Mission Statement:
"To nurture a love and passion for Irish dance and culture, foster community, and challenge students to not be perfect but always give a perfect effort in dance and life."
Caitlin Kelly, TCRG, Director/owner, Instructor
Caitlin began studying Irish Dance at the age of seven with the Harling Irish Dance Academy, under the direction of the late Maureen Harling Welty, TCRG, ADCRG. Caitlin performed and competed on the regional and national levels under Harling for fourteen years, traveling nationally and internationally. Caitlin placed in the top 10 at the 2010 Oireachtas and was a member of four second-place Oireachtas teams. She also qualified for the North American Championships multiple times. While Caitlin was finishing her competitive career with Harling and later, another local school, she assisted with solo and ceili classes at both schools.
In the spring of 2012, at the age of twenty-one, Caitlin traveled to Limerick, Ireland, where she passed the T.C.R.G exam. Caitlin is an accredited teacher with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha. Caitlin directed and operated Drake Fort Lauderdale for three years before establishing the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance in 2015.
Caitlin graduated with honors from Palm Beach Atlantic University in December of 2012 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a specialization in Exceptional Student Education. Caitlin worked at a local private school for three years as a Special Education teacher before committing all of her time to the Kelly Academy.
Caitlin, Right Shannon, Left
Shane Kelly, Assistant Teacher
Shane began dancing at the age of five for the Broesler School in New York. He danced competitively from age five through seventeen. Some of Shane’s accomplishments during his competitive career include: two time World Champion, five time National Champion, All Ireland Champion, and nine time Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas Champion. Shane toured with Riverdance in 2004-2005 at the age of eighteen and later, co-owned and operated the Flannery school in Chicago for several years.
After relocating to South Florida, Shane joined the KAID staff assisting with classes and workshops, as well as choreography. Shane’s enthusiasm and passion for competitive dance, along with his extensive experience in Irish dance are an incredible asset to our dancers and staff. Together, Caitlin and Shane strive to foster physical and mental growth for all of the dancers at KAID to help them reach their individual goals .
Shannon Tynan, Business assistant & Costume Coordinator
Shannon began dancing at the age of four with a local Irish dancing school (where she and Caitlin met) and later began taking lessons at the Harling Irish Dance Academy. Shannon also excelled in ballet before devoting her time and training to Irish dance. Shannon has many achievements in Irish Dance, such as placing 2nd at the 2013 Southern Region Oireachtas, placing 24th at the 2015 North American Irish Dance Championships, and qualifying for the World Championships numerous times. Shannon was also part of the teams that placed 2nd at the Southern Region Oireachtas.
Shannon graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a Master's degree at FAU in Information Technology & Management. She currently works at Florida Atlantic University as a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst.
Shannon assists with performances, business facilitation, costume and merchandise orders, social media, as well as makes all of the performance costumes for the dancers. Together, Caitlin and Shannon share their love of Irish dance with the KAID dancers and continue to carry on the legacy that was before them.
Chris kelly, Business Administrator
Chris, an active dance mom for fifteen years and an educator for more than 40 years, serves as our business administrator. Chris attended Purdue University and went on to teach and work as a school administrator in Fort Lauderdale while running a long-term home-based business. Currently, Chris is a reading and math tutor and is employed part-time at a local private school.
Chris oversees all aspects of the Jackrabbit Portal, including registration, re-enrollment, and billing. As a seasoned dance mom, Chris often assists with performances and helps new parents navigate competitions.
Caitlin and Shannon 1997
Caitlin and Shannon 2013
Caitlin and Shannon 2015
Caitlin and Shannon 2016
