Meet the Team
Mary Foley TCRG, Academy Director was born in County Cork, Ireland. Her early years were spent in the Irish countryside. At the age of 7 her parents emigrated to Toronto, Canada. Mary started Irish dance that same year. She danced competitively with integrity and passion with the ultimate goal of preserving Irish culture and heritage. Irish Dance has been the epicenter of her life journey-a journey that Mary has shared with countless students that continues today.
Competing in Irish Dance, both solos and teams Mary maintained an extremely high level of physical fitness. She obtained exceptional results in local, national and international events. Her awards were the culmination of both her dedication and talent. Winning a silver medal for Canada at the 1977 World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin, Ireland is her most memorable moment.
Mary trained as a Nurse and Social Worker, in the Province of Ontario. Her passion to dance and desire to teach led her to obtain her certification exams in Dublin, Ireland. Her overseas teaching position as a Bilingual Physical Education Teacher with the Department of Education and Science, Munster Region, Ireland provided exceptional leadership knowledge. Marys’ greatest desire is the preservation of her Irish Heritage and Celtic Culture. She is registered with the Worlds Governing Authorities, An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha, Dublin, Ireland. IDTAC, Irish Dance Teachers Association of Canada & IDTANA, Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America.
“Dancers are the athletes of God~” Albert Einstein
Carlee Held, Instructor
Great performers start at a young age. At the age of three, Carlee began Irish dancing under the direction of her mother, at the Celtic Academy in Erin, Ontario. She wanted to help teach and would make sure the dancers shoe laces were tied correctly. She was the youngest dancer invited to perform for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the opening of Erins’ Center 2000, ushering in the new millennium. She competed in her first Oireachtas in Niagara Falls, Ontario in 2002, placing 2nd in her solo reel. Her team won 1st place in the Four Hand Minor Championship.
Carlee excelled in all levels of competitive Irish Dance. Her awards in solo, teams and figure choreography are numerous. After moving to Ireland in 2003, she continued her journey at the Irish World Academy. She added to her achievements attaining many local, national and international titles. She was invited to perform as a solo dancer in Draiocht the Show during the summer seasons while residing on the Island of Ireland.
Carlee is a Graduate of the Honours Biomedical Science Program at the University of Guelph Class of 2016. She attended the Graduate School of Dentistry UCC, Cork Ireland from 2016-2020 and is currently practicing as a Dentist in Ontario. We all have a reason to smile. Dr. Carlee Rose Held, DDS., Doctor of Dental Surgery 2020.
Quinn Held, Instructor
Some people watch and some people do. At the age of 2 years, Quinn could not sit and watch her mother teaching, she wanted to get up and dance. And that, she did! Her innate ability to hear the music and put it all together was obvious. Her first solo violin performance was at the age of three with the Suzuki String School of Guelph. Her first Irish dance performance was at Station Road Nursery School in Erin, Ontario. She performed a three hand reel with the O’Neill twins and made local headlines!
Quinn’s natural talent in solo, teams and figure choreography won her many awards. Upon her move to Ireland in 2003, she was immersed in the Irish World Academy. She furthered her achievements and attained local, national and international titles. She was invited to perform as a solo dancer in Draiocht the Show during the summer seasons while residing on the Island of Ireland. Her achievements are remarkable as is her passion for music and dance.
Quinn is a Graduate of the University of Guelph, Honours BA Program, International Development, Criminal Justice & Public Policy Class of 2017. She attended the Juris Doctor of Law Program at the University of Windsor, Ontario and graduated with distinction in 2021. Quinn was called to the Bar by the Law Society of Ontario June 2022, and is currently a practicing Lawyer in Toronto. She has the ethics and determination of a champion and we are privileged to have her part of our team~Periodization is key!
Elizabeth Thorndyke, Camp Director/Choreographer
Elizabeth has enjoyed performing and dance throughout her life. She began her journey with Celtic Academy Canada in the historic Village of Erin, ON. She competed at the highest levels of Irish dance throughout Canada and the US while travelling throughout North America. In addition to teaching children, youth and adults the fundamentals of the performing arts she in actively involved in her local community theatre.
Elizabeth has choreographed , directed and stage managed some of the best musicals of all time. Junior show credits include OMT’s The Little Mermaid Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., and Aladdin Jr. Main stage shows include OMT’s Shrek and The Little Mermaid. Most recently, Elizabeth performed the role of Tanya in OMT’s Mamma Mia.
A graduate of Ryerson University, Toronto, Hons BA, Sociology. Elizabeth is excited to join our team as Camp Director/Choreographer. Creating our version of Riverdance The Animated Adventure, she is sure to engage our current and future students!