Since its inception in 1986 and based in the Buffalo Irish Center, Rince Na Tiarna (which translates from Gaelic to ‘Lord of the Dance’) has been synonymous with award- winning, stunning dances.
Meet Mary Kay Heneghan, Rince Na Tiarna founder who also serves as a teacher and choreographer and has elevated the school to national and international acclaim!
In all of your travels for competitions, what has been your favorite place to visit? I have so many favorites, but judging the World Championships was such an honor and Scotland is beautiful. The Australian Nationals in Sydney was also an amazing experience and definitely a bucket list destination.
Since founding the school, what moments stand out to you? That the school is still thriving after 35+ years! I have taught thousands of dancers and am now teaching their children. Of course, winning our first All-Ireland in teams as well as the World Championships in solo dancing. And any time a beginner starts to dance and they learn the first jig step makes me very proud.
With several accolades and accomplishments under their belt, it is no surprise that the school has reached such critical acclaim and become a leader among Irish dance schools nationwide. Kevinah Dargan, 2005 winner of the World Championships, has returned to RNT, thrilled to teach at the school to which she attributes her
success!
What are some of the highlights of your career? In my competitive days, definitely when I won the world championships in 2005! Dancing professionally, one would be dancing at Shea’s Theatre for hundreds of our family, friends, and students. It was such a full circle moment. Also performing at Radio City Music Hall; dancing on a stage that big for so many people was incredible.
What was it like to be the youngest dancer in North America to win a World Championship? I was 11 years old when I won Worlds. I could not believe it and was just in shock the whole week. I really don’t think it fully set in for me until about a month after. This is an Irish dancer’s ultimate dream!
How fun was the Macy’s Parade? The Macy’s Parade was amazing. Unfortunately, the day of the Parade, it was downpouring, but we are Riverdance and I don’t think many people can say they have actually done Riverdance in the rain!
What are your biggest takeaways from dancing? The life lessons and the friendships. It takes a lot more than just talent to be a successful Irish dancer. It requires a good work ethic, positive self talk, good mentality, the ability to take corrections and the ability to work well with others. These are all things that have helped me far outside the Irish dancing world and will continue to help me my whole life.
If you could give advice to prospective students or teachers, what would it be? Be kind to yourself and your teammates;not every day is going to be a good day. We all have bad days and that is completely normal.Learning how to deal with those days and grow from them will only make you better! Come into every class with a good attitude and ready to give 100%. You will never regret anything if you give it your all every time.
Meet Mattie Pennington, one of Kevinah's students and a senior who has been dancing for the last 13 years!
What first drew you to Rince Na Tiarna? My aunt signed me and my cousins up for Irish dance lessons, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
What have your experiences been like? A majority of the best experiences throughout my life I owe to Irish dance. I’ve had opportunities to travel the world for competitions, meet my absolute favorite people, and perform locally for friends and family. I got to compete in Ireland on a team with some of my best friends in 2023. We had so much fun traveling and competing together and made so many amazing memories while bonding!
What are you looking forward to with RNT? Competing as a team is one of my favorite things about dancing. I love getting to dance with others and bond with my teammates. I’m also preparing for the World Championships this April in Dublin and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to compete overseas again!
What would you tell a new student? Have fun and stick with it! The Irish dance community has some of the most supportive and kind people, especially within our school at Rince Na Tiarna. When you start dancing, you get to develop a ‘dance family’ that is irreplaceable. Performing at local St. Patrick’s Day shows is something suitable for any level, and it’s one of the most fun parts about Irish dance!
What does your future hold for dance? As my competitive career begins to slow down, I would love to start looking towards opportunities to dance professionally. There are so many shows out there, such as Riverdance, that tour all over the world and perform exciting shows constantly. I would also love to be a teacher someday. I’ve grown to love helping young beginners and helping others in my class with choreography or steps!
Céad Míle Fáilte! ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN THE HEART OF THE IRISH DISTRICT
Located in South Buffalo, the Buffalo Irish Center (BIC) has stood as a testament to Irish heritage for 55 years. After moving from the First Ward, Irish immigrants established what was originally a social club that has grown to offer music, dance, poetry, art, education, and Irish language lessons.
“It’s a home for community,” says Tim Flanagan, Chair of the Board of the BIC. He has spent his entire life here, as his grandparents were founding members of the club. “Not every city has a center like Boston or Chicago, so people will come from all over and often keep coming back.”
The Center on Abbott Road serves as a gathering place for nearly all Irish organizations in Buffalo. With its wrought iron shamrocks and road signs written in Gaelic, it truly lends itself to the heart of the Irish District. The BIC is completely volunteer-based, free, and welcoming to all, regardless of whether they are a member or Irish.
Housed in the building is a library where anyone can come and learn about Irish heritage, the Rince Na Tiarna Irish dance school, and the local Gaelic football and hurling club. Meeting rooms—such as the Emerald of Claddagh Room—can be rented for various events, from wedding receptions to showers to birthday parties, and the building is one of the few places in South Buffalo that has its own parking. The BIC also features a full bar and restaurant that operates from Tuesday to Saturday with wing specials, dances, and live music on Saturdays with a mix of genres and local bands.
While the Center serves to preserve heritage, Tim’s favorite thing about it is
“The history, the fact it’s a home for Irish in WNY. Everyone comes to gather there for a common culture and common goal.”
Located at 245 Abbott Road in Buffalo, the Buffalo Irish Center will host a month of St. Patrick’s Day events, including music and live dancing!
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