Our Teachers

Anna Kelly, TCRG

Anna Kelly has been dancing nearly her entire life, beginning her journey in Irish dancing at age seven. Anna took Irish dancing throughout her childhood and early adulthood in Houston and New Orleans, beginning with Southern Region pioneer Paul Tynan.  After Paul’s passing, she began dancing with Colm O’Maoileidigh, where she danced for more than 20 years.   During her dancing days she also had the good fortune to study under such teachers as Eimir Ni Mhaoileidigh, New Orleanian Mary Ann McGrath Swaim, and Michael Smith.

In her competitive career, Anna advanced to Open Championships, the premiere level of Irish dancing. She attended the Southern Region Oireachtas for three years and qualified for the World Championships each time, representing the Southern Region by dancing at the Worlds in Belfast, Ireland in 2004.
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After working as an assistant teacher for many years, Anna took the TCRG exam, an exhaustive test to become a registered Irish dancing teacher, in October 2014 and passed on the first try. Today she is the owner and founder of Clann Kelly and is excited to share her love of Irish dancing with her hometown.

Areleen Torres, TCRG

Areleen was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, where she began dancing at 3 years of age.  She is a two time World Irish Dance Champion.  Areleen was part of the original Riverdance cast that performed on the Eurovision song contest.  Areleen became part of Riverdance The Show in which she was a principle dancer.  She also toured with Lord of the Dance where again she became a principle dancer, dancing both the good and bad girl roles, and was dance captain.  After touring the world for 8 years, Areleen settled in Houston, TX and is married to a native of San Antonio, TX.  They have four boys who are carrying on the tradition of Irish dance. 

Areleen completed her TCRG exam in January, 2018, and is now teaching with Clann Kelly School of Irish Dance  in Houston, TX.

​About Clann Kelly

Clann Kelly (meaning Kelly Family in Irish) is an Irish dancing school established in 2016 and is registered with An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, The Irish Dancing Commission, in Dublin, Ireland. We teach both boys and girls—ages 5 to adult—the steps, rhythms and movements of Irish dancing. This dance form is an excellent way for children and adults both to stay active and strong. From our smallest beginners to our champions, Clann Kelly dancers strive for excellence both on stage and in the classroom. Though competition is not a requirement for attendance, Clann Kelly encourages dancers to compete at the appropriate level with our teachers' guidance.

Values

Clann Kelly seeks to present an atmosphere for learning Irish dancing that is positive, healthy and fosters friendships between all our dancers. Our school’s name was chosen because we truly believe that when you enter Clann Kelly, you’re not just gaining a dance school—you’re gaining an extended family.
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“Nothing Without Labour” is the motto of County Down, where Anna’s mother’s side of the family is from, as well as the unofficial school motto. We know that each medal or trophy earned at a competition is a reflection of the hard work our students put in during their class and practice time. By making the most of every lesson, our classes not only teach traditional Irish dancing, but also the value of healthy work ethic, determination, and discipline. In the competitive arena, Clann Kelly dancers are expected to display the highest degree of good sportsmanship—humble in victory, and gracious in defeat.