The ML Dance Academy
Classical ballet to Irish step dance, taught by Riverdance principals
The ML Dance Academy is a family-owned studio in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, founded and directed by Joseph Moriarty and Yulia Lukyanova Moriarty.
Before your first class
The studio offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes in all styles, welcoming dancers of all ages and levels.
Monthly tuition ranges from $55 for 30 minutes per week to $230+ for 7 hours per week, depending on class time.
About this studio
The ML Dance Academy is a family-owned studio in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, founded and directed by Joseph Moriarty and Yulia Lukyanova Moriarty. The academy teaches Classical Ballet, Pointe, Irish Step Dance, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Acro, Tumbling, Character Dance, Musical Theater, Ballet Barre Fitness, Zumba, and Preschool Dance. Classes are offered for all ages and levels, from recreational students to competitive dancers.
Joseph Moriarty is a TCRG-certified Irish dance instructor with over 13 years of professional touring experience with Riverdance. He joined Riverdance in 1997 at age 16 and became the youngest male ever given the principal role, and the second North American male to lead. His performing career took him to Broadway, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and the Kremlin State Palace in Moscow, as well as performances for the Empress of Japan and the President of Ireland. As a teacher, his students have earned Top 3 placements at the North American Irish Dance Championships, Top 10 finishes at the World Irish Dance Championships, World Championship medals, and All Ireland Championship medals. He also performs regionally with premier Irish bands.
Yulia Lukyanova Moriarty is a classically trained Russian ballerina born and raised in Kaluga, Russia, where she began training at age six. She studied at the Kaluga College of Arts from age 12 to 16 and earned her degree in Choreography and Stage Performance at the Kaluga College of Arts and Dance. She performed with the Classical Ballet Ensemble before joining the State Company Cossacks of Russia, then performed with Sultans of the Dance in Germany and the Ondacruz Show Ballet Company in Portugal from 2005–2007. In 2007 she joined Riverdance as a cast member of the Moscow Folk Ballet Company, touring until 2011. As a teacher and choreographer, her students have earned championships at the Ballet Championships of America, qualified for and performed at the Youth America Grand Prix Finals in New York City, and been recognized as finalists at the World Ballet Art Competition in Niagara Falls, Canada.
The teaching staff includes Marilyn Brust, who brings over 20 years of teaching experience in Central Ohio and specializes in Tap, Jazz, and Combo classes. She has choreographed numerous award-winning competition routines and worked on local school musical productions. Angela Harris, trained in most forms of dance with over 30 years of teaching experience and 40+ years of dancing, teaches Tap, Tumbling, and Musical Theater. She is currently Co-Owner/Director of The Energy Source Dance Experience and formerly owned The Dance Difference in St. Clairsville, Ohio for 8 years.
The academy operates in its 14th season (as of 2026) and has won numerous regional and national awards. The studio offers both recreational and competitive instruction. Recent competition results include placements at the Ballet Championships of America and the North American Irish Dance Championships. The academy also offers Ballet Intensive Workshops led by Miss Yulia, designed for dancers of all levels.
What to expect
Your first visit
You will find classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, Irish dance, and other styles taught by experienced professionals. The studio welcomes all ages and levels, from preschool through adult, in both recreational and competitive programs.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Joseph Moriarty, a former Riverdance principal dancer with 13+ years touring experience and TCRG certification, teaches Irish Step Dance, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, and Tap. Yulia Lukyanova Moriarty, a classically trained Russian ballerina with international performance and touring credits, teaches Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Acro, and Character Dance. Marilyn Brust, with over 20 years of Central Ohio teaching experience, specializes in Tap, Jazz, and Combo. Angela Harris, with 40+ years of dance and 30+ years of teaching experience, teaches Tap, Tumbling, and Musical Theater.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes in all styles, welcoming dancers of all ages and levels.
Studio history
The ML Dance Academy is currently in its 14th season as of 2026, founded by Joseph Moriarty and Yulia Lukyanova Moriarty. Joseph, born and raised in Ohio, began Irish dancing at age seven and became a champion competitor before joining Riverdance at age 16. Yulia, born in Kaluga, Russia, began classical ballet training at age six and performed internationally with multiple companies before joining Riverdance in 2007. Together they created a family-owned academy combining their combined 25+ years of professional stage experience.
Styles offered
16 dance styles taught here
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Frequently asked about The ML Dance Academy
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does The ML Dance Academy teach?
The ML Dance Academy teaches Classical Ballet, Pointe, Irish Step Dance, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and 10 more.
Where is The ML Dance Academy located?
The ML Dance Academy is located in Reynoldsburg, OH. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does The ML Dance Academy offer private lessons?
Contact The ML Dance Academy directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does The ML Dance Academy teach kids and adults?
Contact The ML Dance Academy directly to ask which classes suit your age and experience level.
How do I sign up for classes at The ML Dance Academy?
Sign up through The ML Dance Academy's website, or contact the studio directly.
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