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ABOUT THE CARA SCHOOL'S INSTRUCTORS

     Margy, Maureen and Annmarie are accomplished Irish Step dancers with many many years of competitive and performing experience amongst them.  As students of the McDade School they participated in Regional and National competitions in The United States and in World competitions in Ireland, winning many awards.

     Together they started the Cara School and, since its inception in 1998, the School has grown steadily and its students have had many accomplishments, of which their teachers are very proud.  Although the School is still young, its students have already been recognized and awarded at the local, regional and National levels. In addition to receiving numerous awards in competitions, the School has had many opportunities to perform shows for live audiences.  The chance to perform half-time routines at Saint Joseph’s University basketball games, perform live on QVC-TV, participate in many parades, and dance at several nursing homes and charity functions, have all enhanced the experience of Irish dancing.  The dancers are also fortunate to have danced to the live music of Eileen Ivers, Natalie McMaster, Gaelic Storm, and their favorite local bands - Blackthorn, The Hooligans, Joe Veasey, The Danny Boys and Misty Isle. The Dancers continuously look forward to the thrill that comes with showing off their talents and hard work!

 

     The teachers at the Cara School hope to pass on the tradition of Irish dance, prepare those who wish to compete so they can do so with success and pride, and create opportunities for everyone to enjoy the experiences that Irish dancing offers. The teachers are fully accredited and qualified by the An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha in Ireland. They are also members of the Irish Dancing Teacher’s Association of North America (IDTANA) and the Mid- Atlantic Regional Teacher’s Association.

  • Margy Roche Grant, TCRG, lives in At Glen, PA with her husband John and their four children, Rita, Joseph, Mary and Colm. Rita is a very active member of the dance school and currently competes as a soloist and in teams.  Joseph began competing in 2006.  Mary Rose was born in 2004 and should be dancing soon. Colm is still learning to walk! Margy is a graduate of Immaculata College.

 

  • Maureen Murray Hegarty, TCRG, lives in Westchester, PA with her husband Liam and their four sons, Billy, Patrick, Kevin and Michael.  Billy Patrick and Kevin all enjoy competing on teams as well as in solo events. Michael knows his 3’s already—he was born in November, 2002.  Prior to opening the dance School, Maureen put her elementary education degree from St.Joseph’s University (‘91) to use as a kindergarten teacher.     

 

  • Annmarie Murray Sheehan, TCRG, lives in Springfield with her husband Tom and their four children, Aine, Charlie, Owen and Tara. Aine started competing in 2003. Charlie began to compete in 2006. Prior to instructing dance, Annmarie graduated with an Accounting degree from Villanova (’90) and worked as a cost accountant in the manufacturing industry for nine years.

 

  • Mary Roche Schaffer joined the teaching staff in 2001 and is primarily teaching in the Aston, Oxford and Parkesburg locations. She and her husband Jason are very proud of their daughters Olivia and Beatrice and their son Henry who are very active and successful young dancers.  Beatrice joined the class in 2004.  Henry joined the class in 2002.  Olivia started dancing a few years before Henry and now they all compete in solo and team events.  Their youngest sister Vivian will likely be dancing soon.  The Schaffers reside in At Glen, PA.

 

  • Patricia Gallagher McGonigle joined the teaching staff in 2002.  Patty and her husband Marty live in Media, PA and Patty primarily teaches at the Drexel Hill location.  The McGonigles have three children (so far), Sean, Catherine and Bridget. Patty has recently begun to experience the dual role of Dancing teacher and “Dancing Mom”.  Patty is a 1990 graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and worked for several years in the Marketing field before reviving her interest in Irish dancing. She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Special Education!