ZEPH CAISSIE T.C.R.G.

I clearly remember seeing Irish dancing for the first time. It was the early evening, and I walked into a dimly lit hall with my mother. I saw dancers singing out rhythms with intricate footwork, their torsos and faces stayed calm and still. I was four years old.

I met my teacher, Tony Comerford, that night, and danced under his tutelage for the next 17 years. 

In my final year with Tony, I placed second in both the Great Britain and All Ireland's Championships, and fourth in the World Championships. I signed a contract with "Riverdance - The Show" and toured extensively with the company for the next 8 years. Some of my most memorable moments with the show include dancing two separate runs at Radio City Music Hall, performing at the Kremlin in Russia, the Great People's Hall in China, the Palais Omnisports in Paris, and being a part of "Riverdance on Broadway" at the Gershwin Theatre in New York. After leaving the show, I choreographed and performed pieces for Ballet de Printemps and 12 Minutes Max. I also performed with Lunasa, one of Irelands premier traditional music groups.

Throughout my journey, I have been honoured to have met and worked with dancers of various disciplines. I trained in the Brazilian art of Capoeira, which brought me a new sense of spatial awareness. I have studied and practiced various styles of Yoga, which has given me a keen sense of alignment and bio-mechanics. I have worked with tap and Flamenco dancers which has encouraged me to explore new rhythmic sequencing. I'm blessed to be continuing this journey.

Deep debts of gratitude go out to Tony, to my friends and family, to the teachers at Yogapod for their inspiration, and mostly to my dearest mother for her unwavering love and support.