Dancers

Elyse founded MIDC in 2014 and has been the Artistic Director and Choreographer ever since! She started dancing with Cashel Dennehy at 5, competing at both the National and International level as a soloist and team dancer. She began her professional career after college with Michael Londra’s show Celtic Fire. Elyse has performed in 7 countries with multiple companies including Gaelforce Dance, Women of Ireland, Disney’s Raglan Road, The American Company of Irish Dance, Irish Dance Theatre and has done multiple tours as the principle dancer, dance captain and choreographer for Rhythm in the Night.

In 2014 she obtained her TCRG and has taught workshops all over the USA, Zambia, Italy and the Dominican Republic. Currently she works full time as a computer sales rep, teaches for the McMenamin Irish dance Academy, and performs with two other local companies: the Showstopper Dancers & Femme Feroce.

Mary is the Assistant Director of the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company. She has been an Irish dancer since 1998, reaching Open Championship level and competing both nationally and internationally. She has been an Irish Dance instructor since 2011, and in 2017, she earned her TCRG certification from CLRG. During the day, Mary is an associate attorney at the Otjen Law Firm, practicing in the areas of medical malpractice defense and worker’s compensation defense.

When not dancing or practicing law, Mary is hanging out with her husband Jobe, cooking, crafting, or watching Hallmark Christmas movies. She is an avid churchgoer, cat-lover, and organizational pro. Her favorite parts about MIDC are planning/coordinating events for MIDC members and seeing Founder/Director Elyse’s vision come to life on stage.

Hannah is thrilled to be a member of the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company. Hannah joined MIDC in late 2016 after dancing with Glencastle Irish Dancers for 13 years. Hannah has competed as a soloist and team member on a regional level.

As a graduate of University Wisconsin Whitewater, Hannah has put her Graphic Design degree to use as the Marketing Coordinator at Engberg Anderson Architects. She is also a small business owner and creates custom apparel with her line, boh & company.

She is also the designer of MIDC's logo and helps with apparel and our social media sites.

Amelia graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2016 with her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Political Science minor. She is currently working as an Architectural Designer in Shorewood, but dance has always been one of her passions.

Amelia started her dance career as a competitive Irish dancer with Cashel Dennehy reaching Preliminary Championship level before retiring from competition. In high school she branched out to learn different styles of dance including jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. While in college she continued to take jazz and hip hop classes and currently still enjoys fitting in hip hop classes whenever possible. She had the privilege of helping choreograph a piece for her Hip Hop I & II small group finals. In 2014, Amelia was one of the first members to join the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company and performs with them currently.

Amanda hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and has been a member of MIDC since June of 2017. She started her dance career 20 years ago at the Murphy Irish Arts Center, and she danced at the Mid American regional, North American national, and world championships.

Amanda attended the Ohio State University, where she was a member of the Ohio State Irish Dance Team. She graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and immediately started her career in the Leadership Development Program at Rockwell Automation. She currently works at their HQ in Milwaukee supporting Intelligent Motor Control.

She loves her dog, Ivy, and her husband, Joseph, and she loves Milwaukee as her new home!

Jess danced with Cashel Dennehy and in her words "I honestly don't know when I started and stopped. Probably stopped around 2004 . . . yikes." She joined MIDC in 2016, loves getting to dance and perform again, and learn new things!

Currently she works as a Project Manager at Rinka Chung Architecture, and recently became a licensed architect. Jess has her Master's degree from UWM and owns a business importing & selling German Christmas ornaments as well as works as adjunct faculty at MIAD.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys baking, biking (in the summer!!), going to concerts, traveling, and spending time with her husband Eric, and their cats!

Kay has been with MIDC since January 2017! She was a competitive dancer for 15 years, but had to retire her dance shoes when she went away for college. In place of dancing, Kay continued her competitive horseback riding within the IHSA on a team for Ripon College, her Alma Mater. Upon graduating and moving back to the Milwaukee area for work, Kay was invited by a long time dance friend to try out MIDC!

"I don't know what I'd do on a Wednesday night without these lovely ladies. I love being able to dance and perform again, and MIDC makes it such a fun experience - whether it's a late night practice or an exciting performance - there are always laughs and good times to be had."

Outside of MIDC, Kay spends time hiking and exploring new and old places, learning and practicing the art of playing the Ukulele (both Soprano and Baritone versions), as well as planning her upcoming wedding!

After her best friend in 4th grade taught her the beginner jig, Cassie knew she had to take Irish Dance classes. She began Irish dancing at age 9 at Cashel Dennehy School of Irish Dance. While Cassie competed often, she loved Irish Dance for the fun of dancing, music, and making new friends. Until Cassie joined MIDC 4 years ago, she had taken 10 years off from dancing.

"I am happy to be a part of a group that has such a love for Irish dance and culture."

Cassie is currently an ESL teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools working primarily with Newcomer refugee children. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading lots of books. Spending time with family is very important to Cassie. She loves her job, her city, and her dance friends!

Riley has been Irish dancing since the age of 5, performing and competing with the Trinity Irish Dancers and Glencastle Irish Dancers. She recently moved back to the Milwaukee area and joined MIDC to return back to the culture and spirit of Irish dance.

When she’s not dancing, she works as a Physical Therapist in the greater Milwaukee area, having earned her doctoral degree from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Riley also enjoys playing Irish fiddle and spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors!

Brendan has been an Irish dancer for most of his life, starting at Cashel Dennehy School of Irish Dance and later dancing with Kinsella Academy of Irish Dance. He placed in the Top 5 every year at the Mid America Oireachtas and took Third Place overall one year. Brendan qualified for the World Championships and All-Ireland's several times, achieving 18th Place at Worlds and 10th at the All-Ireland's. In addition to solo dancing, Brendan also competed on ceili teams that won regional, national, and international titles.

Besides Irish dancing, Brendan enjoys running (his fastest 5k time is 17:45), working on his car, hiking, kayaking, buying different kinds of soap, and doing any outdoor activities. He is a "dangerous good" warehouse agent for Panalpina, a company based in Chicago. He has two cats who are like his children, along with an aquarium that is home to over 40 fish. He loves Volkswagens, reading about astrology and different discoveries, and watching Ancient Aliens on the History Channel. Brendan is so excited to be part of the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company and to be able to perform again!

Genevieve first started dancing for Trinity Irish Dance Academy at three and a half and has loved dancing ever since. She has extended her passion for dance into ballet, jazz, hip hop, ballroom, and other contemporary styles of dance!

A recent graduate from UW Madison, she’s taking a year off in order to work before she goes to nursing school. It was exciting for her to move back to Milwaukee and join MIDC, and she has enjoyed every minute of it!

While attending one if the largest Irish festivals in the world, Milwaukee's very own Irish Fest, Kristen watched young girls like herself perform Irish dancing in a big stage. Two weeks later, she began her own dance journey. Kristen spent 10 years with Cashel Dennehy. While she tended to shy away from competitions, her love for her culture and her outgoing nature encouraged her love to be on stage.

She chose to step away from Irish dance in high school to pursue her study of violin and working with her high school's theater department.

Kristen was always willing to perform for friends and family when asked. It made her realize each time how much she missed Irish Dance. She joined MIDC in January of 2016. She enjoys her role in MIDC as not only a company member but as the Fundraising and Event Coordinator.

Outside of MIDC, Kristen is the Beverage Department manager at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, overseeing a staff of 120 team members on the property's gaming floor, Bar 360, Northern Lights Theater and Solstice High rollers lounge. She take a very active role in her family, being the oldest of 8 children and aunt to 2 adorable nephews!

Growing up watching Riverdance on repeat at home, she had her dream set and at the age of five, Celeste started her dancing career with Cashel Dennehy. She very quickly found herself on many solo and team trips to Oireachtas and Nationals. After many years with Cashel, Celeste moved to Kinsella Academy where she spent another couple years dancing until her life moved her around the country.

After two very serious dancing injuries, Celeste's competitive career was over, and dancing was put on hold. While rehabilitating, Celeste was able to use her experience teaching dance and tutoring young dancers in their careers. While living in South Korea, Celeste was the ambassador for the Cambodian National Dance Team and traveled with them on tour before returning back to the states.

After moving back to Wisconsin, Celeste discovered MIDC and without hesitation had to be a part of it. Being a part of a full-on performance company with so many ladies who have become some of her closest friends, and dancing again after she never thought she would be able to, has been life changing. She wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Celeste also takes a very active role in the company! She single-handedly coordinated all of Irish Fest 2017 for the members (including multiple performances and volunteer work)!

Outside of dance, Celeste is constantly on the move. By day she works as a full time Kendra Scott associate, and by night (and on the weekends), finds herself as a photographer, lettering artist, and crisis counselor.

Jamy started dancing when she was 6 years old at the Heritage Academy of Irish dance in Green Bay! (GO PACK GO!!) She moved to Milwaukee after high school to follow her next path in life. Even though Milwaukee is a very beautiful city, Jamy felt like there was a part of her missing, then . . .

"On one Halloween night I ran into this girl named Shannon. She bestowed upon me the honor to dance with this amazing group of girls known as the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company."

Jamy is a small business owner of the Etsy shop, Children of the Garden. She make lotions, lip balms, and flower crowns. This is only just the beginning . . . You can find Jamy on Etsy @ ChildrenoftheGarden !

"I love life! People and nature amaze me! I have this burning desire within me to see the world! My boyfriend and I are currently converting a van into a living space so we can continue on the path of adventure; rock climbing beautiful mountains, hiking in deep valleys, yoga in the forests, dancing at festivals, and singing around camp fires are some of the many adventures yet to come <3"

Sarah started dancing at the age of 6 and continued for the next ten years with the Cashel Dennehy School of Irish Dance. She competed at Oireachtas & Nationals as both a soloist and team dancer and went onto Worlds with her team before retiring as an Open Championship dancer. Sarah joined MIDC in July 2017 and is so excited have Irish Dance be a part of her life again after so many years!

"I didn't realize how much I missed dancing and performing."

Sarah is a Social Worker for Wraparound Milwaukee, a program bringing mental health services to teens in the Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare system and is passionate about working with and advocating for kids.

Outside of work she loves to travel and explore new cities and countries, cooking, listening to music and going to concerts, hiking, practicing yoga and spending time with family, friends, and her doggie, Scrappy!

Erin has been Irish dancing since age 5, and joined MIDC in May of 2017. She competed in solos, teams, and choreography around the world when she was growing up. Once Erin went to college, she joined the Ripon College Dance Team, in order to keep her passion for dancing alive. Erin also competes in pageants, where she gets to show off her Irish dancing skills during the talent portion of the competition. Erin was Miss West Allis 2017 and Miss Sugar Maple 2018 through the Miss America Organization.

When Erin isn't dancing, she is a full-time graduate student at the UW-Milwaukee in the Administrative Leadership program, with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration. In addition, Erin works as an Orientation Graduate Assistant where she assists in planning and running the New and Transfer Student Orientations throughout the year. Once she graduates, Erin would like to do development work for a college fundraising money for the institution.

“I love being a part of MIDC, and I look forward to attending class every Wednesday night to see the other amazing women in our group. I enjoy being able to continue to perform and make people smile, as performing was always my favorite part!”

Tanya started dancing at the age of 3, and since then has created a strong background in competitive Irish dancing. Throughout the years, Tanya has earned multiple podium placements at the Mid-America Oireachtas, multiple top-ten placements at the North American Championships, 22nd at the All-Scotland Championships, and a recall in the top 30 at the World Championships of Irish Dance. In recent years, she has shifted her focus from competition to performance.

Tanya has had wonderful opportunities that allowed her to tour throughout France, Ireland, Italy, North America, and Spain. In addition to having a competitive and performance background, Tanya recently had the opportunity to be production manager for a national touring company. Currently, Tanya has a lot of fun performing with MIDC, and occasionally dancing with a local Irish band, Paddygrass. In addition, Tanya is studying to take the TCRG examinations and is currently teaching at a non-competitive dance school in Hartford, WI. Outside of Irish dance, Tanya enjoys playing the violin, traveling, and exploring new forms of dance.

Chloe started dancing when she was 4 years old. Her family was a part of one of the first Irish dance schools in Milwaukee called Kennedy, and her cousin is owner of Kinsella Academy of Irish dance. With her family's support, she found her love for dance.

Chloe started her dancing career with Trinity Academy of Irish Dance. During her time there, she moved herself up to Preliminary Championship status and traveled all over the country feising. Once her cousin opened up their dance school, Kinsella Academy of Irish Dance in 2004, she soon found herself inspired to join. Chloe ended her dancing career at McMenamin Irish Dance Academy.

In addition to Irish dance, Chloe also went to a performing arts school. She was able to major in dance and music, expanding her knowledge of both subjects. She gained skills in modern, tap, ballet, African, hip hop and swing. Chloe is also experienced in theater. She did French theater in college and musical theater in high school. Last but not least, Chloe is currently going to get her certification in Yoga and continues to be open minded about other forms of dance.

"MIDC is the new evolution of Irish dance."

Christy started dancing later, at age 16, with the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance for 5 years and spent 1 year with the McTeggart Irish Dancers in Fort Collins, Colorado. She was thrilled to learn about the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company and joined in December 2015 as way to stay active in Irish Dance and focus on performances. She is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a degree in Animal Science. Christy is currently working for the State of Wisconsin at the Department of Health Services.

When Christy is not dancing you can find her at the barn! She owns two horses, Mercedes and Webster, and competes on the American Quarter Horse Association circuit in the Midwest and nationally. She specializes in Amateur Equitation, Horsemanship, Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, and Pleasure Driving classes. She was a finalist at the 2015 AQHA Novice Championships – East show in Virginia in both Novice Amateur Equitation and Ranch Riding.

Shannon was introduced to Irish dance at a young age, as her father is from Ireland and raised her around all things Irish. Her parents enrolled her in Trinity Academy of Irish Dance in Madison, WI after watching the dancers at Milwaukee Irish Fest when she was four years old. She stayed with Trinity for ten years before deciding to shift her focus to other sports and school; however, she never lost her love for the Irish Dance community.

Shannon graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison and settled in Milwaukee after graduation to work in the retail industry as an Assistant Buyer. She invited her dad to visit and take a walk down memory lane to attend Irish Fest together, where she was ultimately introduced to the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company. After a ten-year hiatus, she took the leap and joined the Company in Winter of 2017.

"Milwaukee Irish Dance Company has helped me grow my roots in Milwaukee. The dancers are diverse, welcoming, and passionate. It's been a great experience and I am grateful to reconnect with dance, my heritage, and have made some wonderful friends in the process! I am proud when I tell people that I am a part of the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company."

Kate danced with Glencastle for a handful of years, but ended up quitting in favor of volleyball. She is a 2017 graduate of Carroll University, where she continued playing and coaching volleyball, and completed a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration.

She currently works for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is the student placement coordinator for undergraduate nursing students! Ten years later, dance still had a place in her heart, and she is so grateful to have stumbled across MIDC!

When she isn’t dancing, coaching, or working, she loves hiking, painting, and planning her upcoming wedding!

Katie is so happy to be back Irish dancing! She began her dancing career at the age of 4, with Cashel Dennehy! Over her 15 years with Cashel, she competed at the Midwest championships and Nationals several times, on teams and as a soloist. She also enjoyed spending her last 3 years of dance competing with the Cronin School of Irish Dance, where she competed one last time as a soloist at the Midwest championships. When not competing, Katie has enjoyed performing for bands such as Tallymoore, Dublin 5, Screaming Orphans, and Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

While in college, not only did she compete and teach for Cronin, but also pursued a degree in early childhood education. Her passion is working with children, and is currently a K4 teacher for a private school in Milwaukee. She also has he degree in English as a second language, and enjoys utilizing her skills with her current students.
When not dancing or teaching, you can find her hiking and traveling with her husband and spending time with family! She also is a HUGE football fan and religiously watches the Packers and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Ryann's love of Irish Dance began "Way back then" when she saw Lord of the Dance playing on PBS during their yearly auction. Eyes glued to the television, she tried to follow the quick feet of Michael Flatley, and had hopes of learning the moves herself one day. That day came at the age of 10 when she joined the Trinity Irish Dance Academy. Ryann loved her time with Trinity and competed solo as well as on a team at Feiseanna, both locally and out of state. Ryann stopped dancing during her Freshman year of high school, but never lost her love of dance.

In 2016 Ryann graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Bachelor's in Social Work. Currently, she is at home with her two children until they are in school full time, but would like to work with those struggling with mental illness once she is able to fully step into her profession.

In her spare time Ryann enjoys spending time with her 2 children and husband. Trips to the Zoo, Whitnall Park and Fox Brook Park for swimming are just some of the places you can find them when the weather is nice. Ryann also enjoys nights out with friends as well as attending sporting events and concerts.

Ryann has been out of dance for more years than she would like to admit, but is looking forward to beginning a new chapter with MIDC!

Hannah is so happy to be dancing again! Starting at age 8, Hannah enjoyed many years dancing at Trinity and Cashel Dennehy schools of Irish Dance before leaving for college at UW Madison and NUI Galway, where she studied music and Celtic Studies.

Wooed as a girl by the traditional music, Hannah is an avid fiddler and teaches music in West Bend. She is married and raising a future dancer, Eleanor!

Kristin joined the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company in June 2018. She is extremely excited to be back to Irish dancing as it has been over a decade she's been with a company! Kristin started dancing at the age of 6 with the Trinity Irish Dance company and it has been one of her passion's ever since! Kristin competed at the national and international level of Irish Dance as a soloist and team dancer.
Kristin always felt a piece of her was missing without dance and couldn't have been happier when she heard about the MIDC opportunity!

Kristin is currently a registered nurse at Children's Hospital where she works with children with Congenital Heart Defects. If Kristin is not at work or at dance she loves to travel, participate in CrossFit, and be outside. She loves the mountains, ocean and experiencing new culture. She's got a knack for adventure and loves doing it all with her fiance, Jake.

Kenzie was born into the world of Irish dance, following the footsteps of her older sister, and began her amazing journey at the age of three with Cashel Dennehy. Since, she has competed around the world in Ceili, Choreography and Solo Competitions, taking the gold at the 2012 and 2014 World Championships, as well as numerous Regional, National and Irish National Champion titles. She has a passion for teaching and influencing young Irish dancers, teaching private lessons and classes to dancers of all ages during her time with Cashel Dennehy.

Alongside the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company, Kenzie is the Vice President and Choreographer of the Sláinte Irish Dancers at the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she danced and coached a ceili team to become the 2017 Mid-American Champions. Kenzie is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Photography degree with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship at UW-Madison, where she is also the Art Director of the Premier Travel Magazine, Souvenirs.

She is so excited to be back on stage and doing what she loves with the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company!

Up until she left for college, Marie was an active and competitive Irish dancer at McMenamin Irish Dance Academy in Milwaukee. Starting when she was 5, Marie danced with MIDA for just over 13 years, reaching Preliminary Champion and qualifying for Regionals at her last competition. Currently, Marie is a sophomore studying Communication Design, Psychology, and Studio Art at Washington University In St Louis, where she is co-founder and music director of Reverb A Cappella. With no on-campus Irish Dance group, she has been so happy to be back in Milwaukee dancing with MIDC with her former teachers Elyse and Mary. When she's not dancing or studying or running an a cappella group, Marie is a singer-songwriter, performing as a live musician at several local venues. She also works as a freelance photographer around Milwaukee and St Louis. (And no, she doesn't dye her hair that color)