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  • 1st Floor, Smithlands Centre, Bohernatounish Rd., Loughboy, Kilkenny

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. 

We encourage...learning
The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you

B.B King
We encourage...individuality
Why fit in when you were born to stand out?

Dr. Suess
We encourage...creativity
“Learn the craft of knowing how to open your heart and to turn on your creativity. There’s a light inside of you.”

Judith Jamison, American dancer and choreographer

The school offers training for children and students from 3 years up to pre -professional level in Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre/Jazz and Contemporary dance.The school also offers parent and toddler dance classes as well as Boys’ Hip hop classes. Both school directors are qualified ballet and modern dance teachers. Therefore the school can offer students the option of taking part in examinations under the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in both genres, allowing students to pursue dance as a career if they so wish. Many students of the School have gone on to train and dance professionally, both nationally and internationally, and to earn recognised teaching qualifications in Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary and Tap dance.

Kilkenny Academy of Dance offers a fully staged dance production, featuring all of our students, every alternate year, in The Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny – proceeds of which are given to a different charity each time chosen by our students.

The school has always prided itself on how school students respect, celebrate and care for each other. Kilkenny Academy of Dance thrives on highest standards, however the school believes that creating these standards should be achieved by educating students through passion, fun,creativity and focus on personal growth.

Our teachers are all fully qualified and registered teachers  and have all undergone full time training as well as having worked as professional dancers and choreographers. They are hand picked by the school for their passion and true love for educating. They continuously attend courses to ensure their work is up to date, fresh and most importantly fun for our students.

Kilkenny Academy of Dance has been a home away from home for so many over the last thirty years and it means so much to Finn and Gemma that the school has and continues to create such special memories in the hearts of both past and present students alike.

Testimonials

Thank you so much for all the fun, enthusiasm and beautiful dancing you are teaching my girls. Not only do they love their classes but you are all so nurturing, kind and fun that it always feels like a very special school to be a part of. I have such fabulous memories from being in the school myself from age 2-18, not only enjoying dancing so much but all the other fabulous experiences I had and friends I made that the school will always have a very special place in my heart!
Sue past student & parent
I’ve been dancing in this school for about 11 years. The happiness I felt first walking in that door still remains in me to this day. Classes are hard work with great fun too. Everyone can learn at their own pace through the wonderful patients, kindness and humor from our teachers. The warmth and attention can be felt as you walk through the door.
Antonia-Ly, 14 student
The time I spent at the Kilkenny Academy of Dance as a student and as a teacher was a very positive one. It was a place in which I developed so much confidence both in myself and as a dancer. I made many friends and had lots of fun along the way. Without the positive and supportive atmosphere in the school I would not have pursued my dream of going to dance college to become a fully qualified dance teacher.
Maevepast student & teacher
Kilkenny Academy of Dance is so much more than just a school of dance - it was basically a second family for me growing up! Not only did I receive a brilliant education in classical ballet and modern theatre in a supportive environment, but I gained so much confidence. Miss Gemma, Miss Jenny, Miss Dara and Miss Finn were always there to put a smile on my face after a tough day at school, and they’re truly brilliant at making each and every student feel seen and celebrated. Even now at 23 I know if I ever needed the support of K.A.D in any way I would be warmly welcomed. The amazing opportunities I had from the dance aspect were a happy aside to the fantastic family I made along the way!
Saoirsepast student
“I credit my time at The Kilkenny Academy of Dance massively for my building of confidence as a teenager. There was such a sense of community and openness, it didn’t matter how technically skilled you were at dancing, everyone learned together and there was never a dull moment. Whether it was an exam or show year, some of the best memories I have from being a teenager happened in that studio or in the Watergate, and I’ll always cherish my time there.”
Emmapast student 2002 - 2016
Kilkenny Academy of dance has always felt like a community to me. As a child I was encouraged to have fun, be passionate, teach, support and learn alongside my classmates. It gave me a focus that a lot of my friends didn't have as teens. As an adult I still find myself drawn back to adult ballet classes and I am always interested in seeing what exciting workshop or show Finn and Gemma have planned next. Every child is nurtured and celebrated under their care and there is a contagious sense of fun when you walk through that studio door. I can't wait for my little girl to take her first step into that studio, if she's anything like me she'll never look back!
Louisepast student & KAD summer camp teacher
I began The Forristal School of Dance in Kilkenny in 1989. Right from the start there was something special about the school. The students were so enthusiastic, friendly , not afraid of hard work and eager to learn and the parents were all very supportive of anything I was organising. Our very first show was The Toy shop in St Kieran’s College in 1990. From there the school grew from classes on one evening a week to 3 evenings. During my time in Kilkenny I formed wonderful friendships that have lasted to today. I felt a real sense of family at the school and of being part of something magical. Kilkenny is an incredible place full of amazing people and my time teaching there will always hold a special place in my heart.
Deirdre Forristalpast school director of ‘Forristal School of Dance’
Kilkenny academy of dance was a big part of my childhood and teenage years. I always found it such a release during exam years in secondary school to see familiar faces, practice something you love and to just forget about the stress of school. One of the biggest takeaways was the friendships formed I regularly meet one of the girls for a catch up who I only know through dancing,I consider them one of my closest friends. It gave me a love for fitness that I have carried with me
Ciarapast student
'I was a student with Kilkenny academy of dance from the age of 5 up to 18. The positive, supportive and encouraging environment that the teachers have created for the students here is unmatched. The school played a huge role in developing my confidence and creativity, and I am so grateful that it was such a big part of my life growing up. I look back on all my memories here fondly and would recommend for anyone to join! '
Sarahpast student
"The school, for me, is a place where I was allowed to focus on me. I was encouraged to better myself as a dancer, a performer, a student and a person. The studio, always welcoming with laughter and comfort, for many years was my safe space and my happy place. "
Laoise past student 2016 - 2019
Kilkenny academy dance was life changing for me. I was never the sporty person and was quite self conscious growing up. I signed up when I was 7 and I never regret a day. I made so many friends and had so many opportunities. I never had too much confidence in my dancing ability but the encouragement from the teachers were just amazing. I remember when I was a senior and it was show year. It had never even crossed my mind to go for a main part and Finn said to me "don't be silly, of course you have to go for it". I ended up getting a role and it provided endless opportunities for me. I got to try different types of dance such as ballet which I had always regretted not doing from a young age. The high you get from going on stage with your best friends and performing was just amazing. Exam years were also great as they taught you the discipline of though something I loved which was dance. When I was in college I went back to do adult ballet with Gemma and it was just the best. Gemma and Finn are amazing and they gave me such great opportunities that I will always be so grateful for. What's lovely about Kilkenny academy of dance is that it's like a little family. You make friends far beyond your set classes. It provides such a positive atmosphere. If I was to go back to when I was 7 again I'd do it all over again and more.
Jessiepast student 2003 - 2013
‘My girls just adore Ms Gemma and Ms Finn and their wonderful classes, summer camps, shows in the Watergate and exam preparation. My eldest has been dancing with them for 8 years, starting when she was 2 years old and then my youngest followed suit when she was old enough. Kilkenny Academy of Dance has become a home from home (especially for my eldest) where they enjoy their classes immensely and have formed lifelong friendships with their classmates and a bond with the Senior Dancers when they help out with the younger dancers in class and in the shows. The teachers work extremely hard and exude a maternal kindness to all their students- encouraging them to fulfill their dreams and instill confidence in their performances, which has such a positive effect on their well being. I feel lucky to have such a wonderful Ballet school here in Kilkenny’
AideenParent
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