O’SHEA-RYAN ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE
The O’Shea-Ryan Irish Dance Group from Australia (An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha – Dublin) has been in existence for over 60 years, with Branches of the Academy operating throughout the State of Victoria in southern Australia. During that time many excellent performers have emerged.
The Principal, Geraldine Ryan TCRG, ADCRG, is an accomplished Teacher, Adjudicator, Choreographer and Examiner. She has adjudicated at International Folk Festivals in Munich, Bavaria, Majorca, Spain, Australia, Johannesburg, United States of America, Ireland and throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Over the years members of the Group have performed throughout Australia, Asia and Europe, having toured to International Folk Festivals in Turkey, Sicily, Austria, Italy, Nepal, The Netherland, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Russia, as well as a Guest Tour of Japan.
They are beautifully attired in colourful costumes with Celtic designs thereon, and their lively energetic dances are performed to the ‘toe-tapping’ music of traditional Irish Jigs and Reels, which are both lively and entertaining, and have always been greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all. Dancers’ ages range from the very young, to young adults and to the older ‘young at heart’ performers. Some dances are performed in soft soled shoes whilst others are performed in hard soled shoes which beat out the rhythm to the lively music.
In 2006 another select group from the O’Shea-Ryan Irish Dancers performed at International Folk Festivals in Sicily, Italy, Prague, Czech Republic, and at the International Military Tattoo in Stockholm in Sweden.
In 2008 dancers from this Group were greatly applauded for their performances at the International Military Tattoo in Wonju City, South Korea, as well as at the 111 International Art Festival “Suzdal Autumn – 2008” in Russia.
In 2009 members from the Group performed at International Folk Festivals in Germany and the Czech Republic, and in 2010 members of the Group had great success with performances at International Folk Festival in Yalova, Turkey, and also at the International Military Tattoo in Hamina, Finland..
Another very successful presentation was in October 2011 where a Group presented an Irish Segment at the China-Nanchang International Military Tattoo. In addition to this they were applauded for their performances at the Concerts and Parade which accompanied this Event.
In 2012 they have had very successful performances at the Hong Kong International Military Tattoo and Concerts.
Once again, in 2013, these Dancers had a wonderful experience with great performances at International Folk Festivals in Italy, Germany and Croatia, and
in 2014 in Greece, Spain and Malta. In 2015 the O’SHEA-RYAN IRISH DANCERS attended Festivals in Iceland, Hungary and Montenegro. In 2016 members performed at the International Folk Festival in Borneo and were honoured to be invited to perform in the Celebration of Indigenous Cultures in Juneau, Alaska.
Recently, in 2017, Members of this Group performed at International Folklore Festivals in Portugal and Romania, and in 2018 they were very successful in performances in Greece and the Czech Republic.
Stephen McKellar (25 yr), is an international Irish dance performer, member of the O’Shea-Ryan Academy of Irish dance, tought by Geraldine O’Shea-Ryan.
He commenced dancing in 2011. His Scottish-Celtic heritage has led to his love of Irish Music and Dance, and the enjoyment of the spontaneous gatherings of sessions in Pubs and Halls where Stephen finds it hard to stop his feet from tapping once the music gets going.
It is Sheena Watson, a long time experienced performer with the O’Shea-Ryan Irish Dancers and soon to be Stephen’s wife, who encouraged Stephen to join the Group.
Amazingly, Stephen has risen to become an international performer at many International Folk Festivals and International Military Tattoos throughout Europe, also receiving the Special Award for BEST MALE DANCER presented by His Excellency, Head of State of Sabah, at the 2016 International Folklore Festival held in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo.