Scoil Rince Nua - Sheffield Irish Dance Company was formed in May 1995 by Bernadette, Marie and Clare Twomey who danced for many years with the Grainger School of Irish Dancing in Manchester and the Yorkshire-based Frances Cassidy School of Irish Dancing.

The name, pronounced - Skull Rinka Nooa - is Irish for New Dance School. The class started with just 10 children on Saturday mornings at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sandygate, Sheffield.

Within a year, the number of children attending classes had risen to 60. By the year 2000 there were in excess of 100 children - both boys and girls - coming to our classes.

Cora Duffy joined Scoil Rince Nua as a dance teacher in 1999 when Bernadette went to Ireland for a year to study a Masters degree in Ethnochoreology at the Irish World Music Centre at the University of Limerick.

Scoil Rince Nua promotes a non-competitive approach to Irish dancing. Emphasis is placed on enjoyment whilst keeping alive the rich culture of traditional Irish dance.

Our children are able to display their talents by performing at a range of events throughout the year including festivals, charity concerts and the dancing school's annual show at the Penistone Paramount Theatre.

Our straightforward approach is reflected in a welcome for children of all abilities and a simplistic style in dress and accessories. Scoil Rince Nua is first and foremost about the dance.

Due to the complex nature of the steps involved in Irish dance, Scoil Rince Nua believes that children benefit most from our classes when they have reached school age.

If you would like more information about Scoil Rince Nua or would like to see us in action, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or come along to one of our forthcoming performances.