Denver & Longmont, Colorado
Avoca ConnollyIrish Dance
Two legendary schools, one unified academy — from your very first step to the World Championships.
Soft shoe, hard shoe, and competition training for all ages in Lakewood & Longmont, CO.
Our Instructors
Louise Connolly
ADCRG, TCRG — Lakewood Studio
Louise started Irish dance at the age of 8 with Scoil Rince Oirialla in Dundalk, Ireland. In the following years she claimed the title of World Champion two years in a row, along with Ulster, All Ireland, All Scotland, and British National Champion.
After reaching the pinnacle of her competitive career, Louise joined Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. Within her first year she was given the lead female role of 'Saoirse' and spent 6 years touring the world before founding her school in North America.
Louise holds her TCRG and ADCRG certifications from An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha — qualified to both teach and judge at the highest international level.
Susannah Ruehlen
ADCRG, TCRG — Longmont Studio
Susannah began Irish dancing at age 7 in Colorado and went on to compete at both the North American Championships and World Championships. She joined the first American Flying Squad of Riverdance, touring for three years.
She earned her TCRG in 2009 and passed her ADCRG exam in June 2022, making her one of Colorado's few certified Irish dance adjudicators. Susannah's teaching philosophy centres on building excellent dancers and excellent humans.
Under her guidance, students have reached the World Championships stage and earned top placements at regional and national competitions across the country.
A Legacy of Excellence
World Championship Qualifiers
Oireachtas Podium Finishes
Years of Combined Teaching
National Championship Competitors
Our Studios
One Academy, Two Homes
With over 28 years of combined experience across two ADCRG-certified instructors, we bring world-class Irish dance training to the Colorado Front Range.
Lakewood
Louise Connolly, ADCRG
Longmont
Susannah Ruehlen, ADCRG
What Families Say
Trusted by Families Across Colorado
"Our daughter has grown so much in confidence since joining. The instructors truly care about every dancer, not just the trophies."
"We switched from another school and the difference is night and day. The technique, the discipline, and the joy — it's all here."
"Both of my girls compete at the championship level and I couldn't imagine a better school. World-class coaching with a family atmosphere."