The Bracken School of Irish Dance
Bracken Tucson
Tucson, AZ
Located in the heart of Tucson, we sit at 2100 N Wilmot Rd UNIT 309, Tucson, AZ 85712.
Come visit us!
Meet The Team
Maggie Lopez TCRG
Owner and Director
Maggie Lopez brings over 25 years of experience in Irish dance, infusing every class with passion, dedication, and a deep love for the art form. She began her Irish dance journey at the age of seven as a Bracken dancer in Tucson, AZ. When the Bracken School relocated to Phoenix in 2006, Maggie continued her training with the Maguire Academy, where she competed until 2016. She started assisting in classes at the age of 13 and earned her teaching certification in 2017.
Maggie's passion for Irish culture led her to study abroad in Ireland, where she immersed herself in the traditional and regional aspects of Irish dance. Her teaching experience spans a diverse age range, from toddlers to seniors, and she appreciates the unique qualities each age group and skill level brings to the dance floor.
In 2023, Maggie proudly became the owner of the Bracken School, continuing its legacy while bringing fresh vision and energy to the studio. She is currently pursuing her adjudicator's certification, demonstrating her commitment to growing both personally and professionally within the Irish dance community.
Beyond the dance floor, Maggie works as a financial analyst, balancing precision and creativity in both her careers. However, it is in the studio where her heart truly lies. She finds immense joy in teaching children, helping them develop not only their dance skills but also a sense of achievement, community, and self-confidence. Watching students grow throughout their dance journey is one of her greatest rewards.
Maggie is honored to lead the Bracken School and looks forward to nurturing the next generation of Irish dancers.
Beth Solinsky
Assistant Teacher
Born and raised in Dublin, Beth Solinsky began Irish Dancing at the local church hall with the
neighborhood children on Saturday afternoons. Fast forward many years, a transatlantic move to
Tucson, marriage and children. Beth returned to Irish dancing at the request of her oldest daughter, who wanted to compete in a parent/child 2 hand competition at Feile Rince Tucson. That began a long dance career, first with the Bracken School if Irish dance and then The Maguire Academy of Irish Dance. She is delighted to be back again with the Bracken School. As well as becoming an assistant teacher and ceili coach, she has competed in multiple Feiseanna, and Western Regional Oireachtas, winning competitions in adult solos, championships, and team events. Beth also is very active within the local Irish community promoting Irish dance and culture at various events and venues.
Jenny Clark
Assistant Teacher
Jenny has been Irish dancing since 2003, when she started as a college student in her hometown of Milwaukee. Since then, she has danced and taught at four other schools in Michigan and Arizona, including opening her own studio in 2011 in Wisconsin under her family name (O’Dell Irish Dancers). After moving around the country for her radio career, she settled at Maguire Academy in Tucson as an adult champ Irish dancer. She loves to teach and work with dancers in their early days of irish dance. She continues to compete and is also taking her grade exams to achieve her TCRG status. Jenny is excited to now be part of Bracken, and to help you and your dancers achieve your Irish dance goals!
Pat Hackett
Assistant Teacher
Pat started Irish dancing with Bracken as an adult in 2003, and transitioned to Maguire Academy in 2006, and is happy to be dancing with Bracken once again. She started competing consistently in the adult competitions in 2012 and has traveled often for feiseanna, both in Arizona and out of state, and once to Canada. She has competed in the regional oireachtas every year since 2014. Pat has helped out with the children and adult classes and enjoys teaching them the Irish dancing she herself loves so much.
