09/12/2016
Today, after more than 45 years of teaching Irish Dance, I formally announce my retirement. I have transitioned direction of the school to our partner-teacher, Anthony Fallon, TCRG.
I am certainly sad to make this change but also very excited about the new opportunities it brings me personally.
I opened my first dance school in Waterbury, CT when I was in my early 20’s and from that point on, teaching Irish Dance has been a huge part of my life. I have taught thousands of dancers in multiple locations (and states), from preschoolers to college graduates, and adults. I proudly taught dozens of World and National Medal Holders, all of whom were my original students from a young age.
My dedication went beyond competition as I truly believe there is more to Irish Dance than the competitive side. My focus has always been on training girls and boys to win and lose gracefully, understand the importance of teamwork and respect for teachers and parents, and ultimately, help them build character for life beyond Irish Dance. As a registered nurse I gave up my professional career to teach dance. I never ran my school for financial benefit, but truly because I loved it. Today, I am ready to step away from the nightly and weekend class schedule, daily administration and many other obligations tied to running a school. I look forward to traveling with my husband Chris, and spending more time with my family and friends. Simply, I look forward to "slowing down" and enjoying my retirement.
Tara has also stepped down as co-director of the school to spend more time at home with her two young children and continue her professional career in Corporate Social Responsibility. Tara started teaching with me after graduating from Villanova University, and successfully balanced having a full time career working with Fortune 500 companies and global nonprofits, and helping to run the dance school with several locations. With the addition of two young children, it has been increasingly difficult for her to balance family, career and dancing. Ultimately, the necessary schedule and commitments of teaching classes and running a competitive dance school meant giving up many evenings, weekends and holidays at home. Tara will sincerely miss all her students and leaves the door open to going back to teaching in future years.
This was not an easy decision, nor a fast one. We've spent the past year welcoming Anthony into our school as part of our staff and having him get to know our dancers as we quietly planned this transition. Prior to last year, Anthony was our workshop teacher for 6 years so this transition is natural and we wish him luck as he starts this new, exciting chapter in his life.
On behalf of Tara and me, we want to thank all of our dancers, dancing families, friends and fellow teachers for supporting us through the years and being such an important part of our lives. This is not goodbye as we will certainly stay involved in the dancing circle and look forward to staying in touch with the Nevin Academy family for years to come.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Maura (Mrs. Nevin)
