About the Academy
The O’Donnell Academy of Irish Dance offers group and private dance instruction for children ages 2 & up and adults of all levels in Manhattan & Long Island City.
Our mission is to educate, elevate and inspire through the power of Irish dance, music and culture.
Classes at ODA provide opportunities for dancers to exercise, learn to perform, build confidence, and have fun.
The O’Donnell Academy is a certified Irish dance program, registered and regulated by An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland.
FITNESS
Irish dancing is both an art form and a sport. Our classes allow every dancer to develop body coordination, stamina, agility, flexibility and confidence. We have an emphasis on educating on injury prevention and overall wellness to ensure our dancers have a lifelong and positive relationship with their bodies.
FRIENDSHIP
Irish dancers belong to a community that connects each of us with a shared cultural tradition and a fierce determination to grow succeed in every aspect of our lives. The friendships made during classes and performances are often lifelong, and the bonds created make for strong and confident performers, competitors and leaders.
FUN!
Dance is an expression of joy, and we never want to forget that! From the most competitive dancer to the child who wants to dance while pursuing other outside activities, we strive to create an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves while exploring their potential and learning something rewarding.
Meet the Team
Erin O'Donnell, TCRG
Owner & Director
Erin started dancing at the age of seven under Peggy White with the An Rince Mor School of Irish Dance in Long Island, NY. After a successful competitive career medaling nationally and internationally, she spent several years dancing professionally, most notably as an opening cast member of Celtic Fyre and Carol of the King, the Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular, on tour internationally as the lead performer in Night of the Dance, and as part of the US premiere of Fainne Oir on Broadway. She has also performed throughout the United States with many Irish musicians, including Danu, and The Prodigals.
A New York native, she has been a resident of Greenpoint since 2013, when she received her TCRG certification with honors from An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha. She opened the O’Donnell Academy in Brooklyn in 2018. She is also the co-founder of Brooklyn Irish Dance Company, a performing arts company bringing Irish dance, music and culture to the stage to cultivate professional-level opportunities for dancers in the NYC community.
KJ Campbell
Instructor
Lana Gemmell
Director, Business Development
Contact the Academy
Looking for a class in your area? Want a performance for a special event? Have a question about Irish dance?
Like the city we call home, we never sleep. You can reach us by filling out the form at the bottom below, calling 917 719 5194 or emailing hello@odonnellacademy.com for more information about ODA.