TEACHING STAFF
Samantha McAleer, TCRG
Sam began dancing at the age of 9 in Oxford, England, under the tutelage of Anne Flood Brennan, alongside a number of siblings and cousins. She moved to Perth at the age of 12 and competed at State, National and World level, winning multiple titles along the way.
In 1996, Sam, alongside some of her closest dancing friends, began performing around Western Australia with a group named Claddagh dance.
In 1998, Sam passed her TCRG exam and started officially teaching classes with her brother, John, as Scoil Rince Ni Ceide.
Sam’s repertoire also includes performances with well renowned music groups such as The Chieftains and The Furey’s. Sam and her students have also had the privilege of meeting and performing for the President of Ireland, His Excellency Mr Michael D. Higgins, and many State, National and International dignitaries.
Sam’s passion for teaching has not diminished over the years. The school has continued to grow and achieve success on and off the stage. Sam works hard to ensure that each student is taught to their own strengths and goals. She strives to ensure that all students reach their full potential and leave the studio feeling positive and confident.
Sam fosters in each and every student the belief that every goal is attainable, every obstacle is moveable and every dancer is worthy of her time and love of Irish dancing.
lara donelan (nee upton), ADCRG
Lara has been dancing for some 20 years here in Perth, Western Australia. She has competed in Championships in the Eastern States, Ireland and the U.K and has achieved incredible results, including winning 6 WA State titles, 5 Australian National titles and 2 World Championship medals. Lara has achieved these incredible results through sheer hard work and in latter years, through the outstanding tutelage of Sam. Stints in the UK and Ireland have also added to her repertoire.
Lara has always had the desire to teach Irish Dancing and there was no better fit than the school that saw her achieve her ultimate dancing goals, Keady Upton.
Lara is dedicated, loving, caring and a high-achiever and will inspire any dancer to achieve their best.
Dhana pitman, TCRG, B.A.E, B.C.A
Dhana’s passion and love for Irish dancing started at the young age of 4. Her dancing career, that has been established for over 25 years, has achieved remarkable success at competitive level with her training at some of the best schools in Western Australia.
During Dhana’s competitive dancing years she was the WA State Irish Dancing Champion on several occasions and achieved highly at national level finishing off her competition life at world level. Irish dancing has taken her to places all around the world.
Dhana achieved her TCRG in 2017 and brings with it a wealth of knowledge on Irish dance technique from invaluable training with teachers around the world.
Dhana completed a Bachelor degree in Education and a Bachelor degree in Creative Arts (majoring in drama and minoring in dance) and has had experience working with students in both Primary and Secondary schools.
EDWARD SEARLE, ADCRG
Originally from Birmingham, England, Edward Searle began Irish Dancing at the late age of 11 under the tuition of Michael Kenny at the Kenny Academy. At the age of 13, Edward began dancing for Danny Doherty and Marie Connell at the 'Doherty Academy'. The Doherty School in England has been one of the most competitively successful Irish Dancing schools of all time, winning hundreds of World Championship titles in solo and team dancing sections.
During his illustrious competitive career, Edward won the following titles:
The All Scotland, British National, Great Britain, All Ireland, and World Championships for solo and team dancing. Edward won the British Nationals and All Ireland Championships 3 times and won 2nd place at the World Championships 3 times.
His biggest acheivement was being awarded solo WORLD CHAMPION 2005 in Ennis, Ireland!
As a dancer with the Doherty Academy of Irish Dancing in England, Edward was fortunate to be a member of many All Ireland and World winning Ceili and Figure teams.
In his professional career, Edward enjoyed dancing with ‘Riverdance - The Show’ which allowed him to travel to many exciting places around the world and meet many famous people!
Edward has been a registered TCRG with An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha (the World Irish Dancing Commission-Dublin, Ireland) since 2006. He is also registered with the Irish Dance Teachers Association of Mid America and the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America!
BYRON TUTTLE, ADCRG
Originally born and raised in Columbus, Ohio USA, Byron Tuttle's family history hails from Dublin, Ireland. Byron has spent the last decade living, dancing, and teaching Irish Dancing in Birmingham, England.
Living and dancing in England, Byron danced for the renowned 'Sean Eireann-McMahon School'. In his competitive career, Byron won every major Irish Dancing Championship title in both solo and team sections, including: The European International, All Scotland, British National, Great Britain, All Ireland and World Championships. He retired from competitive dancing after winning the World Championship Title with a perfect score in Belfast , N. Ireland in 2006! Being a part of many winning Ceili and Figure teams cultivated Byron’s passion and love for Figure (team) Choreography.
In his professional career starting at the age of 17, Byron enjoyed many successful tours with Michael Flatley in ‘Lord of the Dance’ and ‘Feet of Flames.’ During his time in the show, Byron had the honor of working alongside Irish Dancing legend, Marie Duffy. Marie was the Co-Director of the World Famous ‘Scoil Rince Inis Ealga’ (Irish Dancing School based in Dublin, Ireland.) She was a major inspiration to Byron, having won hundreds of World titles throughout her teaching career in Ireland. Byron also enjoyed performing on several occasions with the legendary Irish Musical Group, 'The Chieftains.'
As a teacher in England, Byron has served three consecutive terms as a member of the Midlands Regional Council for Irish Dancing Teachers from 2007 to 2010.
Byron successfully obtained his TCRG (Teaching Credentials) with the World Irish Dancing Commission (An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha) in 2006. Recently Byron obtained his ADCRG (Adjudicator Credentials) in 2013. He is also registered with the IDTAMA & the IDTANA!
john pitman
John began his dancing career at the age of 7, in Oxford, England under the tuition of Anne Flood-Brennan. He moved to Perth, Western Australia in 1981 and continued to fulfill his passion for Irish dancing with Mary Daly.
John competed for 12 years. In this time, he won numerous State titles and awards.
John also performed in many shows with the dance group Claddagh Dance in Perth and around Western Australia.
John opened Scoil Rince Ni Ceide with his sister Samantha in 1998 and has continued as a vital teacher and mentor in the school to the present day.
Johns passion for Irish dancing has seen him travel around the world. He has attended many National and World Championships’ and brings to his teaching, the knowledge and wisdom of his experiences.