About Cassin Academy of Irish Dance

Dance has been at the core of human civilization for centuries. Whether it is a celebrated part of a culture, or simply something done for pure enjoyment, there’s a wonderful feeling that one gets from the art of movement.

Our mission at Cassin Academy of Irish Dance is to provide students of all levels with more than just dance classes, but a unique environment in which students can grow both mentally and physically as dancers. Our highly trained and skilled instructors have a wealth of experience in teaching and performing various styles and techniques.

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About Maura Cassin McCarthy, TCRG

 

Maura began lessons at the age of 9 with the McDermott Academy of Irish Dance in Springfield, MA.  She competed for many years throughout the region and achieved many goals in her dance career.  By the time she was done competing, Maura was a 6-time solo regional podium placer, 10-time solo national qualifier, and a 6-time World qualifier.  Maura continued dance study in college and earned a minor degree in Dance from Mount Holyoke College alongside her major of English.  

 

Maura is a member in good standing of CLRG (An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha) in Dublin, IRE.    She sat for the exam to become a dancing teacher (TCRG) in 2010 and passed with honors.  CLRG is a governing body of a world-wide organization of Irish dance.  The objective of An Coimisiún is to preserve and promote Irish Dancing, including step dancing, céili dancing and other team dancing.  With that in mind, Maura structures classes to expose students to all of the different disciplines above. 

 

Registration for the dance year begins every August.  New dancers will enter a beginner class at the age of 5.  Dancers who have participated in Tiny Tots up to 3 sessions may begin as a beginner at the age of 4 at the teacher’s discretion.  Dancers who are returning will be assigned to classes that are appropriate to their age and level of dance.