Instruction by International
Champions and Riverdancers
Cara Casey T.C.R.G. and Mark O'Loughlin T.C.R.G.
At the Casey O'Loughlin Academy, fun and fitness is our goal.
Encouraging self-esteem and teamwork, our mission.
We offer competitive and recreational Irish Dance classes
for children and adults aged 4-95.
We also have private and semi private instruction available.
Class sizes are small
and there is no mandatory fundraising commitment.
Classes in Calgary, Alberta in the following locations:
Performing Arts Youth Centre, Haysboro, Edgemont &
Scarboro
Cara Casey T.C.R.G. was born in Calgary to an Irish Immigrant father and Canadian mother. While attending Irish Cultural events, she fell in love with Irish dancing and decided she had to pursue it. By the age of 7, she was dancing at an international level. Cara was uncontested Western Canadian Champion for many years and consistently placed among the top echelons of the North American Championships. She had many successes along the way, the most memorable placing 3rd at the All-Ireland Championships in 2003. In 2002, Cara was asked to perform the lead role with a small Irish show that toured New Zealand for 2 months. When she returned, she was prompted to audition for "Riverdance the show". She joined in September of 2003 and at the end of the first year, at the tender age of 18, was asked to begin training for the role of principal dancer. She has performed to sold out houses in major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Las Vegas, just to name a few. Also, she has appeared on television numerous times most notably, Good Morning America. After touring with Riverdance for two and a half years, Cara is excited to work with young dancers and give back to Irish Dance for all the amazing opportunities that it has given her. In 2007, Cara received her T.C.R.G. certification from An Coimisiun le Rince Gaelacha and is fully accredited to teach competitive Irish dancing.
Mark O'Loughlin T.C.R.G. was born into a family of Irish dance teachers and adjudicators in London, England. He started dancing at a young age for the well-renowned Griffin Roddy O'Loughlin School of Irish Dance. Mark quickly excelled and soon won his first Great Britain Championship at the age of 9. He later went on to win 3 more Great Britain titles, 4 British National titles and placed consistently in the top 4 at the World Irish Dance Championships. Mark was also a member of several World Championship winning ceili and figure teams. After a successful competitive career, Mark toured with Riverdance the Show for 5 years. He toured all over three continents with the highlight being the 10 year anniversary performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. In 2007, Mark was promoted to Dance Captain which involved the training and rehearsing of the entire dance troupe whilst keeping an exceptional standard of performance in the company. His other performance credits include Celtic Masters, Gaelforce Dance, Canada AM and Disney. In 2010, Mark received his T.C.R.G. certification from An Coimisiun le Rince Gaelacha and is fully accredited to teach competitive Irish dancing.
Is Irish dancing for everyone?
Irish Dancing is for everyone and anyone who enjoys getting active and learning a few steps.
Do I have to bring anything to class?
There are no uniforms required for dance class. All you need to bring is a water bottle and comfortable clothes. Children need to wear shorts so the instructors can see their legs for all of the footwork. Also, hair needs to be pulled back off the face in a pony tail.
What kind of footwear do I need?
There are two kinds of shoes used in Irish Dancing:
The first are softshoes or pumps. They are slipperlike and can be purchased from Catherine Casey (see links.) These shoes are worn for light dances which include the Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig and Slip Jig.
The second types of shoes are called hardshoes. These are similar to tap shoes but they have fibreglass tips and heels. Hardshoes are used for heavy dancing which include the Treble Jig, Hornpipe, Traditional sets and much more. Most adult dancing that we do is in hardshoes.
Does my child need a costume for competition or performances?
Children will be required to wear a costume which consists of:
Girls: Girls wear a white blouse and black skirt,or a team costume. White poodle socks and dance shoes. Hair needs to be pulled back in a half ponytail neatly and curled. Headband and lace collar will be supplied to you by Cara.
Boys: Boys wear a black or white long sleeved dress shirt, black or white tie,and black dress pants. Boys wear different soft shoes than girls but if they don't have dance shoes can wear black jazz shoes.
Will I have a lot of fundraising to do?
Many Irish dance schools have a commitment of working 10 or more BINGO's per year. We understand the hectic schedules that many families have and we do not raise funds by working monthly BINGO's.
Well Done to All Casey O'Loughlin dancers at the Western Canadian Oireachtas 2011
The following is a list of a few of the "Feiseanna" (plural for Feis) in Western Canada for further details see www.feisworx.com
2012
Jan. 20-22 Blakey Winter Feis Westin Hotel
(Calgary, AB)
Feb. 4-5 Rince Feis
(Edmonton, AB)
Mar. 2-4: Possak "Feis at the Tower" (Calgary,
AB)
Apr. 27-29 Matterin "Feis in the Park" Millenium
Place, (Sherwood Park, AB)
May 18-20: Brady Feis (Edmonton, AB)
June 8-10 : Houston Academy Wild Rose Feis
(Calgary AB)
Items For Sale
Casey Academy Team Wear- Contact Cara for details
3 small brown wigs for ages 8-11
1 Junior blonde wig age 9-13
For Hullachan Pro Irish Dance softshoes:
Contact Catherine Casey at
# 403-830-0251 or
caseyc_s_telusplanet .net
Hire the Casey O'Loughlin Academy!
We are available for a variety of performances ranging from 2-3 professional dancers to 15 + children. We have experience in teaching at corporate team building events and have even provided dry land training for 16 year old hockey players!! To find out more information on booking our services, please contact us.
Links
www.irishdanceshoes.com
Steele Celtic Dancewear in Calgary, Alberta
www.boydirishdance.com
How to curl hair for competition
www.feisworx.com
Feis list and info
www.teelin.com
Photo story of a Irish Dance Feis
www.clrg.ie
Governing Body of Irish Dance
www.idtana.org
North American Irish dance teachers Association
www.st-patricks-day.com
Official site of St. Patricks day
Tuesday (Performing Arts Youth Centre S.E.)
6:00 - 7:00pm Teams
7:00 - 8:30pm Preliminary/Open Championship
Thursday (Performing Arts Youth Centre S.E.)
6:00 - 7:00pm Beginner-Prizewinner
Saturday (Edgemont Community Centre N.W.)
9:15 - 10:00am Pre-beginner
Saturday (Haysboro Community Centre S.W.)
11:00 - 11:45am Pre-beginner
Saturday (Performing Arts Youth Centre S.E.)
12:30 - 1:45pm Nationals Prep
Sunday (Haysboro Community Centre S.W.)
10:00AM - 11:00am Semi-private
11:00am - 12:00pm Semi-private
12:00pm - indefinite Private
caseyoloughlinacademy_yahoo.ca
403-520-0059
