Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance
CLRG-certified Irish dance school in Virginia Beach & Williamsburg
An Irish dance school teaching traditional Irish step dancing, céilí, and sean-nós styles.
Before your first class
New beginner classes are offered at both locations, with instruction tailored to each dancer's unique abilities in a supportive environment.
About this studio
Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance is a CLRG-certified competitive Irish dance school that opened in Williamsburg, Virginia on August 26, 2018, and now offers classes at two locations: Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. The academy is led by Sara Rhodes Zimmerman, TCRG, a professional Irish dancer with a 13-year competitive career, 5-time World Qualifier, 2013 World Recaller, and 9-time National Qualifier. Sara performed as lead and troupe dancer for 11 seasons with Busch Gardens' Celtic Fyre (ranked #1 Best Theme Park Show by USA Today) and in 2015 performed with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance—making her the first Hampton Roads Irish dancer to perform in both shows. She was featured in the Virginia International Tattoo in 2014 and 2017, and served as choreographer for Rhodes Academy dancers at the 2026 Virginia International Tattoo. Sara holds a 2013 Bachelor of Arts degree in Technical Theater from CNU and earned her TCRG teaching certification in 2014 through the Irish Dancing Commission in Dublin, Ireland.
Assistant instructor Kelly Ann Gould, TCRG, teaches at the Virginia Beach location. Kelly Ann began Irish dancing at age eight and completed a 15-year competitive career as a five-time World Championship qualifier, 2022 World Championships placer, and eight-time National qualifier. She performed with Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens in 2023, 2025, and 2026, and appeared in the Virginia International Tattoo in 2014, 2017, and 2026. Kelly Ann graduated from The Governor's School for the Arts in 2018 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Old Dominion University in 2022. She earned her TCRG certification in 2025.
Classes are offered at multiple levels across both locations. In Williamsburg, Tuesday classes run 5:00–6:00 pm for new beginners and Beginner 1 through Intermediate students, with Prizewinner and Champs classes from 6:00–9:00 pm at Quaterpath Rec Center. In Virginia Beach, Monday offers Intermediate (4:15–5:00 pm), Advanced Intermediate (5:00–7:00 pm), and Champs (7:00–9:00 pm); Wednesday has Intermediate (5:00–6:00 pm) and Champs (6:00–8:00 pm); Thursday features New Beginners 2026 (4:15–5:00 pm), Beginner 1 (5:00–6:00 pm), Advanced Intermediate (6:00–7:30 pm), Adult (7:30–8:30 pm), and Advanced Adult (7:30–9:00 pm); Saturday offers Champs (10:00 am–12:00 pm) at 1620 Centerville Turnpike, Unit 105.
Irish dance encompasses three distinct styles: soft shoe solo dances (reel, light jig, slip jig), hard shoe solo dances (treble/heavy jig, hornpipe, traditional sets and non-traditional sets), and team dances (ceilis, figures, performance routines). Each style is danced to music with specific rhythms and speeds. Soft shoe dances can be both athletic and elegant; hard shoe dances are known for fast feet, intricate footwork, and percussive power. Irish dancers learn custom choreography that changes as they progress, and more advanced dancers perform at different speeds than beginners. The academy emphasizes that Irish dance teaches discipline, develops character, instils dedication, and builds confidence while helping students make lasting friends and memories. Sara recognizes that each dancer is unique and encourages dancers to develop their individual talents in a supportive and respectful environment. The academy is CLRG Child Protection Policy certified.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are structured by level and age, from new beginners through advanced and adult learners. You will learn the fundamentals of soft shoe and hard shoe technique, progress through established CLRG levels, and have the opportunity to perform at competitions, festivals, and public events like the Virginia International Tattoo.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Sara Rhodes Zimmerman, TCRG (owner and Williamsburg instructor) is a former 5-time World Qualifier and 2015 performer with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. Kelly Ann Gould, TCRG (Virginia Beach assistant instructor) is a 5-time World Championship qualifier and performer with Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
New beginner classes are offered at both locations, with instruction tailored to each dancer's unique abilities in a supportive environment.
Studio history
Rhodes Academy opened on August 26, 2018, in Williamsburg, Virginia, founded by Sara Rhodes Zimmerman. The academy expanded to offer classes in Virginia Beach and is CLRG-certified, operating under the governing body of Irish dance.
Styles offered
14 dance styles taught here
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The people, the parties and the dancing here
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Weekly classes and workshops
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Frequently asked about Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance teach?
Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance teaches General, Soft shoe solo dances, Hard shoe solo dances, Team dances, Reel, Light jig and 8 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance located?
Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance is located in Virginia Beach, VA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance teach kids and adults?
Rhodes Academy of Irish 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 Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.