Teacher

Joelle Sheppard (Miss. Joelle)

I first started Irish dancing at age 5 at the Regent Academy of Irish Dance. At the age of 12, I began
student teaching at the same academy.

At age 16, I obtained my first job teaching dance wherein I taught Irish Show Dancing. Which is Irish
dancing that has incorporated elements of Jazz, Ballet and acting.

Following this, I worked at various studios for six years choreographing and teaching Irish Dance show
pieces. During which time, I studied Ballet and
contemporary both in studios and at the University of Calgary.

It was at the University of Calgary that I obtained my undergraduate degree at the age of 22. This degree
allowed me to attend the university of Limerick, Ireland, where I obtained my Master of Arts in Irish dance
performance.

While in Ireland studying Irish Step Dancing, I had the opportunity to dance under the tuition of many
talented instructors, each with their own unique styles of dancing and teaching.

After spending a summer at home, I returned to Ireland where I studied for and obtained my T.C.R.G.*
under the tuition of my mentor Orfhlaith Nibhriain and the added help of Michael Ryan.

After returning home from Ireland in December of 2006, M.J.P.Academy was created and had its first
official class on February 6th, 2007.

Currently, I teach at M.J.P. and I own and perform in an Irish dance troupe called Dara.

My time spent training with so many different teachers in Irish Dance and other dance forms now allows
me the oportunity to expose my own students to many different styles of teaching and dancing.

*T.C.R.G. stands for Teastas Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha.
Which when translated to English means Irish Dancing Commission Teacher.