Inspiring a New Generation About Our World Class Academy and Instructor

Unparalleled, Inspiring, Positive Dance Instruction

The Magennis Academy of Irish Dance was founded in 2019 when Declan Magennis (TCRG – Qualified Irish Dance Teacher) moved to Orlando from Newry, Ireland. Declan’s goal in setting up his Irish Dance Academy was to promote Irish culture and love of Irish dance with students and families throughout Orlando and the surrounding areas. The Academy offers Irish Dance instruction for ages 3+ and caters for students who are interested in competition, kids who wish to attend class for recreational reasons and those who wish to pursue a career in professional dancing. Irish Dance is an excellent form of physical exercise whilst simultaneously focusing on other essential skills such as balance, coordination and listening skills.

The Magennis Academy of Irish Dance is registered under and fully abides by all rules of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) otherwise known as the Irish Dancing Commission. This is the largest and most reputable Irish Dance organization in the world allowing students the opportunity if desired to compete on Regional, National and International levels.

Director, Declan Magennis (TCRG)

Declan Magennis TCRG is the owner and director of the Magennis Academy of Irish Dance. Declan was born and raised in Killeavy a small village on the outskirts of Newry, Co. Down in the North of Ireland. His love for Irish dance began at an early age and blossomed into a successful dancing career on Regional, National and International levels. Declan danced competitively for over 14 years and during this time he reached the highest level in the dance world placing second at the World Irish Dance Championships on three occasions individually and won the world title an incredible seven years in a row with his Ceili team.

In 2013, Declan graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a First Class Honors Law Degree. Shortly after, he decided to pursue his passion, dancing professionally on stages all over the world with reputable dance companies such as Celtic Legends, Rhythm of the Dance, Danceperados of Ireland, Irish Rhythms, Magic of the Dance, Slidestep Dance and completed a nineteen month stint at Raglan Road in Disney Springs right here in Orlando. Declan has toured over twenty five countries extensively as a dancer in the past six years including the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Austria, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, UK, Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, China, Estonia, Taiwan, Sweden, Denmark, USA, Canada, Russia, Morocco, Spain, Mallorca, Ukraine, Italy and Cyprus. Declan has performed in some of the worlds most prestigious venues, including but not limited to the Forbidden City Beijing, Olympia Theatre Paris, Olympia Theatre Dublin, Crocus City Hall Moscow and the Royal Theatre Copenhagen. Declan has also made several TV appearances showcasing his talents namely in Paris on a live telethon event to over 1 million viewers, Global News in Montreal, Canada and Fox 35 right here in the US. He also performed live with Slidestep Dance at the ECHO Music Awards in Berlin, Germany with Rea Garvey. Several top world renowned artists such as Jason Derulo, Liam Payne, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendez and Kylie Minogue were all present at this event.

Declan successfully sat his TCRG exam in Vienna, Austria in December 2017, qualifying him as an Irish Dance Teacher. Declan achieved the aforementioned whilst still touring the world as a professional dancer. Declan looks forward to welcoming all new students to his academy, hoping to inspire the next generation and instil a love and passion for Irish dance. He firmly believes that the next generation have something amazing to offer and hopes to nurture each individual child’s talent in order to bring them one step closer to their own personal goals, whether that may be to simply dance for fun, fitness, or to attempt to qualify, recall and place at a major international competitions such as the Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne (World Irish Dance Championships).

Testimonials

‘’Declan has been an inspiration and role model for Aidan (9) and Declan (7) for six years now. We had the opportunity to meet Declan at Raglan Road in Disney World in 2013. It was there that my boys watched Declan dance in amazement. After his performance, Declan took the time to meet the boys and spend some time with them. That was all it took! Aidan started irish dancing a few weeks later in NY and Declan followed suit a few years after that. We were able to see Declan a few more times during his residency at Raglan Road and he continued to build a relationship with the boys, even getting together while he was on tour in New York! Declan has a way with people that makes them feel special. He is both kind and motivating and I have full confidence he will be a wonderful dance teacher’’

Kim Habermehl
Long Island, NY
“This is a school to watch out for – with over 20 years of dancing experience, this incredibly talented young man can only be described as unique. His dedication, style and passion for irish dance is unmatched, not to mention he has an impeccable reputation in the world of irish dance, which is showcased by his extensive list of professional experience. This dance school will give young dancers the opportunity to learn from the elite and excel to the best of their ability, learning both solo and figure dancing from this multiple champion…”

Siofra McGeown
Ulster Champion
South Armagh, Ireland
“On my first professional tour in China I met Declan. Immediately I was blown away by his technicality, knowledge and enthusiasm not just for Irish dance, but Irish culture. His incomparable drive and desire to promote Irish heritage opened my eyes, regardless of my prior ten year training. It is no surprise that he is in high demand all over the world, having performed in every continent. His years of travelling extensively as a professional dancer, showcasing his talent in numerous cities around the world has propelled him to become one of the best there is when it comes to Irish Dance. I for one am excited to follow his next adventure and watch this new school become the best Orlando has to offer.”

Ryan Barry
Professional Irish Dancer
London, England
“Throughout my time touring with Celtic Legends I learnt so much from Declan, not only in terms of dancing but also life in general! Declan is an incredible dancer but more importantly he is one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of meeting in the dancing world. He is the type of person that looked out for everyone on tour. He is a great listener and someone I always knew I could talk to and confide in. I wish him all the success in the world with his dance school and have no doubt he will be both an amazing teacher and role model for the kids across Orlando!”

Shannon Bradley
8x World Champion
Belfast, Ireland
“Declan’s passion for dance and teaching is extremely inspirational and I cannot recommend him enough to anyone living in the Orlando area. He is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of him, excelling in everything he does. His experience and knowledge in dancing is immeasurable. This academy is instructed by the best Central Florida has to offer and is the only option for those wanting to reach the top.“

John Whitehurst
4x World Champion
Birmingham, England