Cork dance teacher: I love seeing my students on stage every day

Tell us about yourself;

I graduated from UCC with a BA Hons degree in Drama and Theatre Studies and qualified with the I.S.T.D.

I am currently Head of Dance in CADA (Cork Academy for the Dramatic Arts). I have choreographed numerous shows in Cork city and county.

I am a fluent Irish speaker and was commissioned by TG4 to work on a choreographic piece for Gael Scoileanna.

I also choreographed an ad for Ayrton with Epic Productions.

I recently qualified as a Zumba Instructor.

Where were you born?

I was born in Cork.

Where do you live?

At the moment I am living in Glanmire with my family as myself and my fiancé are building a house in Berrings.

Family?

My mom, Caroline, is also highly involved in the panto and in CADA, my dad Tim, however, is the total opposite and is very involved in sport. I have one sister, Annaliese, who takes after my dad and has been involved in the Irish basketball team for the past five years. We are very close and get on very well... until I steal her clothes!

Best friend?

I am very lucky to say I have more than one best friend, I’m still very close with friends I grew up with and also would call my work colleagues my best friends.

Earliest childhood memory?

Performing as Mary Dawe in Mother Goose at the Everyman when I was five.

Person who most irritates you?

People who are disloyal!

Who would you like to see as Minister for Finance and why?

I think Ted Mahon Buckley from CADA would sort everything out if we gave him the chance...!

Where was your most memorable holiday?

It would have to be Las Vegas this summer, we stayed in the Strat Hotel and got engaged on the Top of the Tower.

Favourite TV programme?

I am a complete girly girl so I have rewatched The Gilmore Girls, Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl too many times to count!

Favourite radio show?

96fm of course! Our panto sponsors, I listen to them every morning!

Your signature dish if cooking?

Something nice and quick like spaghetti bolognese or chili con carne!

Favourite restaurant?

I love Chinese food and was honestly so upset when Pearl River closed over the summer, thankfully it’s now re-opened. I’m a regular!

Last book you read?

I’m currently reading Once, Twice,Three Times an Aisling.

Best book you read?

I’m a Harry Potter geek at heart! I’ve re-read all of the books so many times.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Music for my students’ tap exams.

Favourite song?

I love musicals, I don’t have a favorite song but I love the music from Come From Away.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I would love to see the Spice Girls or Britney Spears. I missed out on the Spice Girls last year because we had a show the same weekend.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, I have a mix of Bichon Frise and a Maltese Terrier, her name is Millie. She’s more of a baby than a pet though.

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl... I don’t do mornings very well!!

Your proudest moment?

I’ve had a lot, from watching my sister win two European medals for Ireland to seeing my students perform on stage in panto each night. They work so hard and I am proud to teach them.

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift by heart but trying to save at the moment.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

More public transport services. Glanmire badly needs extra buses.

What makes you happy?

I love spending time with my family and friends but I also am very lucky to say I enjoy my job. I’m always happy when I get to see my students thriving in what they love doing.

How would you like to be remembered?

Someone who was kind to everyone.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Besides the panto we are currently preparing for dance exams in the studio and I am working on a school show as well.

The panto, Jack & the Beanstalk, produced by the Everyman and CADA, continues until January.

Full details on www.everymancork.com