Student Testamonials
Every dancer’s journey at KAID is unique. We are proud to have been part of so many dancers’ paths over the years, and these reflections from past dancers share what made their experience with our community so special.
Sofi Taylor
8 years with KAID
My time at the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance taught me much more than just how to turn my toes out and point my feet. It taught me how to be a friend, work as a team, and have confidence in myself not only as a dancer, but as a person. The memories and the friendships that I made there will last a lifetime, and it's all thanks to the wonderful team of instructors who I would consider to be a second family
Rachael McIntype
6 years with KAID
My KAID journey was nothing short of amazing! I learned so much about myself and the world around me through KAID and the dance community as a whole. Between traveling for competitions, Renaissance festival, St. Patrick’s day, and the millions of other events and activities, there isn’t a thing a the world I would trade any of those experiences for! Go KAID!
Regan Morrall
10 years with KAID
I danced at KAID for 10 years, and it’s a family like no other! Caitlin and Shannon create such a supportive and welcoming environment for every person who walks through the door, and they truly made the studio feel like a second home for me growing up.
Caitlin constantly pushed everyone to be the best versions of themselves, even on days when we were tired or unmotivated. She truly taught the importance of discipline, grit, and belief in ourselves while also reminding us to enjoy the journey and appreciate the moments along the way. The values I’ve learned at KAID have played a huge role in the successes I’ve had in both my academic and athletic career, and I continue to live by these standards every day!
Being able to grow up dancing alongside my best friends at KAID has provided me with some of the most unforgettable experiences both in and out of the studio. From performances all over South Florida to long practices filled with so much laughter, you can always count on having so much fun with KAID! Even after retiring, my fellow KAID alumni and I love visiting the studio and staying connected!
This family truly shaped me into the person I am today, and I don’t know what I’d do without KAID!
Sawyer DiCowden
6 years with KAID
I danced at KAID for about six years. Dancing here during my developmental years was incredibly formative because discipline, organization, and structure became part of my everyday life both in and out of the studio. Renaissance Festival prep was always my favorite time of year, as was getting ready for competitions and performances with my friends.
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Since KAID, I've continued dancing and began choreographing in college through Northeastern University's Irish Dance Club. The foundation KAID gave me has made that transition incredibly easy; I'm so grateful for everything KAID has given me, both during my time there and beyond! <3
Jessi Rathe
10 years with KAID
Irish dance and KAID have played a pivotal role in my life since I was 5 years old. Caitlin and Shannon are like older sisters to me and have been there for me and my family both personally and throughout my dance career. I could not be prouder of what Caitlin has done with the academy! I have made so many lifelong friends through my experience at KAID and we continue to love and grow with each other to this day.
One of my favorite memories is when we competed and performed in the “WE” Show Broward 100th Centennial Celebration. It was the largest production I’d ever been apart of and it was incredibly intimidating. We practiced like crazy!—and while it was challenging and tiresome, it was a time I remember being full of great laughter, light, discipline, strength and joy.
I still draw strength from that time in my life whenever I am feeling burnt out or low, and I can’t express how thankful I am that KAID has given that to me! Good luck to all of the amazing future generations of dancers who get to grow up with that same laughter, light, discipline, strength, and joy at KAID. It will go by fast, so enjoy every second
Savannah Dailey
10 years with KAID
Dancing at Kelly Academy has given me some of my favorite memories and lifelong friendships. I have grown alongside my teammates and have travelled the country with them and this allowed me to develop friendships with people who feel like family.
From getting ready together backstage and celebrating each other in every win, I have had the opportunity to thrive in such a supportive environment that Kelly Academy has created for me and my friends. Dancing together as a team has taught me the importance of supporting one another not only on stage, but in life as well.
Colleen Smith
10 years with KAID
KAID is special because it is more than a few hours a week of Irish Dance lessons. It is vent sessions between practice numbers, dance parties, road trips, conditioning workouts, meditation, quick windows-down car rides to Dunkin before our 7 p.m. classes, and Kilwins runs after long workshop days.
No matter how the school day went, I knew I would find peace at the dance studio. I am forever grateful for everything KAID gave me, including bridesmaids, travel companions, and my future kids’ godparents. Even thousands of miles away, KAID will always feel like home.
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Thank you, Caitlin and Shannon, for your expertise not only in dance, but in being a good human!