Our Instructors

Louise Connolly, principal instructor and 2× World Champion Irish dancer

Louise Connolly

ADCRG, TCRG — Lakewood Studio

2× World ChampionUlster ChampionAll Ireland ChampionLord of the Dance – Lead RoleADCRG & TCRG Certified

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, owner and ADCRG/TCRG certified Irish dance instructor

Susannah Ruehlen

ADCRG, TCRG — Longmont Studio

Riverdance Touring CastNorth American ChampionshipsWorld Championships CompetitorADCRG & TCRG Certified

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.

Get In Touch

Ready to Begin Your
Irish Dance Journey?

Reach out to the studio nearest you to schedule your first lesson and discover the joy of Irish dance for you or your child.

Lakewood

with Louise Connolly

Contact Lakewood Studio

Longmont

with Susannah Ruehlen

Contact Longmont Studio