Teacher Bio: Hannah McGillian

Hannah started her Irish dance career in her hometown just outside of Philadelphia, PA. She learned her first Irish dance steps at age 5 in her neighbor’s driveway, and soon after, began her dance career with a local school where she competed solo at major competitions and won multiple regional and national titles with her Ceili team. At 13, she moved to Chicago, IL, where she trained with the Lavin Cassidy school of Irish Dance. There, she continued her success by not only qualifying for the World Championship in the solo division but also winning the World Championship title with her Ceili team in Glasgow, Scotland!

Hannah carried her love for Irish dance into college where she joined the University of Notre Dame’s Irish Dance Team. She was eventually appointed president of the team her senior year. In this role, she coordinated performances across campus, collaborated with other student organizations, and organized the annual NDSMC Irish Dance Showcase. She also competed with her college’s Ceili team at various collegiate competitions throughout Indiana and Ohio, and played a key role in organizing the team’s travel and logistics. In her spare time, Hannah held private lessons for students of a local Irish dance organization in South Bend.

Hannah lives and works in Manhattan and is an assistant teacher at the Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance. She is thrilled to be back in the studio sharing her love of Irish dance with students of all ages.