Instructors

Molly Francis-Lutwin has her Internationally recognized TCRG certification to teach traditional Irish Dancing. She has competed for over 15 years in solo and ceili competitions all over North America, the United Kingdom, and Ireland under the instruction of Ann Johnston, owner/operator of the Johnston School of Irish Dance. Molly founded the Francis Academy of Irish Dance in 2009. Molly will be running the Francis & Mauriello Academy of Irish Dance, located in the heart of Tipperary Hill in Syracuse, NY. Molly resides in Syracuse with her husband, Adam, and their 4 childern. 

Molly Francis-Lutwin, TCRG

Owner/Operator

United States
 

Simona Mauriello, TCRG

Owner/Operator

London, England
 

Simona Mauriello started dancing with Maguire O'Shea in London at the age of six. Simona has won over 200 championships and 17 major titles all over the world and placed second in the World Championships. She starred in the 2012 Irish Dance documentary "Jig" that chronicled selected dancers on their journeys to the World Championships.

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Simona began her professional dance career at 19, joining Michael Flatley's "Feet of Flames" in Taiwan in 2009. She has continued to play lead roles with Michael Flatley, performing as the lead, Morrighan, during a world tour and accompanying him during one of his last shows on a farewell tour in the United States. 

Simona received her TCRG certification in 2017 and shortly after opened Simona Mauriello Academy of Irish Dance in London.

Simona will be running the Francis & Mauriello Academy of Irish Dance located in London, England. 

In addition, Simona is a renowned Irish Dance dress maker and is the owner/ operator of Simona Mauriello Designs. 

Katie (Montague) McCarthy began her dancing career at the age of 7 under the instruction of the Drumcliffe School of Irish Dance.  She competed in ceili and solos at the local, national, and world levels for 15 years before earning her TCRG certification in 2002. Katie served as the director for Drumcliffe classes held in Binghamton, NY before establishing the Montague School of Irish Dance (2005-2013). Katie has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education, and she is also a certified group fitness instructor. She resides in Cicero, NY with her husband, Chris, and their 3 children.

Katie McCarthy, TCRG

Dance Instructor

United States

Kelly Francis-Carroll, Molly's sister, is an assistant teacher at the Francis  & Mauriello Academy of Irish Dance. She has competed since the age of 8 in solo and ceili competitions all over North America, the United Kingdom, and Ireland under the instruction of Ann Johnston, owner/operator of the Johnston School of Irish Dance.  Kelly resides in Liverpool with her husband, John, and their daugher Birdie and son Seamus.

Kelly Francis-Carroll

Assistant Dance Instructor

United States

Our Program

Our program is designed to challenge each dancer to achieve his or her personal best, both on and off the dance floor. Students develop concentration skills, coordination and self confidence that will serve them well in all facets of life. Whether your child has ambitions to compete in Irish dance, perform publicly, or simply to dance for the fun of it, we will help you and your child reach their goals.  

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For the Irish-American family, dance is a great way to stay connected to one's heritage. Irish dance offers tremendous opportunities for all students, regardless of culture or ethnic background.

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