O' Sullivan Academy

The O’Sullivan Academy of Irish Dance is under the direction of Melissa O’Sullivan. Melissa began studying Irish Dance at the age of 4 with Annie McBride in Oakland, California.
Melissa studied dance in high school and college and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from San Jose State University in 1995. Melissa has been a professional dance instructor and choreographer since 1989. She owned and directed O’Sullivan’s Dance Academy from 2002 until June of 2008. In July of 2008 Melissa sold the Non-Irish dance part of her studio and began to focus exclusively on Irish Dance.
The O’Sullivan Academy of Irish Dance officially came into existence in 2006. Melissa O’Sullivan received her T.C.R.G. in 2006 and is registered with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, the Irish Dance Commission in Ireland, I.D.A.N.T.A. and the Western U.S. Region of Irish Dance.
The O’Sullivan Academy of Irish Dance is a unique and exciting school. The O’Sullivan Academy offers 5 days of classes. Their studio has state of the art Sprung Marley Stage Step dance flooring which prevents injury to the dancers’ knees and ankles.
The O’Sullivan Academy has its its own touring company, The Irish Repertory Company (IRC) which travels and performs year round. Auditions for this dynamic group are held each August.
Melissa has a very broad dance and fitness background which she brings into all of the Irish Classes. She obtained Aerobics Certifications from AFAA and AEA which emphasized injury prevention and proper warm up technique. She is currently working on obtaining her personal trainer certification through AFAA to further assist dancers with their strength and fitness goals as well.
Melissa studied dance teaching and choreography intensely while obtaining her Dance Degree at San Jose State University. She spent 5 years as a dance judge for Winterguard competitions and is planning on sitting her Irish Dance judging exam (A.D.C.R.G.) in 2010.
The O’Sullivan Academy offers workshops for its students. In the past they have hosted the Southern Region Oireachtas Champion, Erin Cass, T.C.R.G. from Houston, TX. Recently, they hosted Fiona Gallagher, from Dublin, Ireland who has won a total of ten world medals ranging from 2nd to 10th, has been the British national champion, Great Britain’s champion, Australian Champion and the American nationals champion. She just finished touring with Lord of the Dance for 4 years and taught another fantastic workshop for the academy in Spring 2009.