Inspiring Conversations with Zee of Scoil Rince Ni Bhraonain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zee.

Hi Zee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in California, deeply rooted in Irish-traditions and surrounded by a vibrant Irish-American community. My father, a ninth-generation Dubliner, moved to the U.S. in the 1980s and met my mother, a Grand Rapids native. My connection to Irish dance began in a surprisingly serendipitous way through my aunt, who worked at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, where she worked with Beata Flatley, wife of the legendary Riverdance star Michael Flatley. One day, Beata handed my aunt a pre-release VHS labeled Riverdance 1994, Pointe Theatre. My parents showed it to me, and something sparked. I was five years old, and my life’s trajectory was set in motion.

I began dancing with the Deely School in Concord, CA, and later joined the McBride School of Irish Dance, where I competed at the highest levels. Along with competition, I had unforgettable performance experiences, sharing stages with renowned musicians like The Black Brothers, Culann’s Hounds, and Alasdair Fraser. I began assistant teaching at just 14, discovering early on that helping younger dancers fall in love with this art form was just as meaningful to me as performing it. Encouraged by my mother and my dance teacher Annie McBride, I pursued my TCRG, the premier teaching certification from CLRG, and earned it in 2012.

in 2013, I took a leap and moved to Grand Rapids, following my mom back to her hometown. It wasn’t easy leaving California, but looking back, it was what I needed. A few months later, I opened my first Irish dance classes at the East Grand Rapids Recreation Center. What started as a small offering has now become SRNB Dance Academy, where I’ve had the honor of teaching over 200 students and building a school that blends tradition, competition, artistry, and community.

Over the past year alone, my dancers have continued to achieve success both locally and on big stages. I’ve had the pleasure of performing with multiple symphonies and dancing alongside artists like Kittel & Co. and Riverdance’s own Cillian Vallely. Watching my students follow in those footsteps, performing with the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and embracing the full spectrum of Irish dance, has been deeply rewarding.

I feel incredibly fortunate to carry on a legacy that’s so much bigger than me. Irish dance is in my blood. It’s the echo of my ancestors, the stories of resilience, and the heartbeat of a culture that refuses to be forgotten. For me, every reel or jig is a way of honoring that lineage. And through my teaching, I get to share that joy with the next generation. I dance for those who came before me and I teach for those who will carry this tradition forward.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Not always. Dance itself has always been a refuge, but running a competitive Irish dance school has come with its fair share of challenges. The toughest part has been navigating the human side of competition: when ego, pressure, or family dynamics overshadow the joy and tradition at the heart of Irish dance.

I’ve learned firsthand how easily competition can shift from elevating dancers to dividing them. There have been moments where the focus on personal achievements or trophies strained the sense of team and community I care so much about. That’s been hard to witness, but it’s also been an incredible teacher.

One of the most positive shifts we’ve made is integrating mindfulness into our program. It’s helped dancers tune out the unnecessary noise of comparison, anxiety, perfectionism and tune in to why they dance in the first place.

I’ve had to grow stronger in setting boundaries, protecting the culture I want in the studio, and showing students that the greatest wins are collective ones. Through all of it, I’ve been blessed with a supportive family and a dance school community that continues to grow in both skill and spirit. And that’s what makes every bump in the road worth it.

We’ve been impressed with Scoil Rince Ni Bhraonain, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Scoil Rince Ní Bhraonáin (SRNB Dance Academy) is a West Michigan based CLRG-certified Irish dance school. We train dancers of all ages, from absolute beginners to World Championship competitors, but our mission goes far beyond competition.

We use Irish dance as a vehicle for whole-person growth. Through rigorous training, performance, and the experience of both winning and losing, our dancers learn resilience, respect, teamwork, and how to move through the world with purpose. They don’t just master steps, they develop confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging.

At SRNB, we build strong dancers and good humans. We honor tradition while teaching young people how to honor themselves, their teammates, and their teachers. That’s the real win and the legacy we’re proud to share.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
For me, the most valuable resource isn’t an app or a book, rather it is staying close to the people who inspire me to grow. I’m fortunate to have two extraordinary mentors: my longtime Irish dance coach, Michael J. Smith, who has been shaping my knowledge and teaching of Irish dance since 1999, and Hector Marcel, a mindfulness coach who helps me stay honest in my practice and reminds me of my own unlimited potential.

I study my mind with Three Jewels NYC, a meditation community in Manhattan that teaches how to use inner wisdom and mindfulness to create real change in the world. Their teachings reinforce a truth that resonates deeply with me: each of us has the power to uplift others—whether through dance, presence, service, or even small acts of kindness.

Staying close to those who reflect my highest potential is the resource I rely on most. They remind me why I do this work: to help others unlock their own gifts, show up with intention, and find joy in both the effort and the expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bhraonainirishdance.com/
• Instagram: @bhraonainirishdance