Foley Academy of Irish Dance

🎓✨ SENIOR SPOTLIGHT ✨🎓

As we continue celebrating our graduating seniors during Spring Recital Week, we're honored to recognize another incredible member of Foley Academy. ❤️ 🖤

🌟 Zoë Bierhanzl 🌟

Zoë began her Irish dance journey with Foley Academy in 2018 and is graduating from Oakton High School, Class of 2026. This fall, she will attend the University of Mississippi to study Forensic Chemistry on a Pre-Physician Assistant track. 🧪🥼

One of Zoë's favorite Foley memories is hopping around on crutches at the Foley community céilí — a moment that perfectly reflects the friendships, laughter, and support that have shaped her years at the academy. ☘️💚

For Zoë, Irish dance was never just about the dancing. It was about the people.

She says Foley gave her "an amazing group of people who see and understand me better than anyone," and as she begins this next chapter, she carries a piece of each teammate with her. ✨

Her advice to the younger dancers:

💚 "It's the people that make the place. Win or lose, your Foley friends will always be there for you — lean on them."

Zoë is especially grateful to her parents for the countless day trips, weekends away, and unwavering support that allowed her to pursue her passion for Irish dance. 🚗🍀

When asked to describe her Foley experience in three words:

😊 Remember to smile 😊

We are so proud of you, Zoë, and all that you have accomplished. Wishing you the very best as you begin this exciting new adventure at Ole Miss! 🎓✨💙❤️

🎓✨ SENIOR SPOTLIGHT ✨🎓

As we kick off Spring Recital Week at Foley Academy, we're celebrating our graduating seniors and the incredible impact they've had on our school. ❤️ 🖤

🌟 First up: Claire Guerber! 🌟

Claire began her Irish dance journey with Foley Academy in 2018 and is graduating from The Sycamore School, Class of 2026. This fall, she will attend Shenandoah University to study Film Production and Costume Design. 🎬🎭

One of Claire's favorite Foley memories is winning the four-hand at Oireachtas with her team — a moment that made all of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance worth it. 🏆✨

Through Irish dance, Claire learned how to navigate both the highs and lows of competition, developing resilience, confidence, and the determination to keep moving forward. 💪🍀

Her advice for younger dancers:

💚 "Focus on progress, not the placement. Your biggest competition is you. Don't worry about the other dancers. Focus on being a little better every time you come to class, and the rest will come."

Claire is grateful to Ms. Shannon and Mr. Jacob for believing in her from the very beginning, to Ms. Catie and Ady for the countless feis road trips, and to the Bestie Bunch for all the laughs and unforgettable adventures. 🚗💚

When asked to describe her Foley experience in three words, she chose:

✨ Friendship
✨ Growth
✨ Fulfillment

We are so proud of everything you have accomplished, Claire, and cannot wait to see where your next adventure takes you. Congratulations and best wishes at Shenandoah University! And we're especially excited that Irish dance will continue to be part of your journey this Fall! 🎓✨🍀

The anticipation is building🔥

One week from today, the flames take the stage.

Until then, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our championship dancers preparing for one of their routines👀✨👏

Four Flames of Eire
June 13

👀Sneak Peek: Studio B✨
We’re excited to officially announce Studio B, our additional Summer training space for the 2026 Shine On! Summer Programs!😎

There’s still plenty of work to do before dancers arrive, but we can’t wait to fill this space with hard work, laughter, new friendships, and loads of Irish dance this summer.❤️🖤

☀️Planning to join us? Registration closes June 8! Don’t delay ➡️ https://www.foleyirishdance.com/summer/

The chain says June.
The calendar says Nationals.

🍩Donut stop believing!🍩
Last night, our NAIDC team enjoyed some sweet treats as we officially hit the 30-day countdown to Nationals!🇺🇸✨

Thirty days of hard work, determination, and teamwork still ahead, but we are excited for every step, every practice, and every moment leading to Orlando!🌴

Thanks to for surprising our dancers!