Niamh Webster T.C.R.G.

Tir Na Nog was founded by Niamh Webster in 2000. She is first generation Canadian, as her father was born in Ireland and emmigrated to Canada in 1954. Niamh received her T.C.R.G. (Teachers An Cumisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha) in Dublin, Ireland and has been teaching Irish dance for over 15 years.

She competed as a Champion Irish Dancer for many years and qualified for the North American and World Championships. Niamh has danced solo, in the duet Shaunetta and as an original member and director of the First Generation Dancers across Canada, in the United States, Ireland and Scotland.

She has shared the stage with such diverse artists as Ashley MacIssac, Altan, Teada, Loretto Reid, Brolum, Day Break and Dervish. She has been featured on City TV, Breakfast Televistion, CTV and CKCO. Niamh has graced many stages such as Toronto's Harbour Front, Hamilton's Earth Song Festival, Saline Michigan's Ceiltic Festival, Fergus Scottish Festival, Goderich Celtic Roots, Centre in the Square, RiverRun, and more. Currently Niamh is a member of the band HAWP.

Niamh's award winning choreography has been featured at festivals, the theatrical stage and shows throughout Canada and the US. Including the full length dance show Celtic Crossroads (2005, 2007). Her choreography is just one of the many attributes that Niamh is known for wherever she goes. She has ran workshops and given lectures at the Gaelic College in Scotland, in Chicago, Michigan and throughout Ontario. She has called Ceilis for Natalie MacMaster and Donnel Leahy. Niamh was the co-recipient of the first Auleen Theriault Young Tradition Award, presented at the Goderich Celtic Roots festival in 2001.

"The last person who danced here like that was Jean Butler!" Manager at Matt Molloy's Pub, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland

"Niamh Webster is known widely for her dramatic choreography. Her work with her students leads to stunning visuals and a strong narrative storyline." Goderich Celtic Roots Festival

 

(Niamh has) such a lovely way with (her) students - encouraging them to grow and develop their talents while a the same time making dance both challenging and fun. I wish we could commute to Nova Scotia!

Sharon Q, Parent   (Sept. 2005 - May 2009)

I had the opportunity of taking Step Dance lessons from Niamh Webster at Tir na nog Dance Academy in Kitchener ON. At age 65, I was the oldest member of the class, however, Niamh made me feel welcome and confident and I learned how to step dance. In one year I was able to take part in a Recital and realize a dream to be able to step dance to an Irish Reel.     " Thanks " Niamh.

Hubert Hynes (Danced 2008-2009 dancing season)

I was very happy to see that a Traditional Irish Dance school had opened in the Annapolis Valley. For ten years I drove my daughter into Halifax for her lessons every week. That was the closest place for Irish Dance lessons. If only Tir Na Nog had come sooner! Now she is grown and gone, but it is not to late for her mother to take lessons.  I began in September and have enjoyed every moment. Great exercise and conditioning for any age and Niamh has been so patient with her adult students. She even wants us to perform!!

Janice Palmer, age 50 something dancing one year.

Being a student, and dancing with Niamh at Tir na nOg was an experiance i will always cherish. I started dancing when i was 7 years old, as a recreational dancer. I continued to do recreational dancing until i was around 9 or 10 years of age. Dancing gave me something to work towards, something to love. I always looked forward to Thursday's...Dance day!! As my passion grew for Irish dance, I started to compete. I competed in beginner levels, worked my way through advanced beginner, novice, prizewinner and Preliminary Championship with Niamh by my side the whole way. I still compete to this day at the Preliminary Championship level, but only as a result of Niamh's superior teaching and skill. Throughout the years with Tir na nOg, many opportunities changed my life. Through traveling with groups of performers, and doing shows, as well as competing over-seas, dance has had a huge positive impact on my life. I am forever greatful for the talent that I have been given through Niamh's guidance and teaching. Many memories have been built while being with Niamh that have made me not only a stronger dancer, but also a stronger person. Niamh has helped me build confidence that has brought me to do amazing things with my life, through dancing. Tir na nOg will always be in my heart, dancing will always be in my soul. Thank You Niamh for giving me something in my life that I can be proud of.

Miranda Kuepfer, 8 years of dancing with Tir na nOg, 15 years old. 

Niamh is a great teacher for dancers of all ages.  She is patient in her interaction, and clear in her instruction.  She respects her dancers and pushes them to do their best.  She also makes hard work fun.