History of The
Verlin School of Irish Dancing
The Verlin School of Irish Dancing was founded by
Kenny Verlin in 1974. Kenny was one of those rare individuals who
was equally as talented as a teacher as he himself had been as a
dancer. In addition to producing many championship dancers, Kenny
and the Verlin Dancers hold the distinction of being the first
American School to win the World Competition in the Choreography
Competition. The world, in addition to the Irish dancing community,
lost one of its great talents with Kenny's untimely death in 1986.
Kenny's spirit lives on through the school he
founded. At Kenny's request, Ellen Riordan Ross, his senior Champion
Dancer, continues in the tradition of her mentor as director of the
School. Ellen is a registered T.C.R.G and a member of the Eastern
Region Irish Dancing Association. As an Irish Dancer, Ellen won
numerous championships at the local, state, regional, and national
levels. Ellen performed on tour with the renowned Chieftains. In the
tradition of the school's founder, Ellen has won wide acclaim for
her innovative choreography and creative performances.
The true measure of a school is, or course, its
students. The young ladies and gentleman of the Verlin School
regularly attend local, state, regional, and national championships
where their talent and dedication is often recognized. The school
sends several students to compete in The World Championships that
are held in Ireland every spring.
In addition to competitions, the Verlin Dancers
have been honored to have performed:
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at Radio City Music Hall with Frank
Paterson's Annual Irish Gala
-
at the Irish Heritage Festival at the Garden
State Arts Center
-
in concert with the Wolf Tones
-
at the Pines Hotel "Great Irish Weekend"
-
with the Dublin City Ramblers, Johnny McElvoy,
Erin's Pride and other renowned Irish Entertainers
-
at the World Trade Center Irish Heritage
Month Celebration
-
many more civic, charitable and Irish
Fraternal Organizations
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