Máire Clerkin is a certified Irish Dance teacher and adjudicator with the Irish Dancing Commission in Dublin, Ireland. She has taught Irish Dance and theatre for over 30 years, for University of Limerick, Loyola Marymount, Santa Monica College, LAUSD, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Los Angeles Music Center and LA Arts Group. In addition to choreographing for the West End and Broadway and directing her Irish Dance theatre companies in the UK, she founded Irish Music & Dance ensemble, A Gaelic Gathering in Los Angeles in 2007 – the group performs in school assemblies throughout Southern California. Máire’s expertise in traditional Irish dance and storytelling of Irish myths and legends, combined with her training in theater and journalism, led her to develop popular programs for students which align with California’s arts curriculum: Irish Dance Drama and Write Move (Creative Writing through Irish Dance). Lessons focus on team work, developing discipline, discovering a new culture, health & fitness, discussion with description, and gaining skills of the Irish Reel and Jig. Máire has created eight title-winning Irish Dance Drama productions in the US; made her TV storytelling debut in Telling LA on PBS; and has toured her award-winning solo show across North America and Europe.