Distant future. THE ACADEMY IRISH DANCE CO. Perth Hills & BICTON The Academy Irish Dance Co. Perth is a small and thriving dance school located in Wangara, Perth Hills, and Bicton, Australia.
Formerly known as Keady Upton, the school has a primary focus on fostering a love for Irish Dance and showcasing this unique and beautiful art form.
Irish Dance is a traditional dance style that has evolved into somewhat of a sport in recent years while still holding onto its historical roots. The Academy's students have the opportunity to perform locally, nationally, and even internationally. While they are exceptional on the competitive stage, the emphasis of the classes is placed on performing and engaging with a live audience rather than being overly concerned with perfection.
The Academy believes that engaging with one's own culture leads to a deeper connexion with oneself and with others. By celebrating the traditions and heritage of Ireland through dance, the school aims to create a culture that unites, unifies, and strengthens its connexions with those at home and around the world. The Academy encourages hard work and passion, representing the epitome of Irish culture.
Founded in 1996 by Samantha McAleer TCRG, The Academy started as Scoil Rince Ni Ceide in Woodvale, Western Australia. As the school grew, Lara Donelan (nee Upton) passed her TCRG exam in 2005 and took on a teaching role, resulting in the school becoming Scoil Rince Ni Ceide/Upton. In 2018, the school had the honour of adopting the name of their sister school, The Academy (Edward Searle ADCRG and Byron Tuttle ADCRG), forming The Academy/Keady Upton.
Initially, The Academy operated from a small space at home. However, as the class size rapidly increased, the school relocated to the parish centre at St Luke's in Woodvale, with support from the local parish priest. Eventually, the school opened classes in Cannington to meet the demand from students south of the river.
In 2015, former student Lara Donelan opened a branch of The Academy in the Perth Hills region. The school then created an association in 2009 with Edward Searle ADCRG and Byron Tuttle ADCRG, founders and principal teachers of The Academy, Mid-America. This relationship allowed for workshops where students received world-winning tutelage and choreography.
In 2017, former student Dhana Pitman (nee White) joined the teaching staff after passing her TCRG exam. The school's name changed officially to The Academy/Keady Upton in 2018 and subsequently to The Academy, Mid-America and Western Australia in 2020. This renaming affirmed the belief of Edward and Byron in the school's high standards, principles, and commitment to teaching.
The Academy Irish Dance Co. Perth is proud to bear the name of The Academy and continues to provide excellent training and opportunities for students to learn and grow in the art of Irish Dance. Classes, performances, and events can be organised by contacting the school using the provided contact information.