Kelly School Of Irish Dance

Claire Kelly Maxwell, T.C.R.G.* Claire received her T.C.R.G. in 1987 just after completing her bachelor degree at Loyola Marymount University. After working within the Oil and Gas industry for over 15 years, Claire retired from the industry to become a full time Irish dance teacher and a stay at home mom. Claire officially became the head director of the Kelly School in 2003 after her Mom, Joan Kelly, semi-retired. Claire has been Irish dancing since the age of four and competed throughout her life until going off to college. Claire has competed throughout the United States and the Worlds in Ireland as well as dancing at more performances than one can remember.

 

 

Joan Kelly, T.C.R.G. Joan was born in Dublin Ireland in the late 20’s. In the early 50’s Joan and her family immigrated to the United States searching for a better way of life. Joan’s family has been immersed within Irish dance since the 19th century. Joan’s aunt Kitty Murtha was the director of a well established school in Dublin Ireland until immigrating to the United States. Joan continued her family tradition and made sure her children were educated in Irish dance at a very young age. Joan’s two daughters Claire and Carol are currently T.C.R.G.’s within the Kelly School. Joan has taught Irish dance to over a thousand children in the South Bay and was named Irish woman of the year in 1990 for her tremendous ability to educate Irish culture in America.

 

 

 

Carol Kelly Pirsztuk, T.C.R.G. Carol also received her T.C.R.G. in 1987 just after completing her bachelor degree at Loyola Marymount University (twin thing). After working for many years in retail buying Carol made the transition to the Entertainment industry and is currently the Vice President of Sales Planning, Communications, Merchandising and New Business development at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE). Carol competed for many years at the National and World level and currently focuses her teaching time on advance levels.* Note: TCRG is an acronym for the Irish Gaelic words "Teasgicoir Choimisiuin Le Rinci Gaelacha". The English translation is “Gaelic Commission Dancing Teacher”. Those who pass the Gaelic Commission Dancing Teacher examination receive the TCRG (Teasgicoir Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha) certification and can work as certified Irish dance instructors.