NEW YORK TEACHER - Miss Kathleen
Champion Irish dancer and former lead of Riverdance, Kathleen Ryan, has expanded Ryan Irish Dance Academy to five locations across Nassau County.

Miss Kathleen has been dancing for more than 25 years, launching her international career with Riverdance on Broadway in 2000 and touring widely across North America with the iconic Celtic company until April 2005.

Opening the 2006 dance season, Ms Ryan said the demand for student places had been so high she was already offering limited-number classes in her Greenvale and Bellerose locations.

The Australian-born New Yorker teaches at the level of beginner, novice and championship, as well as adult classes.

"Irish dancing has captured the imagination of millions around the world thanks to Riverdance and other prestigious shows - and it is an excellent way to teach youngsters poise, balance and rhythm," Ms Ryan said. She said her certification and teaching credentials ensured all students would be eligible to participate in accredited Irish Dancing competitions.