WHO WE ARE
Our Instructors
Each Connick teacher has a genuine love of dance and of their students and offers a wealth of experience from years of involvement in the art of Irish dance.
Sandra Connick
A.D.C.R.G
Cathaoirleach – An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha
Sandra Connick grew up in Cork, Ireland, and began her dance journey at the age of four with her mother. She later attended the Hasson School in Cork. Over the years, her students have achieved success both nationally and internationally in solos and teams. Teaching countless children and watching them grow into adults has been a pleasure for Sandra, and Irish dancing has allowed her to create friendships worldwide.
Sandra is a fully accredited Irish dance teacher and adjudicator, registered with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland, and previously served as its Treasurer. She is currently serving as the chair of An Coimisiún.
She actively participates in the Southern Region branch of the Irish Dancing Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA). Sandra has previously served as Vice-President and Treasurer for the national body of the IDTANA and the Southern Region. Outside of the dance studio, the Mecklenburg County School District has utilised Sandra's teaching skills in programs designed to incorporate cultural enrichment into the middle school curriculum. She has also worked extensively with the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools and as a lecturer on Irish Dance at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.
Pamela Pierce
Instructor
Pamela Pierce McGuinness grew up in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland. She began dancing at the age of seven, like many Irish children, but indeed found her passion at eleven after meeting and working with Kevin Massey. Kevin, an exceptional teacher and dancer, made Irish dancing Pamela's favourite activity, opening doors for all his students.
During summer camps, dancers like Michael Flatley joined their classes. They were involved with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, performing in shows in Dublin and overseas. Pamela continued dancing throughout her school days, and even after she started working, she competed regionally and nationally. Irish dancing remained an integral part of her life.
After many years of being married to a U.S. military man, travelling, and living in various places, Pamela and her husband settled in North Carolina upon his retirement. She met Sandra Connick and began working with her in 1996, teaching at RNE, the Connick-Reid Academy, and now the Connick School of Irish Dancing. Pamela considers herself a patient teacher who takes great pride in instilling self-belief in every child. She has a particular love for hard shoe rhythm and timing, striving to give every dancer a strong foundation in these areas.
Denise Olive Daniele
Instructor
At the age of three, Denise started Irish dance classes at the Gray School of Irish Dance in Connecticut and enjoyed every moment. She worked hard to become a Championship dancer at 13 and placed several times in the top 10 at the New England Regional Oireachtas. After completing my undergraduate degree in Biology, she moved to the DC area for grad school in Public Health and re-immersed myself in Irish dance by joining The Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance.
During her 15 years in DC, she competed as an Open Champion in Senior Ladies, participated in World-level ceili competitions, and worked as an Assistant Teacher, Dance Captain, and Performance Coordinator. Denise was blessed to perform and create choreography for performances at the Kennedy Center and the Irish Embassy, and to collaborate in shows with The Chieftains, The Washington Chorus, and dozens of amazing local traditional musicians.
After moving to Columbia in 2021, she promptly joined the Lexington branch of the Connick School. As a passionate advocate for my Irish heritage and a dual citizen of Ireland, Denise loves incorporating interesting facts about Irish dance, music, and Ireland into my lessons. She enjoys working with students on their physical fitness, musicality, and rhythm. Denise also encourages dancers to be the best they can be, on and off the dance floor and believes Irish dance builds confidence and character and develops lifelong friendships. She is very thankful to be a part of the Connick dance family!