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 perform in a both a Jazz dance
troupe (The Deerfoot Dolls) and an Irish dance troupe (Emerald
Fire) locally.

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.