The Northshore's Premiere Irish Dance School
Delivering the highest standard of instruction on the Northshore
Ariel T.C.R.G.
At age 4, Ari began her dance training at the Metropolitan Dance Theatre of New Orleans, where she trained in Ballet and Tap under the guidance of Karen Hebert. She then began Irish dancing with McTeggart Irish dancers under the direction of Maureen Hall, A.D.C.R.G. at the age of 9, marking the start of a lifelong journey as a teacher and choreographer. Seven years later, she started teaching classes for McTeggart while traveling and competing in national and international competitions.
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Some notable achievements include placing 3rd at the Southern Regional Oireachtas, receiving 17th place at Nationals, and qualifying for the World Championships. Her favorite educational experiences were attending Summer workshops at the McConomy School of Irish Dance in Derry, Ireland, as well as participating in Lauren Early's Reaching New Heights program in Yonkers, New York.
Her career as an Irish dancer, teacher, and choreographer spans over two decades, encompassing a passion for preserving and sharing traditional and competitive Irish dance. She has choreographed for the University of New Orleans' live theatrical version of the movie "Dancing at Lughnasa" and for Loyola University New Orleans in collaboration with the "Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music Ensemble".
Her diverse choreographic experience highlights her versatility and commitment to promoting the rich cultural heritage of Irish dance in various artistic contexts.
In 2017, Ari traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to sit for the T.C.R.G. examination, earning her registration as a teacher accredited by An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha in Ireland. Not long after, Ari founded and directed Mcelroy Irish Dance Academy, now renamed "Northshore School of Irish Dance", where she dedicated herself to cultivating young talent and promoting Irish Dance in the community. She also occasionally offers technique workshops for Muggivan School of Irish Dance in New Orleans, further sharing her knowledge with a wider audience.
In addition to her expertise in Irish dance, Ari is a professional musician who runs a private voice and piano studio. She also serves as a Soprano section leader and youth co-Choir Director at a prominent local church. Noticing the lack of homeschool choirs on the Northshore, Ari was motivated to start one herself. She recognized the need for a structured musical outlet for homeschooled students and wanted to provide them with an opportunity to learn, perform, and experience the joy of singing in a choir.
Ari's journey in the performing arts has been marked by numerous memorable experiences, including dancing with Niall O'Leary at Paddy Reilly's in New York. With over 30 years of stage experience, she has participated in a wide range of theatrical productions from Opera to Musical Theatre that have honed her craft. A highlight of her career was earning a Big Easy Award for her portrayal of Clara in "Light in the Piazza," a recognition that emphasizes her dedication to the arts.​​​​
Shortly after high school, Ari moved to Orlando to expand her education and pursue her dreams in the entertainment industry. There, she worked for Walt Disney World Company as a singer, dancer and stilt-walker, and became an original cast member in Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Her talents and versatility also led her to become an independent contractor for Hardrive Productions, where she was hired as a dancer and stilt-walker for special events at Universal Studios in Orlando. These experiences not only enriched her skills but also deepened her passion for performance and entertainment.
Ultimately, Ari's passion for teaching Irish dancing and music is rooted
in a profound commitment to nurturing her students.