We're Built On Excellence

Samantha Lyons is an accomplished dance educator, choreographer, and arts leader with more than twenty-five years of experience in professional dance training and performance. As Principal and Artistic Director of The College of Dance, Ireland’s leading foundation-level conservatoire for dance, Samantha has shaped the landscape of contemporary dance education in Ireland. Under her leadership, 100% of the College’s auditioning students over the past decade have secured places at internationally renowned institutions, with over two-thirds receiving full or partial scholarships.

A graduate of London Contemporary Dance School, and a Level 6 ISTD Dance Pedagogy holder, Samantha combines strong pedagogical knowledge with a strategic approach to leadership. Samantha brings a deep understanding of the school’s mission to develop artistic individuality, technical excellence, and creative integrity. Her extensive experience as a performer, choreographer, and educator gives her a unique perspective on the training needs of young artists and the evolving demands of the professional dance world.

Samantha’s leadership at The College of Dance encompasses artistic direction, curriculum development, faculty management, and strategic growth. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including international workshop programmes featuring artists such as Matthew Bourne, Stephan Koplowitz, and members of The Netherlands Dance Theatre and The National Dance Company of Wales. Her work in marketing, outreach, and partnership-building has elevated the College’s national profile and strengthened its connections with leading global conservatoires.

Samantha’s performance and choreographic career includes collaborations with acclaimed choreographers and companies such as Stephen Koplowitz, Cois Céim Dance Theatre, Dublin Youth Dance Company, and RTÉ Television. Her original choreography has been presented in both the UK and Ireland, with her work Struggle receiving critical acclaim in Dance Europe Magazine. She has also choreographed for large-scale productions including the televised 2014 Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade and music videos such as All Tvvins’ Thank You.

As an energetic and diplomatic leader, Samantha excels in building creative communities, managing complex organisations, and inspiring excellence in both staff and students. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing contemporary dance education and performance in Ireland and beyond.

"They say you never truly leave the places that shaped you. I started my journey at the College of Dance at 16 years old, a journey I never wanted to end. Today, I have the incredible honour of serving as an Artistic Director.

The most beautiful part? That famous “College Family” atmosphere hasn’t changed a bit. It’s the same supportive, unique environment that nurtured me, and now I get to preserve it for the next generation of talented young dancers, helping them to reach their full potential, with the same foundational support that shaped my own career.

Watching them grow and helping enhance their own journeys is a privilege I don’t take for granted. Every step of this path has been a gift. I am grateful for every chapter and excited for what the future holds for the College of Dance."

Bernie is a highly accomplished performer, choreographer, educator, and artistic leader with an extensive career in dance, musical theatre, and dance education. Her journey reflects her unwavering commitment to both personal excellence and the nurturing of future talent.

She began her professional dance training at The College of Dance, renowned for its rigorous curriculum and focus on developing versatile performers. She further advanced her skills at Performers College UK, a leading institution that shaped her into a well-rounded artist. During her performance years, Bernie discovered her passion for teaching, recognising the profound impact she could have on aspiring dancers.

Appointed to Artistic Director of The College of Dance in 2016. In this role, she has spearheaded the ongoing development of the college’s training programmes, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry. She is deeply committed to excellence in dance education, performance, and theatre arts training. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in nurturing artistry, technique, and resilience in her students, equipping them for successful careers across dance, musical theatre, and the wider performing arts.

Continued Professional Development and Qualifications
Bernie is a lifelong learner, continually upskilling to stay at the forefront of dance education and practice. Her additional qualifications include ISTD DDP, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), Stott Pilates (Mat work), ITEC Diplomas & certification in Massage, and Anatomy & Physiology. This broad expertise ensures her teaching is informed by the latest developments in technique, health, and wellbeing.

Young Performers Academy
As the founding director of The Young Performers Academy, Bernie has expanded her influence within the performing arts community. The academy offers weekly classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz/Musical Theatre, and Hip-Hop for children 3ys to young adults. theypa@gmail.com Bernie is regularly invited to provide guest workshops and judge dance and variety competitions both in Ireland and the UK. She also runs a highly successful programme of dance modules in primary and secondary schools.

Theatre Credits: Laochra GAA 1916 Commemoration, Aida Lyric Opera Productions, Le Cirque, Winter Wonderland, Ejeeit of love, Westside Story, Gaiety Theatre, Tribute to Kander and Ebb NCH, Black Sunrise NCH, Broadway to Hollywood, NCH, Snow white and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Gaiety Theatre, Puss-n-Boots and Cinderella, Olympia Theatre. Irish Modern Dance Theatre and Co-Motion Theatre Company.

TV & Film work: Penny Dreadful Showtime/Sky Atlantic, Mrs Browns Boys D’Movie, Pump up my Dance-Jazz Master, RTE. The Brod Club, RTE. Ella Enchanted, Michael Collins, My Left Foot, Hear my Song, The Aristocrats, Amongst Women, Mrs. Polly Fax.

Choreography: Cinderella - KIMS, The Wizard of Oz - SGP, What the Donkey Saw, Lane Productions, The Merry Widow, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fiddler on the Roof-GMS, Circle of Life, Watergate Productions, Buskin, Whisper Productions,

School Musicals: Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, Bugsy Malone, Back to the 80s, Little shop of Horrors, Grease, The Boyfriend, Annie, Guys & Dolls, Westside Story, Oliver, Fame.

With a career rooted in versatility, passion, and mentorship, Bernie continues to shape Ireland’s dance landscape—both on and off stage.

"From student to Artistic Director, my journey with the College of Dance has truly come full circle. My teaching philosophy is grounded in nurturing artistry, technique, and resilience in all students, equipping them for successful careers across dance, musical theatre, and the wider performing arts.

There is nothing quite like the energy at the College of Dance. Watching our students grow from those nervous first days to finding their unique voices as performers is what inspires me every single day. Their enduring commitment to their training is what motivates me to continuously refine my own practice as an educator. It is an honour to be part of their journey."

Born and raised in Dublin, Lindsay first trained at the Debbie Allen School of Dance and the Irish National Youth Ballet Company. In 2003 she gained a full scholarship to London Studio Centre where she graduated with a BA hons.
Lindsay’s awards include:

• Joan Denise Moriarty Award from the Arts Council of Ireland
•  2 Travel & Training Awards from the Arts Council of Ireland
•  Irish National Dance Awards 1st place for ballet and contemporary

Lindsay performed professionally with Cork City Ballet and Chrysalis Dance performing in classical ballets Giselle, The Nutcracker, La Corsaire, La Bayadere and in theatres both here in Ireland and in the UK, namely The Olympia, Cork Opera House, The Concert Hall, New Wimbledon Theatre, The Shaw Theatre and the Hackney Empire. Lindsay has also appeared in photographic, film and television projects working as a hand model and for a national drink awareness campaign.

After her performance career Lindsay gained the following teaching qualifications.

• Licentiate and registered teacher status from the RAD (LRAD, RAD RTS) - Advanced 2 RAD (ARAD)
• DDI and DDE in modern dance from the ISTD (AISTD)
• Level 3 Mat Pilates Instruction qualification from Active IQ
• Progressing Ballet Techniques (PBT) certificate.
• American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards Teaching Certificate

Lindsay founded The Dance Institute in 2009, a summer dance intensive based in Dublin which she now runs with her sister Zoë. She was the inaugural secretary of the Irish Ballet Teachers Association (IBTA) which is focused on getting dance recognised in the general Irish education system as well as fighting for dance teachers to be recognised as educators during the Covid restrictions of 2020/2021. Lindsay was appointed Artistic Director of the Irish National Youth Ballet in 2019 and is delighted to be guiding the young dancers of Ireland on stage.

"Teaching at the College of Dance is both satisfying and inspiring. The satisfaction of seeing those lightbulb moments on a student’s face as something clicks and you know they’ll keep progressing from there towards their goal. Finding inspiration in their energies and desire to learn, whether they have had years of previous training or if the genre is new to them, the journey they go on each year is fascinating to be a part of. Being part of the staff team has also allowed me as a teacher to have colleagues to bounce ideas around with and have constant feedback around the teaching of the students in a supportive and collaborative environment which is so important as it can be quite isolating as a dance teacher in Ireland."

Katherine trained with The Dublin School of Classical and Contemporary Dance before travelling to train at the Perm State Choreographic College in Russia. Katherine holds a 1yr Cert from London Contemporary Dance School and an MA in Dance Performance from The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, UL, Limerick. She is also a qualified Amatsu Orthopath, a natural healing art and study of the human body in movement, originating from Japan.

Katherine has a distinguished performance career that spans 3 decades encompassing contemporary dance, ballet, opera, theatre and film. With the Tatartstan Opera and Ballet Theatre in Kazan (RS), Katherine performed in both ballet and opera productions as a member of the corps de ballet touring throughout Russia and Europe (1994-97). She became a founding member of Rex Levitate Dance Company, now Liz Roche Company, remaining an almost constant fixture, performing with, teaching alongside and assisting Liz Rche on various projects, residencies, festivals and research with the company in Ireland and abroad (1999-2018). As a performing dance artist katherine has also worked with many other notable choreographers and directors in theatre, dance and opera in Ireland and abroad – Michelle Read, Ella Clarke, PanPan Theatre, Phillip Connaughton, Mary Nunan, Liv O’Donoghue, Maeve Stone and Chamber Made Opera (AUS), John Scott Dance – IMDT, Sara Rudner (USA), Fearghus Ó Conchúir, Cíotog Dance Company & Macushla Dance Club, Maiden Voyage (NI), Splinter Productions with Morleigh Steinburg and Oguri (USA), Thomas Lehmen (GR), CoisCéim Dance Theatre, Pappa Tarrahumara (JP), Catapult Dance Company, Abbey Theatre, Bedrock Productions, Rotazaza (UK), Dance Theatre of Ireland and Opera Ireland to name a few.

As a teacher Katherine has worked with dance and theatre companies, teaching morning class for professionals, non-professionals, actors, students, Active Retired and over 50's groups all over Ireland. She has taught contemporary morning training and somatic practice classes with The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in University Limerick on the BA and MA courses. With the College of Dance Katherine teaches Classical ballet class informed by her training in the Vaganova method. She has depended her teaching dance practice drawing from a career long engagement with contemporary dance techniques, yoga, pilates and various somatic practices and infusing it with her knowledge of anatomy and physiology gained training as an Amatsu Orthopath. Her approach focusses on affirming natural movement facility, range of motion and bodily dynamics whilst introducing codified dance language.

"I have loved teaching with the College of Dance from my very first day. Sam and Bernie are so committed to delivering an intensive, inclusive and supportive programme for training and developing young artists.

There is great trust, respect and collaboration amongst the teaching staff no matter the discipline or technique, I'm delighted to be part of the team.

The students surprise us every year with their determination and focus. It's so rewarding watching them develop and grow in personality, strength and knowledge. I will never tire of meeting their eager faces every day."

Alan is the Director of Dizzy Footwork Dance Academy/Productions Ltd. Based in Rua Red Tallaght along side his sister Lisa mc grath for 16 years.

Film & TV Credits:
Disney’s Disenchanted (Dance Captain) directed by Adam Shankman, Disney’s Epic Pilot, EMA’s MTV Awards , Gone music video by James Vincent McMorrow (Choreographer), Eurovision 2018, Eurovision 2013 , ITV This Morning with Jedward, The Voice of Ireland, Ireland’s Got Talent, Penny Dreadful, The Tudors, Vikings, Little Women, My Super Sweet 16 MTV , Don’t Tell The Bride (Choreographer) Window Pain Music Video starring Gemma Leah Devereaux. (Choreographer)
Gemma Hayes High & Low Music Video (Choreographer) 12 Dates Til Christmas (Dancer) starring Mary Mc Donnell, Mae Whitman and Jane Seymour.

Circus Credits:
Duffy’s Circus 2025 Christmas show
Duffy’s Circus Main Season 2026
(Choreographer)

Theatre Credits:
Tickles Beauty & The Beast The Civic Theatre (Choreographer), Hansel and Gretal Ambassador Theatre (choreographer), Little Red Riding Hood The Civic (Choreographer), Tickles and the Beanstalk The Civic (Choreographer), Copper Face Jacks The musical (Cover Anto/Ensemble), Grease- Cork Opera House Singin’ in the Rain – Cork Opera House, Grease – Gaiety Theatre, Pirates of Penzance – Helix Theatre, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty – The Irish Ballet School (Helix Theatre), Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin (Dance Captain & Assistant Choreographer) Cork Opera House, Late Late Toy Show multiple appearances, Hairspray, Back To The 80s, Grease (Director/Choreographer) Sutton Park, 2FM Promo Shoot – RTE (Choreographer), The Golden Era – Mansion House, Tribute to Earl Gill – Gaiety Theatre, IFTA Awards, Addams Family (Choreographer) St. David’s, Legally Blonde (Choreographer) St David’s, Shrek (Director/Choreographer) St David’s, School Of Rock (Choreographer) Terenure College

Alan has performed with artists as varied as Justin Bieber, David Guetta, Jessie J, Selena Gomez, Tao Cruiz and Florida at Odyssey Arena, London Beat, Ace of Base at 3 Arena and was part of the support act for the Westlife Farewell Tour.

Music Video Credits:
Window Pain starring Gemma Lee Deveraux , James Vincent McMorrow - Gone, Jedward - Bad Behaviour, Gemma Hayes High & Low Music Video (Choreographer)

Tours/Production:
Stena Line international Advert 2025 (Actor)
Celtic Woman Voice of Angels, Celtic Woman Homecoming (PBS and Fox News), Dublin’s Irish Cabaret, Westlife Farewell Tour, Jedward (Bad Behaviour and Carnival Tours). Irish Dreams Germany, Assistant to Heather Morris (Glee) & Kobi Rozenfeld at international dance Workshops. Wicked Adventures at Tayto Park Director/Choreographer, Santa’s Grotto Rds Choreographer.
Headline Choreographer at Perform Ireland.
Sunshine 106.8 (Guest Speaker for the Dance Industry)
The Two Johnnys ( Dancer)
Electric picnic, the Marquee Cork & The 3 Arena. Golden Dance Awards 2025 Northern Ireland Judging Panel.
Image Awards Creative Director/Choreographer 2023/2024/2025.
Gymnastics Ireland The Floor Expert Panel 2023/2024/2025/2026

"From the day I started working at the College of Dance, I’ve genuinely loved being part of it. The commitment, drive, and work ethic that the students bring every day make my job incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by such passion and dedication, and it’s a privilege to support and watch the students grow. I’m really excited to see what the next chapter holds for the College of Dance and to continue being part of its journey."

Emily began her professional career as a Musical Theatre performer and events singer in 2011. In 2013, after completing a Masters in Musical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting she worked extensively travelling the world as a performer and vocalist for 5 years. And in 2018 Emily returned to Ireland and continued a career in performance, alongside beginning a career in musical theatre teaching and training for children and young adults. Teaching moved to the forefront of Emily’s sights as she delved deeper into the field of vocal technique and vocal health. In 2021 Emily completed her Estill Figure Proficiency training and is now accredited with the Estill Voice Model.

Emily’s teaching is informed by, and draws heavily on both her years of experience as a singer and performer, and the meticulous technical training on the EFP Estill Voice. Her primary objective as a coach in one to one lessons is vocal health and cleanliness, and a focus on vocal quality and effort. At the College of Dance, Emily provides both group lessons and a weekly masterclass for solo work to allow the students to explore technical elements of the voice with assistance, which will help reduce anxiety and fear the students experience when singing and set them up with tools for a career in the performing arts.

"Working at the college is a real pleasure, particularly because I get to work with such eager and dedicated students who are willing to give themselves fully to the craft. From a teaching perspective, that kind of energy makes the room an exciting and inspiring place to work. Watching students begin to come out of their shells during the first term always feels like a real moment of progress. As we move through the second and third terms towards the end-of-year showcase, it’s incredibly rewarding to see everything start to come together. Collaborating with fellow teachers and watching the students grow in confidence and truly come into their own is what continually validates my role and makes my time at the college so worthwhile."