Christine Duffin
T.C.R.G.

Chris has been involved in the New England Irish Dance community for over thirty years.  She began Irish Step Dancing in her hometown of South Weymouth, MA at the age of five with the Smith-Houlihan Academy of Irish Dance. She has competed and performed throughout the U.S. and Canada and Ireland, including performances with the world-renowned Chieftans and Michael Flatley at Symphony Hall.  She is a ten time New England Regional Champion as well as a North American Champion. She competed at the All Ireland Championships three times receiving two 2nd place awards in team dance competitions. In 1990, Chris passed the T. C.R.G. examination becoming a fully accredited teacher certified by the Au Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha (The Irish Dancing Commission of Dublin, Ireland).

Chris was inspired to teach and bring her love of dance to the community by which she resides.  This passion has brought many of her students joy and success in both the non-competitive and competitive aspects of Irish-step dancing. 
 
 
Heidi T. Riccio
Administrative Assistant/Teacher Assistant 

Heidi began Irish-step Dancing at the age of four with Mary Richards in North Andover, MA.  After Mary retired, Heidi began dancing at the O’Shea/Chaplain Academy of Irish Dance under the direction of Rita O’Shea. Heidi danced in solo, choreography, and drama competitions at the local and national levels.  She stopped competing and performing when she attended college but has always maintained a high level of interest in the cultural aspect of Irish Dance. Heidi joined the Bracken School of Irish Dance in 2008 as a teacher in the non-competitive classes.  Teaching at the Bracken School has given her the opportunity to “jump” back into Irish dance-something she enjoys with all her heart.  She is currently teaching Wee-Pat and Pre-Beginner students.

Heidi holds a Master of Education at Fitchburg State College and is the Director of Career and Technical Education at the Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover, Massachusetts.  It is the teaching and administrative experience she brings to our studio that makes her a highly qualified instructor.