Competitive and Recreational Classes in Eugene, Oregon

Teachers

Alex Hailey

TCRG, Owner

Alex has been involved in the Irish Dance community for over 25 years, dancing competitively 20 years. She began dancing in 1998 after watching a performance at her elementary school and quickly fell in love with Irish Dancing. She competed at local competitions throughout her childhood, eventually going on to compete at Regional and National competitions across the country.

When she was 14, she began assisting in classes and by the time she was 17 she was teaching independently. In 2020, Alex earned her TCRG (teacher’s certification) with the Irish Dancing Commission and began teaching with An Daire Academy of Irish Dance in Portland, Oregon.

In 2022, Alex moved to Eugene, Oregon and established Blackthorn Academy of Irish Dance in early 2023. Blackthorn Academy offers competitive and recreational classes for dancers of all ages and all levels, always aiming to help dancers find joy and passion through Irish dancing.

Lauren Crowe-Mueller

CLRG, ADCRG

Lauren hails from Portland, Oregon, where she was a 1988 Rose Festival Princess. Trained in musical theater before applying her talents to Irish dancing, she has appeared on “Prime Time Country” and “Live At The Grand Ole Opry,” danced with the Chieftains, and performed at Renaissance festivals throughout the United States.

In addition to spending much of 1999 and 2000 touring nationally with “Dancing on Common Ground,” Lauren is also a two-time qualifier for the World Irish Dance Championships. Lauren and her husband Jim appeared on the cover of the December 2000 issue of “Irish Dancing Magazine.” In 2005, she earned her TCRG, teacher’s certification, with the Irish Dance Commission (CLRG), and in 2017 she earned her ADCRG, adjudicator’s certification.

Lauren is also a member of SAG/AFTRA and appeared in nationally syndicated television programs including TNT’s “Leverage” and NBC’s “Grimm.”

Jim Mueller

CLRG, ADCRG

Jim is a native of Portland, Oregon. He learned his first Irish steps as a post-graduate hobby, then went on to become a successful international competitor, placing 2nd at the North American Championships and 4th at the All-Irelands.

Jim is a Western US Regional Champion and three-time qualifier for the World Irish Dance Championships. He spent 1999 and 2000 touring nationally with “Dancing on Common Ground,” and with his wife, Lauren, appeared on the cover of the December 2000 issue of Irish Dance Magazine. In 2003, Jim earned his TCRG, teacher’s certification, and now travels throughout North America much of the year judging Irish dance competitions. In 2012, Jim was elected Vice President of the North American Feis Commission, the first teacher to be elected to the executive board. Jim currently serves within the office of the Western Regional Board and has authored a Ceili book entitled, “Rince Fóirne Caillte: Thirty Lost Figure Dances.”

What do I teach?

Youth Classes

Adult Classes

• Rhythm
  
• Flexibility
• Balance and coordination
• Right and Left
• Listening to directions
• Classroom etiquette
• Teambuilding
• Gross Motor Skills
  

• Posture
  
• Memorization of steps
• Rhythm
• Balance and coordination
• Teambuilding
• Determination
• Strengthing muscles
• Staying fit
  

Beginner Class

Our beginner class is for dancers either new to Irish dancing or with limited dance experience. Ideal for elementary school age students. This class will introduce a variety soft shoe performance material and prepare students for taking early grade exams or competitions (not required). This class requires no previous dance experience of any kind!

Advanced Class

This class is for dancers that have learned all the material for Grades 1 and 2. This class is open to older first time dancers that show a proficiencey in picking up material and eagerness to learn. Dancers will begin to learn hard shoe steps and techniques. This class will continue to teach performance choreography and competition readiness.

Champ Class

Our champ class is available for dancers that have previously competed in either Preliminary or Open Championships or dancers that have similar levels of experience. This class will focus on advanced technique and choreography. Dancers in this class will be eligible to compete in the Western Regional Oireachtas and other major comptitions.

Adult Class

This class is for any and all dancers over the age of 16. New and experienced dancers are welcome. Dancers will start learning grade 1 material and will progress at their own pace. Performance choreography and ceili dances will also be taught. Grade exams and competitions are available for dancers that are interested, but not required.

Class Schedule

Studio Locations

Contact Us

Reach out for more information or to book a performance!

Phone

503-516-3149