A Year in Review: Gratitude, Growth, and the Joy of Teaching Irish Dance

Mattie and Elowyn achieving BIG things at our regionals!

As the year comes to a close and we begin looking ahead to a fresh start, I find myself reflecting on what truly makes this journey so meaningful. Teaching Irish dance is more than steps, competitions, or performances. It is about people, progress, and the powerful sense of community that makes Reid Academy feel like home.

Celebrating a Year of Growth

This past year was filled with milestones both big and small. From dancers mastering their first reel to others achieving personal bests on the competition stage, every moment mattered. One of the greatest joys of teaching Irish dance is watching students discover strengths they didn’t yet know they had. Confidence grows, resilience builds, and suddenly something that once felt impossible becomes achievable.

Those moments when a dancer realizes “I can do this” are why we do what we do.

The Heart of Reid Academy: Our Families and Students

Reid Academy thrives because of its families and dancers. The support, encouragement, and trust from parents allow our students to grow not just as dancers, but as individuals. Our studio is a place where hard work is celebrated, effort is valued, and every dancer is supported at their own pace.

Irish dance is unique in the way it blends tradition, discipline, and creativity, and it is an honor to share that with families who believe in the process and show up week after week with enthusiasm and dedication.

Achieving Goals Together

Another highlight of this year has been watching dancers set goals and then exceed them. Whether those goals involved technique, performance quality, teamwork, or confidence, the progress has been inspiring. Growth in Irish dance is not linear, and learning to persevere through challenges is just as important as celebrating success.

None of this would be possible without our incredible co teachers. Teaching alongside such passionate, talented, and supportive educators makes every achievement even more rewarding. Collaboration, encouragement, and shared vision are at the core of our teaching philosophy, and our dancers benefit immensely from that teamwork.

Looking Ahead to the New Year

The new year brings fresh goals, renewed motivation, and exciting opportunities. As we step into the next chapter, I am filled with gratitude for our dancers, our families, and our teaching team. Reid Academy is more than an Irish dance school. It is a community built on trust, growth, and shared love for Irish dance.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to see what the new year brings and to continue helping our dancers achieve things they never thought possible.