with Celtic Illusion and is a 3 time US National Champion. Gwendolyn has attended The Riverdance Summer School numerous times, as well as Studio2Stage with the privilege of being a dance captain. She is also certified in CPR and First Aid.
Leigh Harp Walls
Leigh has grades 1-2 completed. She has been a member of our performing companies and helps with our adult program. Leigh holds a Bachelor’s from Virginia Tech.
Brennan
Brennan has grades 1-2 completed. He has been part of our performing companies and is the lead dancer at Busch Gardens in the Celtic Fyre show. He has performed in three U.S. tours with Celtic Angels and a tour of Australia with a Taste of Ireland. He has attended the Riverdance Camp and Studio2Stage for 2 years. He is an Open Champion Dancer who has attended WIDA Worlds twice.
Keely
Keely holds grades 1-9 and is an Open Champion dancer. She is a member of our performing company and helps teach our beginner program. Keely is in nursing school and hopes to become a pediatric nurse. She attended Riverdance Camp this summer and plans to attend Worlds for her second time this Spring.
Madeline
Maddie holds grades 1-6 and is a Preliminary Champion dancer. She has been a member of our performing company for 7 years. She is a Senior in high school who is an active member of her church where she also helps with the youth.
Gillian
Gillian has grade 1-3 completed. She is a Preliminary Champion Dancer and a member of our Celtic Rhythm Performing Company.
Megan
Megan has grades 1-3 completed. She is a Preliminary Champion Dancer and a member of our Celtic Rhythm Performing Company.
