Meet our Irish Dance Instructors

If you’re looking for a welcoming place to take Irish dance lessons, our studio offers a joyful and supportive environment for dancers of all ages.

At An Dragan Ceilteach, we truly love what we do! Founded in 1998 by sisters Leia Jones and Liesl Allred, ADC Irish Dancers has grown into a vibrant community built on passion, tradition, and a shared love for Irish dance.

Homegrown Talent

Our instructors have been trained right here at ADC Irish Dancers.

Experienced & Versatile

They are experienced in a variety of dance and fitness styles.

Active Performers

Our instructors are not just teachers, but active performers who regularly share the stage with our students.

Encouraging Space

Many of our advanced dancers also assist in the classroom, creating an encouraging and supportive environment where everyone can grow!

get to know us

The Team Behind the Talent

Emily has been part of the ADC Irish Dancers family since 2007. She loves the friendships and artistry that come with Irish dance and enjoys sharing that joy with every class she teaches. Outside the studio, Emily loves traveling, music, and crafting. She’s also a sign language interpreter and a proud mom to dancing twins, and she holds a Master's degree in Instructional Technology.

Emily

Director

Gloria has been been with ADC Irish Dancers since 1999 as the studio’s very first student! With a deep love for storytelling, Gloria is drawn to Irish dance for its rich music, history, and expressive movement. Her favorite part? The incredible people she’s met through the art of dance.

Outside the studio, Gloria holds a BA in Theatre and loves writing, drawing, and bedazzling just about anything. If you spot a sparkling costume at ADC, chances are she had something to do with it!

Gloria

Assistant Director

Janelle discovered Irish dance in college as part of the BYU folk dance team and graduated with an MBA and MS in science. She began dancing at ADC in 2014 and teaching in 2022.

Janelle loves the creativity Irish dance brings, especially watching it come alive in her students.

Her favorite rhythm is the slip jig and when she’s not dancing, you’ll probably find her spending time outdoors with her family and her dog Kronk.

Janelle

Instructor

Megan has been dancing since 2005 and has been part of the ADC Irish Dancers teaching team since 2013; she also holds a BS in History. She competes at the championship level, has placed at the Western Region Oireachtas, and leads the competitive track. Her favorite part of Irish dance is the amazing community she gets to be a part of. When she’s not in the studio, you’ll find Megan skiing, running, mountain biking, or planning her next travel adventure!

Megan

Instructor

Sarah has been Irish dancing since 2004 and spent 12 years performing and assisting with younger classes at ADC before earning her degree in recreational therapy. She loves everything about Irish dance, especially the music, friendships, and the joy of learning something new.

Outside the studio, Sarah is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing. She loves all dance rhythms, but nothing beats a good reel!

Sarah C

Instructor

Sarah has danced with ADC since 2004 and continues to perform with our adult dancers. She holds a BS in Psychology and, when not dancing, is a busy wife and mom who enjoys triathlons and cake decorating. Her favorite rhythm is the treble reel.

Sarah B

Instructor

Our Founders

Leia is one of the co-founders of ADC Irish Dancers and brings creativity, warmth, and a global perspective to the studio.

A social worker and therapist by profession, she’s also known for her adventurous spirit, love of world travel (especially camels and corgis!), and her signature headband flair.

Her favorite Irish dance rhythm is the lively hornpipe.

Leia

Co-Founder

Liesl co-founded ADC Irish Dancers in 1999 and has been teaching dance for over 30 years. In addition to Irish dance, she has a deep love for ballet and a special talent for working with children.

Outside the studio, Liesl is a dedicated mom who brings care and connection to everything she does.

Her favorite rhythm is the graceful slip jig.

Liesl

Co-Founder

TCRG Instructors

Stephen, originally from Ireland, is a certified teacher and adjudicator who earned top placements at the All-Irelands and Worlds. At 15, he became the youngest dancer hired for Lord of the Dance. He now leads the Scariff School and serves as President of the Western U.S. Regional Council. Outside dance, Stephen enjoys traveling and time with family.

Stephen

ADCRG/BG

Mia is a 2-time Western U.S. Regional Champion, World Top 10 medalist, and former Riverdance cast member. She brings her competitive and performance experience into every class. When she’s not teaching, Mia loves exploring new places and staying active.

Mia

TCRG

A San Diego native, Jasmine built a successful competitive career before earning her TCRG. She is passionate about sharing her love for Irish dance with students. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and time with family.

Jasmine

TCRG

Our teachers have years of experience as competitive dancers and continue their own training to achieve certification. They are supported by certified instructors with international credentials, former professional cast members, and regional leadership roles in Irish dance.

Our team teaches a wide range of ages—from young beginners to adults—offering a variety of Irish dance classes tailored to age and skill level. Students learn foundational dance steps, explore both soft shoe and hard shoe dance styles, and build confidence through fun and engaging instruction rooted in traditional Irish dance.

Yes! We welcome prospective dancers and families to visit our Irish dance studio, meet the instructors, and experience the warm atmosphere that makes ADC unique. Whether you’re new to Irish dancing or returning to it, we’re happy to help you find the right class and teacher.