Rince na h'Eireann School of Irish Dance

A native of County Cork, Ireland, Sandra Connick grew up in a family with a strong tradition of Irish Dancing. With fond memories of dancing and competing with her sisters, Sandra shares her love and dance and gift of teaching through Rince na h'Eireann, School of Traditional Irish Dance. Rince na h'Eireann began very modestly in 1994 with first only one, then just a few eager students and dedicated families. The only school of it's kind at the time, Rince na h' Eireann has grown to serve over 400 students of all ages through six (6) locations across the Carolinas.

Sandra is a fully accredited teacher of Irish Dancing, registered with An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha, Dublin , Ireland. She actively participates in the Southern Region of the Irish Dancing Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) and serves as Treasurer for the National Body of the IDTANA. Sandra is in great demand as a teacher and her talents have been utilized by the Mecklenburg County School District in programs designed to incorporate cultural enrichment into the middle school curriculum. She also has worked extensively with the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools. Currently, Mrs. Connick is lecturing at UNCC on Irish Dance.

In addition to providing solid dance training, Sandra and the Rince na h' Eireann Parent's Association encourages its students and their families to be of service to their communities by performing in local programs, supporting other civic organizations, and those less fortunate.

Students have performed for more than 10,000 school age children, with Public appearances at Charlotte Mecklenburg Park & Recreation venues, Festival in the Park, and at the University of North Carolina's Charlotte International Dance Festival. In the spirit of giving, our students have performed at benefit events for Holy Angels, Senior Citizen Communities, Nursing Homes, and at many other charity events. Audiences always enjoy our appearances in the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festivities!

Rince na h' Eireann students compete at local and regional events, including the Southern Regional Championships (Oireachtas), the North American National Championships and the World Irish Dancing Championships. Even though many or our students compete at these events, dancers who do not wish to compete, but, enjoy dance for exercise and cultural enrichment and fun, are just as welcome.

Sandra is assisted in in her classes by Lisa Clark, TCRG, and also by her sister Audrey Burr and her dear friends Pam Pierce and Michele Dawe. Each teacher takes great pride in sharing their personal journey and love of dance with each student.

Rince na h'Eireann is now operating out of six (6) different locations. The main location of the school is in South Charlotte, NC. Other locations are Huntersville, Winston-Salem, and Raleigh, NC, and Spartanburg and Columbia, SC.