About...
The Instructor
Being an Irish Dancer
Eileen Westernacher is a qualified Irish dance instructor under the Commission of Irish Dance in Ireland. She fell in love with Irish dancing at the age of 6 and went on to enjoy a successful 21 year career as a competitor and performer. She spent two years touring Europe, Asia and North America with Rhythm of the Dance and the world-renowned show Riverdance.
Some accomplishments include two-time Eastern Canadian Irish Dance Champion, top five in North American Irish Dancing Championships, and placing 17th in the World Championships.
She danced for many years with the Gregoire School of Irish Dance as well as the Butler-Fearon O'Connor School under the tutelage of Rose Fearon and the late June Butler. She attributes many of her life's successes to the lessons she acquired from being an Irish dancer.
In addition to being a primary school teacher, Eileen has been running Aroon since 2013. Aroon Academy is not just a dance school, it's a family. Eileen believes in creating a personalized experience for each dance family by connecting with them often and ensuring their dancers are getting what they need.
Irish dancing can be the perfect sport for that energetic or timid child. It is for all who enjoy this beautiful, traditional art form.
Why choose Aroon?
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Our dancers develop a sense of pride in what they do
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Stage presence, poise and self-confidence are fostered
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Dancers learn the value of practice and hard work
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Dancers develop their ability to concentrate well
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Dancers learn to focus on details and make corrections
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Dancers become more bodily-aware and improve coordination and balance
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Dancers become stronger, more fit and flexible
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Dancers use many parts of their brain while learning steps, understanding the math behind the music, negotiating the spacial requirements of the stage and foster their directional awareness
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Dancers learn many valuable skills for life, like the value of hard work, determination, and working as a team
We have opportunities to compete solo or perform as a group for events. Dancing at a feis or show is an exciting opportunity to showcase what has been learned and to understand what to work on for next time.
Riverdance, 2007
Rhythm of the Dance, 2008