Shea-Jennings  

                  

Welcome! The Deirdre Shea School of Irish Dance began in 1989 when a group of Cranford women requested basic party dance instruction. Soon Deirdre Shea began to instruct their children as well. The school began with 15  — we now have over 200 students of all ages and levels. Shea - Jennings classes are held in Garwood, Millburn and Spring Lake, New Jersey. Deirdre is a certified teacher (TCRG) with An Coimisium le Rinci Galeacha (The Irish Dancing Commission). Deirdre teaches all levels from 3-4 yrs. old to Champion level. Deirdre and John are proud of their four 1st place Regional Champion dancers from the Shea - Jennings School of Irish Dance Beth Gallagher (2003 Senior Ladies 1st Place Champion), Julianna Harkins (2006 Girls Under 12 1st Place Champion) Joseph Stewart (2009 Boys Under 18 First Place Champion) & Ronan Burke (2011 Under 9 Boys 1st Place Champion) and several World Championship Qualifiers through the years.

In 1997, John Jennings joined the school. The School competes under the title Shea-Jennings. John is the 1988 Irish Dancing World Champion, and 5 time North American National Champion. John also was featured in several popular shows such as, Late Night with David Letterman, and the Conan O'Brien show. He and fellow Irish dancers accompanied Shania Twain in her music video, "Don't Be Stupid". John is a certified teacher (TCRG) and adjudicator (ADCRG) with An Coimisium le Rinci Galeacha (The Irish Dancing Commission).

Our goal over the years has been to teach our students the proper techniques of Irish dance in a positive atmosphere while providing the cultural aspects and dynamic choreography in a challenging enviroment. Our students dance on their toes, but they feel the history and exuberance or Irish Dance in their hearts.