Butler Fearon O'Connor Staff:
Rose Fearon, ADCRG
Born in Toronto, Canada, Rose Fearon, ADCRG, started Irish dancing at age six. Her first teacher was Noreen Quinn, from Belfast, who persuaded Rose to attend the renowned Butler Academy, a highly competitive school where she flourished.
Three times Rose won the equivalent of the North American National Championship, and she also placed fourth at Ireland's World Championships at a time when only three prizes were awarded. When the regionals were introduced, she danced in two and won both. In 1979, Rose decided to teach and founded Rince na nGael.
Her school has won numerous National Championships and in 1985 took first place in senior dance drama and second place in junior dance drama at the World Championships in Malahide, Co. Dublin. Her creative choreography has been shown in movies and on TV, and she was the chief choreographer for the opening and closing ceremonies at the 1998 Special Olympics held in Toronto.
In 2001, Rose joined schools with her former teacher and mentor, June Butler. Together they created one of the most successful schools in North America and around the world. Sadly, in 2003, June Butler passed away. Rose continued the Butler-Fearon School in Ontario and branched out to California, where she joined schools with Vincent and Kate O'Connor to form the Butler-Fearon-O'Connor School.
Over the years, Rose has also trained and sponsored numerous candidates for the TCRG (teacher) and ADCRG (adjudicator) exams successfully.
Three times Rose won the equivalent of the North American National Championship, and she also placed fourth at Ireland's World Championships at a time when only three prizes were awarded. When the regionals were introduced, she danced in two and won both. In 1979, Rose decided to teach and founded Rince na nGael.
Her school has won numerous National Championships and in 1985 took first place in senior dance drama and second place in junior dance drama at the World Championships in Malahide, Co. Dublin. Her creative choreography has been shown in movies and on TV, and she was the chief choreographer for the opening and closing ceremonies at the 1998 Special Olympics held in Toronto.
In 2001, Rose joined schools with her former teacher and mentor, June Butler. Together they created one of the most successful schools in North America and around the world. Sadly, in 2003, June Butler passed away. Rose continued the Butler-Fearon School in Ontario and branched out to California, where she joined schools with Vincent and Kate O'Connor to form the Butler-Fearon-O'Connor School.
Over the years, Rose has also trained and sponsored numerous candidates for the TCRG (teacher) and ADCRG (adjudicator) exams successfully.
Vincent O'Connor, ADCRG
Vincent O'Connor, TCRG, ADCRG, is one of the co-directors of the Butler-Fearon-O'Connor School and is the principal instructor of all classes in the San Francisco bay area.
Born in Los Angeles, California, of Irish parents, Vincent started dancing at the age of 7. Over the years, he competed successfully at local competitions as well as nationally and internationally. He was the Western US Regional champion for 9 consecutive years from 1977-1985. He placed 2nd at the North American Irish Dance Championships in 1982 and has 3 solo World Championship medals (1982-1984).
Vincent received his teaching credentials in 1986 in Dublin, Ireland, and taught briefly in Los Angeles before moving to San Francisco in 1994 where he currently resides. He received his adjudicating credentials in 1995 and today judges competitions at local, regional, national and international levels throughout the United States and Canada, as well as at competitions in Ireland, England, Scotland and Australia. He has also been privileged to judge at the All-Scotland Championships, the All-Ireland Championships and the World Championships.
In 2010, Vincent was the only North American member of his class to successfully achieve the acclaimed title of An Scrudaitheoir, or Examiner of candidates attempting to receive their teaching and adjudication credentials.
Born in Los Angeles, California, of Irish parents, Vincent started dancing at the age of 7. Over the years, he competed successfully at local competitions as well as nationally and internationally. He was the Western US Regional champion for 9 consecutive years from 1977-1985. He placed 2nd at the North American Irish Dance Championships in 1982 and has 3 solo World Championship medals (1982-1984).
Vincent received his teaching credentials in 1986 in Dublin, Ireland, and taught briefly in Los Angeles before moving to San Francisco in 1994 where he currently resides. He received his adjudicating credentials in 1995 and today judges competitions at local, regional, national and international levels throughout the United States and Canada, as well as at competitions in Ireland, England, Scotland and Australia. He has also been privileged to judge at the All-Scotland Championships, the All-Ireland Championships and the World Championships.
In 2010, Vincent was the only North American member of his class to successfully achieve the acclaimed title of An Scrudaitheoir, or Examiner of candidates attempting to receive their teaching and adjudication credentials.
Kathleen O'Connor, ADCRG
A Los Angeles, California native, Kathleen began dancing at the age of four. With both parents being from Ireland, she was encouraged to join her six brothers and one sister in learning traditional Irish Dancing to preserve their culture.
Kathleen resides in Granada Hills, CA, with her husband Steven and their daughter Chelsea Rea. Kathleen has two adult children, Sean Kennedy who is studying at University of San Diego and Megan Kennedy, who has just graduated from Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology.
During her competitive years, Kathleen won many open championships and is a former Western US Regional Champion. She also achieved as high as 5th place at the North American Championships and several top placements as well.
Kathleen became a certified Irish Dance teacher (TCRG) in 1995 and received her adjudicating credentials (ADCRG) in 2002.
Kathleen brings her knowledge and expertise as well as her passion for Irish Dance to all those she teaches and has trained Regional Champions, National and World Medalists.
In addition to her teaching children throughout Southern California and co-directing the Butler-Fearon-O’Connor School, Kathleen travels throughout the year judging competitions across the U.S. and Canada, as well as overseas in the UK, Scotland and Ireland.
“My hope is to share my love for Irish Dance with all those I teach.”
Kathleen resides in Granada Hills, CA, with her husband Steven and their daughter Chelsea Rea. Kathleen has two adult children, Sean Kennedy who is studying at University of San Diego and Megan Kennedy, who has just graduated from Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology.
During her competitive years, Kathleen won many open championships and is a former Western US Regional Champion. She also achieved as high as 5th place at the North American Championships and several top placements as well.
Kathleen became a certified Irish Dance teacher (TCRG) in 1995 and received her adjudicating credentials (ADCRG) in 2002.
Kathleen brings her knowledge and expertise as well as her passion for Irish Dance to all those she teaches and has trained Regional Champions, National and World Medalists.
In addition to her teaching children throughout Southern California and co-directing the Butler-Fearon-O’Connor School, Kathleen travels throughout the year judging competitions across the U.S. and Canada, as well as overseas in the UK, Scotland and Ireland.
“My hope is to share my love for Irish Dance with all those I teach.”
Brigid Grant, ADCRG
Brigid was born in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland and emigrated to Canada in the 1950's bringing with her a love of music and dance. Having learned Irish Dance in Ireland, she continued a successful competitive career under the tutledge of Noreen Quinn (TCRG) in Toronto, Ontario.
Brigid later attained her TCRG and ADCRG qualifications and led the very successful Grant School of Irish Dancing for over 40 years. The school produced multiple World Champion dancers and Brigid (Mrs. Grant) has always been admired for her gentle but firm, respectful yet demanding, teaching style.
In 2006, the Grant School and Butler Fearon O'Connor joined forces and Brigid continues to be an integral part of the faculty.
Brian Grant, ADCRG
Brian was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He began Irish Dancing at three years old and had a very successful competitive career. His achievements include North American National Champion, 11 time Canadian Champion and winner of the prestigious NAFC Junior and Senior Dance-off Championships. In 1986, he won the World Championship for the third time and remains the only North American male dancer ever to have accomplished this.
Since 1986 Brian has continued with his love of Irish dance as a qualified teacher, adjudicator and musician. His academic achievements include BSc. and DDS degrees and he works full time as a dentist. Brian, his wife Therese and their five children are all involved in Irish dancing and proud to be part of the Butler Fearon O'Connor team.
Fiona Cunningham , TCRG
Fiona started dancing at the age of five with the Fearon School of Irish dancing and never looked back. Over her long and successful competitive career, Fiona won five exciting Eastern-Canadian region titles, has numerous top North American finishes, and holds an impressive four World solo medals.
Fiona retired from competition in 2003 when she was asked to join Riverdance-the show, and was delighted to tour North America for the next year. During this time Fiona earned her teaching certification with the Irish Dancing Commission in Dublin, Ireland and is now a registered teacher with the Canadian and North American Irish Dance Teachers Association.
Fiona’s enthusiasm for Irish Dance motivates her students to be the best they can be.
Her competitive and professional experience helps students achieve their personal and competitive goals.
Fiona retired from competition in 2003 when she was asked to join Riverdance-the show, and was delighted to tour North America for the next year. During this time Fiona earned her teaching certification with the Irish Dancing Commission in Dublin, Ireland and is now a registered teacher with the Canadian and North American Irish Dance Teachers Association.
Fiona’s enthusiasm for Irish Dance motivates her students to be the best they can be.
Her competitive and professional experience helps students achieve their personal and competitive goals.
Kathy Irvine , TCRG
Kathy Irvine is two time World Irish dance Champion. At the tender age of four Kathy Irvine started dancing at the Fearon School of Irish dancing under the instruction of Rose and Kathleen Fearon. Kathy worked very hard throughout the years and in one calendar year, Kathy won every National title available to a dancer including, Canadian Champion, North Amercian Champion, All Scotland Champion, All Ireland Champion, Great Britain Champion and British Champion.
In August 1999, Kathleen Fearon died of cancer. Kathy was devastated by this loss and was determined to continue to win dancing titles for Kathleen. It was at this time, when Rose decided to join forces with June Butler. Dancing under the instruction of two teachers again, Kathy trained very hard. She was also a student at the University of Western Ontario at this time, trying to balance both school work and dancing. In April of 2002, just prior to graduating from the University of Western Ontario with an honours degree in French, Kathy also won the World Championships. She continued to compete for another year and in April of 2003 just before graduating from teacher’s college with a Bachelor of Education, Kathy won the World Irish dancing Championships for the second time, becoming the only Canadian female to ever win two World titles. Right after this victory, June Butler also passed away due to cancer.
Kathy is also a member of the popular show “Riverdance”. She auditioned and was chosen to tour North America performing with the show. She continues to do this on a part time basis today. More recently, Kathy has passed her T.C.R.G. and is now a certified Irish dance teacher, teaching alongside her lifelong dancing teacher, Rose Fearon. She is also a full time French teacher with the Halton Roman Catholic School Board.
In August 1999, Kathleen Fearon died of cancer. Kathy was devastated by this loss and was determined to continue to win dancing titles for Kathleen. It was at this time, when Rose decided to join forces with June Butler. Dancing under the instruction of two teachers again, Kathy trained very hard. She was also a student at the University of Western Ontario at this time, trying to balance both school work and dancing. In April of 2002, just prior to graduating from the University of Western Ontario with an honours degree in French, Kathy also won the World Championships. She continued to compete for another year and in April of 2003 just before graduating from teacher’s college with a Bachelor of Education, Kathy won the World Irish dancing Championships for the second time, becoming the only Canadian female to ever win two World titles. Right after this victory, June Butler also passed away due to cancer.
Kathy is also a member of the popular show “Riverdance”. She auditioned and was chosen to tour North America performing with the show. She continues to do this on a part time basis today. More recently, Kathy has passed her T.C.R.G. and is now a certified Irish dance teacher, teaching alongside her lifelong dancing teacher, Rose Fearon. She is also a full time French teacher with the Halton Roman Catholic School Board.
Joanne Cunningham, TCRG
Joanne is an accomplished dancer who has been actively involved in Irish Dancing since the age of five. Throughout her career, her many achievements, experiences, and friendships gained have shaped her passion for Irish Dancing.
Joanne is a four time Canadian Champion, has been ranked second at the North American Championships, and holds 2 World solo medals. Joanne’s professional dancing career began when she joined Riverdance - The Show.
Joanne toured with Riverdance for 3 ½ years across North America and Europe. Joanne brings her professional experience to her students, inspiring and encouraging each one to achieve their goals. Joanne became a T.C.R.G. in 2009 and loves working with students of all ages and being a part of the teaching staff at BFOC.
Joanne is a four time Canadian Champion, has been ranked second at the North American Championships, and holds 2 World solo medals. Joanne’s professional dancing career began when she joined Riverdance - The Show.
Joanne toured with Riverdance for 3 ½ years across North America and Europe. Joanne brings her professional experience to her students, inspiring and encouraging each one to achieve their goals. Joanne became a T.C.R.G. in 2009 and loves working with students of all ages and being a part of the teaching staff at BFOC.
Jillian McDermott, TCRG
Jillian started dancing at the age of two when her babysitters brought her to a dancing class. Since then it has been a non-stop passion of hers. She had a long successful career in dancing, placing top 5 in the Western Region since the ripe age of 8 years old, ultimately winning the regional championships in 2008. Also, she has placed as high as 5th at the North American Nationals, 2nd at the Great Britain Championships, and 7th at the All Ireland and World Championships. She also competed in team dancing, placing as high as 2nd at the regional championships and top placings at the All-Ireland and World Championships. In 2011, Jillian successfully passed her TCRG exam and joined the BFOC teaching staff.
Teaching kids how to dance is Jillian's true passion in dancing, After training with the Butler Fearon O'Connor School for many years, she not only enjoys passing on her knowledge and love of dance, but also loves being a part of the wonderful teaching staff that got her where she is today. Jillian teaches dedication, love, friendship, and drive in all of her classes, and believes that "it's the will to PREPARE to win".
Sinead Irvine, TCRG
Sinead started dancing for the Fearon School of Irish Dancing at the age of 3 under the instruction of Rose and Kathleen Fearon. Sinead was also taught later in her career by June Butler after the two schools merged in 2000. Over her 17 years of competitive dancing, Sinead won 6 Eastern-Canadian regional titles, has numerous top North American finishes, holds three world solo medals along with many All Ireland, Great Britain and All-Scotland medals. In 2011 Sinead passed her TCRG examination. Outside of dancing Sinead holds a B.A in Communication Studies and currently specializes in Event Planning. She credits her success and love for Irish Dancing to her teachers and hopes she is able to inspire dancers as Rose, Kathleen and June have inspired her.
Copyright © 2011, Butler Fearon O'Connor School of Irish Dance . All rights reserved. Contact: FOCcalifornia@gmail.com
