The Kenny Academy

her competitive years in Irish dancing, until her retirement at the age of 18, Rose captured many regional titles and went on to medal at both the prestigious All-Ireland and World Championship Competitions. The success didn’t stop upon Rose’s retirement from competition. In 1990 Rose took and passed the TCRG exam and is certified by the Commission of Irish Dancing in Dublin to teach Irish dance. Along with her sister Breda, Rose ran the very successful O’Brien School of Irish Dancing in Galway, Ireland for 16 years. During this time, their students captured many titles including World Championship, All-Ireland, All Scotland, British Nationals, Great Britain, North American, and many regional titles in their home province of Connaught. In 2000 Rose became certified to adjudicate Irish dance. She has judged many local, regional and national events including the prestigious World Championships. Not only a teacher and adjudicator, Rose’s talents also lie in choreography. She is admired by many peers and students around the world for her ability to choreograph intricate and beautiful steps both in soft and hard shoe dancing. In 2004, Rose relocated to Birmingham, England and joined her husband Michael to teach at the Kenny Academy. Together, they too, have achieved many successes. Most recently, one of their students captured a title at the 2014 World Championships held in London, England. MICHAEL KENNY

Born in England to Irish parents, Michael Kenny started his Irish dancing career at age seven. He was very accomplished, winning several regional titles and also placed 3rd at the All Ireland, Great Britain and World Championship. Many of the teams he was in captured the coveted “World Title”. Michael is certified to teach and adjudicate dancing by the Commission of Irish Dancing in Dublin, Ireland. Michael established “The Kenny Academy” in 1993. As well as being a great choreographer for solo dancing, Michael is renowned for his ability to teach ceili (team dancing) and choreograph dances for team events, which would include up to 16 dancers. His dancers have been extremely successful both in solo and team events, many winning prestigious awards including the World Championship title. Michael has also been invited to teach workshops in Europe, the United States and Canada. Each year, in Birmingham, England the Kenny Academy would host an annual feis/competition in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. The competition was an area favorite and was always a financial success with over 65,000 UK pounds being raised for Michael’s favorite charity. Collectively Michael and Rose’s dancers have won over 20 World Championship titles, a feat few teacher have achieved. Several of their former students have become certified to teach Irish dancing and have opened schools both in Europe and the United States. Aside from competition, their students have enjoyed success in shows and have had the opportunity to tour the world. Their dancers toured with Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, Magic of the Dance, Prodjig, Irish Thunder, Celtic Frye and Emerald Beat in Busch Gardens, VA and Tampa, FL.