Jillian Oury

Jillian Oury started Irish dancing completely by accident! As a young gymnast she used to run up to the dance studio after gymnastics and watch the Irish dancers practice (though she didn't know it was Irish dancing at the time!). After watching for a while Jillian told her mom that she wanted to try this strange type of dancing where you didn't use your arms, and after seeing that the girls were having fun and working hard, her mom agreed to sign her up for lessons with the Trinity Academy of Irish Dancing in Chicago. Jillian went on to compete with Trinity for 13 years, winning 8 Midwest Regional Championships, 4 National Championships, 2 All-Ireland Championships, and 2 silver medals at the World Championships in solos, as well as many team championships. She retired from dancing after competing at the 2009 World Championships in Philadelphia.

NISD is excited to have Jillian pass on her love and passion for Irish dance through teaching.

 

Caitlin Faimon

Caitlin has attained Open Champion level having represented NISD at Regional, National, and All-Irelands Championships. Caitlin has a fierce work ethic and a true love for the art of Irish dance. It is this love that enables Caitlin to give so much of herself and knowledge back to help our younger dancers grow into the Champions they all are.

 

Megan Mooney

Megan was born into dance, literally. Her mom, Mary, was dancing on the “Grand Ole Opry” a few days before Megan was born. Megan achieved the Open Champion status at the tender age of only 8, and has represented NISD at both Regional and National Championships in team and solo competitions as well as the prestigious All-Irelands.  Megan has proven herself to be a hard worker, true friend, and leader to her team mates. She loves to have fun and encourage others to achieve their best.

 

Emily Fondren

Emily has been dancing since 1996 when she first saw   Riverdance   and the Nashville Irish Dancers on TV and decided she'd like to try it. She's had wonderful experiences as she has grown up with Mary and the school. Lifelong friends and memories have been made, which makes her experiences very sweet as both a soloist and team member. She has attained the Open Champion level and has competed at the Regional, National and All - Ireland Championships. Emily is looking forward to representing NISD at the 2010   World Championships   held in Glasgow Scotland this coming April. She enjoys giving back to the school as an assistant because she likes helping lower level dancers achieve their dreams, and sharing the knowledge she's gained from her experiences. She assists all levels, as well as teams. Outside of dance, Emily is an accomplished photographer. Her studio takes pictures of weddings, portraits and events - her favorite subject being   Irish dance   of course!

 

Karen Harrison-Hite

A member of NISD since 1996, Karen has enjoyed competing in team competitions at both the Regional & National levels and has attained the Preliminary Champion level in solo dance. Karen loves assisting NISD's up and coming dancers with special emphasis on team training. She has made some lifelong friends and been privileged to share in the growth and success of NISD dancers and the school as a whole. Most important role these days is as the mum of an up and coming Irish dancer, 4 year old Sammi .

 

Katy Wahl

Katy has been dancing with NISD for eight years and has reached the Preliminary Champion level. Her favorite dance is the slip jig because it is pretty and graceful. Her favorite part of dancing is the camaraderie within the school and the fun trips and things we get to do. She also enjoys the challenge of learning new steps.

 

 

Emma Hoagland

Emma has grown up from a “wee” girl with NISD to become one of our beautiful Open Champion dancers. She has represented our school at Regional, National, and the All-Ireland Championships, qualifying for the 2010 World Championships.

 

Evie Kennedy

Evie has been dancing since 2004 and enjoys it because it gives her goals to accomplish and feels great when she accomplishes them. She also loves the fun of class and competitions and meeting new people. Her favorite dance is her set because its fun and sassy.

Competed at Regional, Nationals, Worlds, All-Irelands and the British Nationals

 

Jackson Hastings

Jackson began dancing in the fall of 2004 and has since reached the Open Champion level. She has represented NISD at the Regional Championships and qualified for and National Championship and the very prestigious 2010 World Championships.

 

 

Taylor O'Bryan

Taylor began dancing in 2004 and has attained the Preliminary Champion level. She has represented NISD at the regional championships and qualified for the National Championships.

 

Alex Tedrow

Alex has been Irish Dancing since she was seven and joined NISD in 2007. She is one of our open champions and has represented NISD at All Irelands, Worlds, Nationals and Regional championships as a soloist.