About our school

Rince Na Sonas, which means dance of happiness in Gaelic, was founded in 2006.

Classes are offered to boys and girls from preschool through college age in both recreational and competitive settings.  Students are instructed in both traditional and contemporary dancing, with a focus on team work, technique, fitness and best practice for injury prevention.  We believe that with proper technique, hard work and a positive attitude, all students can reach their full potential!   

Our school is fully certified and registered with An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland, the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America, and the Mid-Atlantic Region.  ​ The purpose of these organizations is to preserve and promote Irish culture, including Irish dance.  As members in good standing of these organizations, our dancers are eligible to enter feiseanna, or dance competitions, if they so choose.


  • Megan Hickey, ADCRG

    Megan is a certified Irish Dance instructor (TCRG) and adjudicator (ADCRG) with An Coimisiun in Ireland. She is a member of the IDTANA (Irish Dance Teacher's Association of North American) and the Mid Atlantic Region associations.  Megan is also a licensed physical therapist and is the Director of the Musculoskeletal Service Line, at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Megan's knowledge as a physical therapist informs the design of our dance instruction and allows us to promote best practices in terms of injury prevention and proper training. Megan was a championship level irish dancer who competed regionally, nationally and internationally under the direction of Kathleen O'Keefe, ADCRG.  Megan is currently on the IDTANA board and is a CLRG member. Megan is the chair of the Bob Gabor CNY Feis. She recently co-chaired the Mid-Atlantic Region Oireachtas and serves on the IDTANA Professional Development Committee.

  • erin hickey greenwood, TCRG

    Erin is a certified Irish Dance instructor (TCRG) with An Coimisiun in Ireland. She is a member of the IDTANA (Irish Dance Teacher's Association of North American) and the Mid Atlantic Region associations. Erin is also a licensed speech-language pathologist who currently works with elementary school students. She lives with her husband, Rich, and two daughters who are both irish dancers. Erin was a championship level irish dancer who competed regionally, nationally and internationally under the direction of Kathleen O'Keefe, ADCRG. She recently co-chaired the Mid-Atlantic Region Oireachtas and serves on the IDTANA Professional Development Committee as well as the IDTANA Scholarship Committee. Erin is also a member of the Syracuse St. Patrick’s Parade committee.

  • Mary Panzetta, Assistant Teacher

    Coming soon

  • Hannah Dearie, Assistant Teacher

    Hannah is working towards her Irish dance instructor certification (TCRG) with An Coimisiun in Ireland. Hannah has been dancing since 2002; during that time she trained in both ballet and Irish dance. In 2016, she was the Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas Traditional Set Under 16 Champion. Hannah was a championship-level Irish dancer who competed regionally, nationally, and internationally under the direction of Megan Hickey, ADCRG, and Erin Hickey Greenwood, TCRG. Hannah Has her Master’s in psychology and works at a local hospital in the Emergency Department and Mental Health Unit.