For more than 30 years, Scoil Ard Rince has been at the heart of Irish dancing in South East Queensland, inspiring generations of dancers through tradition, discipline, community and performance excellence.
Recognised as one of Queensland’s largest and most respected Irish dance schools, Scoil Ard Rince offers high-quality training across Margate on the Redcliffe Peninsula, Bulimba on Brisbane’s south side, and Buderim on the Sunshine Coast.
From first steps to world championship stages, the school provides a welcoming and structured environment where dancers of all ages can grow in confidence, skill and cultural appreciation.
A Legacy of Irish Dance on the Redcliffe Peninsula
Scoil Ard Rince was originally founded in 1991 as Horgan-Peirce by Breeda Peirce ADCRG, who moved from Ireland to Queensland more than 35 years ago and settled in Redcliffe.
What began with just a handful of students has grown into a thriving dance community of more than 80 dancers competing at local, state, national and international levels.
Breeda’s own background in Irish dancing, both as a solo and team competitor, laid the foundation for a school built on discipline, excellence and a deep respect for Irish cultural tradition.
As a fully accredited TCRG and ADCRG, Breeda also adjudicates at feiseanna across Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, and further expanded her expertise by completing her Grade Examiner qualifications in 2014. In 2026, Breeda won the prestigious Gradam award for her tireless work and dedication to fostering Irish Dancing in Australia. This award along with Breeda’s ‘life membership’ status, highlights Breeda’s ongoing passion, commitment and love of Irish Dancing.
A Strong Teaching Legacy and Growing Team
The success of Scoil Ard Rince has been strengthened by the development of its own teachers from within the school community.
In 2009, two of Breeda’s earliest students, Christine O’Donnell and Bridget Bazzo, became qualified teachers after completing their TCRG exams. Both officially joined the school’s teaching team in 2010, helping guide the next generation of dancers.
In 2012, another former student, Claire Earl, also achieved her TCRG qualification and began teaching classes on the Sunshine Coast.
Our newest Teacher, Chloe Peirce joined the teaching team after gaining her TCRG qualification in 2022. In Chloe’s dance career, she gained 19 State Solo Titles, 9 National Solo titles, countless Team titles and numerous World medals. Her dancing success through the years Chloe saw as of one Australia’s most decorated competitive Irish Dancers. Chloe then went on to tour professionally with dance shows all over Australia and in America.
This ongoing cycle of mentorship and development reflects the school’s long-term commitment to nurturing not only dancers, but future teachers and leaders in Irish dance.
Dance for Everyone, From Beginners to Champions
Scoil Ard Rince offers structured training pathways for dancers at every stage, from beginners taking their first steps through to elite championship competitors.
Students train across a full annual competition calendar, preparing for events including:
- Local and regional feiseanna held monthly from March to November
- State Championships held in July and August
- National Championships held in September or October, rotating between states
- World Championship preparation at the start of each year
The school also runs regular weekend workshops and intensive training sessions to support technical development, team choreography and performance readiness.
Team dancing plays a major role within the school, including participation in complex figure dances such as the Senior Figure, which features 16 dancers performing intricate storytelling choreography.
Locations Across South East Queensland
Scoil Ard Rince operates across three key studio locations, providing accessible training for families throughout the region.
Redcliffe (Margate – Main Studio)
- 7/34 Baynes Street, Margate QLD 4019
The heart of Scoil Ard Rince, the Margate studio caters for all levels from beginner through to championship. This location also hosts private lessons, workshops, ceili classes and choreography sessions.
Sunshine Coast (Buderim)
- 7 Syd Lingard Drive, Buderim QLD 4556
Offering beginner through to open level classes, the Sunshine Coast studio provides a strong training base for dancers in the northern region.
Bulimba Studio
- 116 Bulimba Street, Bulimba QLD 4171
North Lakes (Shared Dance studio)
- Dance studio, 8 Wils Street, North Lakes 4509
Our Margate, Bulimba and Sunshine Coast classes cater for Beginners from 3-4 year olds through to Open level. Our newest location in North Lakes is primarily for Beginner dancers, suitable for budding dancers starting their dancing journey.
Programs for All Ages and Abilities
Scoil Ard Rince provides a wide range of programs designed to support dancers at every stage of life and ability.
Reelfit Adult Classes
A fun and fitness-focused program for adults of all experience levels. Whether you are a complete beginner or a former dancer returning to the stage, Reelfit offers solo and ceili dancing in a supportive social environment. This class is currently exclusive to our Bulimba location.
Competitive and Performance Training
For dedicated dancers, Scoil Ard Rince offers elite training pathways focused on technical mastery, stage performance and competition success at state, national and international levels.
Scoil Ard Rince also engage workshop Teachers to further develop and motivate their Championship dancers. Most recently, the dancers worked with Liam Costello, 5 time World Champion and ‘Michael Jackson the Musical’ cast member. Bringing in Workshop Teachers allows us to maintain up to skills and techniques in choreography, fitness, and strength and conditioning training.
A School Built on Discipline, Culture and Community
Irish dance is one of the world’s most structured and disciplined dance forms, with deep cultural roots dating back to pre-Christian Celtic traditions.
At Scoil Ard Rince, students not only learn technique and choreography but also gain an appreciation for the cultural heritage behind the art form. Traditional Irish music, including reels, jigs, hornpipes and slip jigs, forms the foundation of all training.
Modern Irish dance has been shaped by global productions such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, and Scoil Ard Rince continues to honour tradition while embracing the evolving nature of performance.
Accredited and Highly Qualified Teachers
All Scoil Ard Rince teachers are fully accredited with:
- The Irish Dancing Commission (An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha)
- AIDA Inc (Australian Irish Dancing Association)
- AIDA QLD Inc
Teachers also hold current blue cards and meet all requirements under Queensland’s Working with Children legislation, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students.
The teaching team is widely respected not only for their technical expertise but also for their commitment to student wellbeing, development and long-term success.
More Than Dance: Confidence, Connection and Growth
Scoil Ard Rince is built on the belief that Irish dancing is about far more than performance.
Through structured training and community engagement, students develop:
- Confidence and self-belief
- Discipline and resilience
- Coordination and fitness
- Leadership and teamwork skills
- Cultural understanding and pride
The school also performs regularly at community events, weddings and cultural showcases, offering dancers opportunities to share their talent beyond the competition stage.
Many students form lifelong friendships and remain connected to the school long after their competitive years.
A Message from the School
“Irish Dance is an art form that never gets old, it only gets better.”
– Michael Flatley
At Scoil Ard Rince, the guiding belief is simple: hard work and determination lead to achievement. With consistent training and dedication, dancers are supported to reach their full potential.
Enrolments and Enquiries
Scoil Ard Rince welcomes new students of all ages and experience levels.
Website: Scoil Ard Rince
Locations:
- Redcliffe (Margate)
- Sunshine Coast (Buderim)
- Bulimba
- North Lakes
Whether dancing for fun, fitness, friendship or elite competition, Scoil Ard Rince continues to be one of Queensland’s most respected centres for Irish dance excellence.
