



Our School
Kilkenny Academy of Dance, formally The Forristal School of Dance has been successfully running since 1989. The school is known in Kilkenny for its combination of high standards and nurturing environments. In 2016, Gemma Grant and Finn Power took over ownership of the school from Sinead Keaskin.Gemma and Finn both grew up in this school as children so it is safe to say that both of their hearts are involved in every aspect of the running of the school.
Our ethos
Our Vision
To provide a dance space that instils a passion for dance by creating show & exam opportunities in a nurturing environment.
Our Purpose
To be a modern and inclusive dance school who celebrates each individual student to be the best they can be.
Our Values
Fun & Friendship - Learning - Creativity - Respect - Personal Growth
Our Team
At Kilkenny Academy of Dance, our team is made up of teachers who focus on nurturing the ability of the students through fun and learning. Our teachers put emphasis on furthering their qualifications and attending courses regularly to improve their craft. We believe that the bond created by our team of teachers is an integral part of running successful and safe classes for our students and their development.
Directors

Gemma Grant
My passion for teaching comes from showing students what they CAN achieve. For me, teaching dance acts as a vessel for educating confidence, self discipline, and social connections in a fun and exciting way. I find it so rewarding to know that learning these skills will be useful in all aspects of life.

Finn Power
It's so rewarding to see my work as a dance teacher shining through the happy children of Kilkenny. I am grateful to be able to facilitate determined, hardworking and passionate dancers. My students surprise and inspire me in every single class which is why I love this job so much.
Teachers

Becky Sheil
Becoming a dance teacher has been so rewarding, watching the pure joy dance brings to students. I feel so grateful to be able to pass on my passion for dance to the younger generation of dancers.

Ciara-Peaches McDermott
I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the lessons that dance has given me, and to have the opportunity to share that with my students is the most fulfilling experience. Dance to me has always meant having the opportunity to express yourself and forget everything else in that moment, and I feel so lucky to be able to share that with my students.

Lauren Oman
Being a dance teacher is so rewarding, even tho it can be full of challenges for both student and teacher the amount of joy, passion and growth throughout is incredible and inspires me everyday