Rince na Tiarna (Gaelic for ‘Lord of the Dance’) maintains a standard of excellence that is only possible through a deep respect for themselves and their art form. Established in 1986, the school has taught thousands of dancers, turning beginners into champions! RNT has won countless regional and national titles in both solo dancing and team dancing. In February of 1999, the dance group sent a team of dancers to the All Ireland Championships in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland where Rince na Tiarna competed against schools from all over the world. The school won GOLD, making them the first school from North America to win gold in team dancing at this event. The achievements have continued as the school celebrated its First SOLO World Championship when Kevinah Dargan won the Gold in her age group in March of 2005. She is the youngest North American to win the World Championships to date. The school has produced several World, All Ireland and National Champions. Catching the eye of television producers, TLC approached Mary Kay about participating in “The Big Jig” which followed her and several of her world contenders as they trained and competed at the World Championships. Their achievements and influence have echoed far beyond the boundaries of the local Irish community. Rince na Tiarna has become a leader among Irish dance schools nationwide.
Several RNT dancers have toured with Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” appearing with him in his Broadway debut and in London’s West End. Dancers have also toured with “Riverdance”, recently performing for Pope Francis in Dublin, Ireland at Croke Park. Mary Kay has also produced roughly a dozen teachers who have opened their own schools or teach with RNT.
Not content to simply be one of the finest competitive instructors of Irish dance, Mary Kay has expanded the school’s range and repertoire in a host of imaginative new directions. Her innovative choreography has been performed on “Live w Regis,” in collaboration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and in front of dignitaries from governors, senators, and congressmen to Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Corrigan.
The high kicking, fast-footed Buffalo sweethearts’ amazing accomplishments were also acknowledged by Irish American celebrity Rosie O’Donnell. Christine Collins, Katie Lyons, and Bridget Novak introduced bantered with and danced for Rosie much to the delight of her studio and television audience.
As a choreographer, she has worked in genres as varied as the Irish Classical Theater, Buffalo’s Ensemble Theater to the set of the “Tonight Show.” Mary Kay also spent several days on location in North Carolina as a choreographer on the film “Traveller” starring Bill Paxton (Apollo 13), and Julianna Margulies (ER).
The family-oriented school teaches students from five to young adult while nurturing pride in Gaelic culture. Students are encouraged to pursue performance, traditional and competitive dancing at “their own pace.” From beginner to champion, hard work, creativity, and fun generate a certain spirit and style that is unique to Rince na Tiarna. The school enjoys giving back to the community by offering performances throughout the year for senior centers, hospitals, and other community organizations.
For more information regarding classes, please call (716) 675-8785. Classes are held in South Buffalo, Williamsville, Hamburg, East Aurora and Erie, PA.