Orange Academy of Irish Dance was founded in 2025 with a vision to share the beauty and tradition of Irish dancing within the Orange region. Our mission is simple: to offer exceptional dance training while creating a warm, uplifting environment where every dancer feels supported, valued, and inspired.
OUR STORY
OUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Our classes are designed to develop strong foundations in posture, rhythm, timing and technique, while also supporting each dancer’s confidence, creativity and self-expression. We value the life skills dance provides - resilience, teamwork, goal setting and self-belief - and we embrace our role as both teachers and mentors.
We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to guide and support our students and their families and we look forward to building a positive, connected community through dance.
ABOUT KATHRYN
Founder and principal teacher Kathryn Johnson holds a TCRG qualification with CLRG, the world’s largest and most recognised Irish dancing organisation. She is also a member of the Australian Irish Dancing Association (AIDA Inc), NSW Branch.
Kathryn began Irish dancing at age five, training under the Halloran School of Dance (1996–2010) and Rince Le Nor (2012–2019). Over her competitive years, she participated in local competitions, NSW State Championships, Australian National Championships and the Australian International Oireachtas. She has also performed at iconic events including: Sydney Royal Easter Show, Royal Academy of Dance 50th Anniversary Gala, The Granny Smith Festival, St Patrick’s Day promotions.
Her passion for Irish dance extends beyond technique; she believes deeply in its ability to build confidence, discipline and joy.
Outside of dance, Kathryn is a mother of two young children, dog mum to a cheeky Cavoodle, and also works as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Orange Health Service.