CNH TEACHERS
katie roper izzo, t.c.r.g
owner/instructor
Katie began Irish dancing at age 6 under the instruction of Margaret Pike and, later, her daughter, Ellen Pike. During her years of dancing, Katie competed in regional, national, and international competitions, such as the All-Ireland and World Championships.
Katie’s competitive career in Irish Dance was marked by numerous achievements. She secured several top 5 and top 10 placements at the Regional Oireachtas and North American Championship, including a notable 5th place finish that made her the highest-ranking North American in her competition that year. Her success continued with two 2nd-place solo medals at the All-Ireland Championships and over 10 consecutive appearances at the World Championships, earning multiple recall medals. Katie's competitive journey culminated when she retired to pursue her education degree at Iona College.
After college, Katie went on to teach Pre-K, but she never forgot her love of Irish Dance. Katie began her dance teaching career in 2017, and in 2019, Clan na hÉireann Irish Dance was born! Clan na hÉireann, which translates to "The Irish Family", was founded on the principles of love, loyalty, friendship, and family. Clan na hÉireann Irish Dance strives to promote a love of Irish Dancing, loyalty to one another, the formation of life-long friendships, and most importantly, a family-like bond that cannot be broken! Katie is excited to instill her love of Irish Dancing to future generations.
joseph michael davis, t.c.r.g.
choreographer/workshop instructor
Joseph attended his first Irish Dance class, taught by his mother, in a crib, when he was just five days old. By the age of three, Joseph was dancing competitively, and by his second competition he had worked his way to Open Championships. Joseph has earned the title of British Midland Champion 13 years in a row. At age 10, Joseph danced a solo at the World Championships for the first time and placed 3rd in his age group. That same year, Joseph earned two 1st place World medals in ceili and figure competitions. Joseph consistently placed within the top five for the remainder of his competitive career.
Joseph began his Irish Dance teaching career at his mother's school, The Jean Davis Academy, in Birmingham, England. In 2010, Joseph was requested to share his knowledge of the art of Irish Dance with students at the University of Birmingham.
In recent years, Joseph has taken of the role of "Creative Director" for the Jean Davis Academy and he has traveled to the United States several times to host workshops. Joseph is delighted to be choreographing steps for the Clan na hÉireann School of Irish Dance because, like his mother, Joseph believe that, "In order to excel at something, you must love it first."