College of Dance
Ireland's leading full-time dance conservatoire. Professional training since…
The College of Dance is Ireland's longest-running professional dance college, founded in 1990.
Photo: College of Dance via Google
Before your first class
Most successful applicants have prior dance training, but the College looks for talent, commitment and potential above all.
Tuition fees apply and are detailed in the prospectus.
About this studio
The College of Dance is Ireland's longest-running professional dance college, founded in 1990. Based at St. Catherine's Sports Centre on Marrowbone Lane in Dublin 8, it offers three full-time programmes: a Transition Year Programme (ages 14–16, one year), a Certificate in Dance (ages 16+, one year), and a flagship Diploma in Dance (ages 16+, two years). All programmes are entry by audition only.
The curriculum spans Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Commercial, Acro, Pilates, Vocals, Drama and Musical Theatre. The two-year diploma is structured around daily technique classes that mirror the conditioning and discipline of a working company, combined with deep musicality, choreographic voice, and industry exposure through regular workshops and an end-of-year production. Students also study anatomy and dance history.
The faculty consists of working artists with over 100 years of combined teaching experience. Samantha Lyons serves as Principal and Artistic Director, with more than twenty-five years of experience in professional dance training and performance. She is a graduate of London Contemporary Dance School and holds a Level 6 ISTD Dance Pedagogy qualification. Bernie O'Rourke, appointed Artistic Director in 2016, is a highly accomplished performer and choreographer with qualifications including ISTD DDP, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and Stott Pilates certification. Every teacher is fully Garda-vetted and committed to ongoing professional development.
Graduate outcomes are exceptional: 100% of graduating students over the past decade have secured places at internationally renowned institutions, with over two-thirds receiving full or partial scholarships. The College reports €1M+ in scholarship value awarded to students. Graduates have successfully auditioned for places at the world's leading conservatoires and training institutes worldwide, often with multiple offers.
The studio occupies a purpose-built space at an award-winning Dublin City Council facility. Amenities include a large professional dance studio with Harlequin floor, a second studio for small classes and private rehearsals, on-site gym and fitness zone (available to students at discounted rates), lecture rooms, private lockers, changing rooms and showers, a café-style break area with relaxation spaces, and outdoor garden areas. The location is 5 minutes' walk from Fatima Luas stop (Red Line) and accessible by multiple Dublin Bus routes.
The College partners with LCME, offering graded exams, a Diploma in Musical Theatre, and the DipLCM Teaching Diploma. As a Dance World Cup Associate for their Education Programme since 2026, it supports international opportunities and awards scholarships to exceptional dance talent worldwide. The College hosts regular Open Days throughout the year and offers Summer Intensive Courses (week-long programmes for dancers aged 12+ with prior training, held 13–17 July and 10–14 August 2026) and Easter Intensive Courses.
What to expect
Your first visit
If you're considering entry, know that admission is by audition only. The College seeks talent, commitment and potential. Prior formal training is typical among successful applicants, but you can still audition without it. You can visit the studio at an Open Day to meet faculty before applying. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Faculty are working artists with international careers and decades of combined experience. Samantha Lyons, Principal and Artistic Director, brings over twenty-five years in professional dance training, performance and choreography, with a background in London Contemporary Dance School and Level 6 ISTD Dance Pedagogy. Bernie O'Rourke, Artistic Director since 2016, is an accomplished performer, choreographer and educator with qualifications in ISTD DDP, Progressing Ballet Technique, Stott Pilates and anatomy & physiology.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Most successful applicants have prior dance training, but the College looks for talent, commitment and potential above all.
Studio history
Founded in 1990, the College of Dance is Ireland's longest-running professional dance college. The current Artistic Director, Bernie O'Rourke, began her own professional dance training at the College before advancing her skills at Performers College UK and returning to lead the institution from 2016.
Styles offered
10 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
College of Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
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Frequently asked about College of Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does College of Dance teach?
College of Dance teaches General, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Commercial / Industry Dance and 4 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is College of Dance located?
College of Dance is located in W5WC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does College of Dance offer private lessons?
Contact College of Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does College of Dance teach kids and adults?
College of Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at College of Dance?
The fastest path is to visit College of Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.