Meet Our Team
Below you can learn more about our instructor's backgrounds. Our instructors work hard to create a supportive environment where our students feel confident!
Our experienced, caring teachers would love to welcome you to Scoil Rince Branwen Irish Dance!
Sue Browning, TCRG
Founder and Instructor
Sue began Irish dancing when she was 5 years old with the Penrose Academy, directed by Desmond Penrose, ADCRG. After receiving his training in Ireland, Mr. Penrose immigrated to the US and established several schools in the Syracuse and Rochester areas. “‘Dessie’ was considered by many to be the founding father of Irish Dance in Central and Western NY” (Cullianan, Dr. J., Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing In North America). Upon Mr. Penrose’ retirement, Charlie Young, TCRG acquired the school and formed the Young School of Irish Dance. While dancing with the Young School, Sue became a championship dancer, qualifying to compete in the World Championships on several occasions.
Scoil Rince Branwen Irish Dance was established in 2015 with classes in Baldwinsville, NY.
Sue obtained her TCRG (Irish Dancing Certification) from An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (the Irish Dancing Commission) in Dublin, Ireland.
Sarah Ross
Instructor
Sarah has been a competitive Irish dancer since 2003, competing at such events as the Mid-Atlantic Regionals Oireachtas. She has since retired from competition in order to pursue her TCRG (Irish dance teaching license). Originating from the Young School of Irish Dance in Rush, NY, Sarah is thrilled to have the opportunity to gain more teaching and choreography experience while working with a new set of students here at SRB.
Sarah's student base now varies widely, from youngsters at the age of 5, to novice dancers aged between 9 and 15, and championship level dancers 15 and up. She also leads classes at both locations (Baldwinsville and Rush) for adults who have little to no experience, or who are coming back to the art. While she strives to challenge each set of students to be their best, she incorporates games and community builders into her class structure. The hope is to show students that this art form is about more than competition. It's about passing on our culture and traditions, and teaching students that they are an integral part of their community.
Allison Brown
Studio Director & Instructor
Allison's love of Dance started at the age of five. She danced with The Dance Experience, located in Horseheads, NY for most of her childhood, where she took lessons and competed in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Clogging, Lyrical, and Acro. In her teen years, Allison transferred to Let's Dance, which was opened by a graduate from The Dance Experience. It was at this point she was introduced to Irish Dance. While Allison was not competitive in Irish Dance, The Ring of Chiarraighe Celtic Dancers, participated in many parades, dance-outs and shows over the years. This experience is what Allison hopes to bring to the Dancers at Scoil Rince Branwen Irish Dance.
"My goal is to bring my love of the art form to all our students. I hope they always remember they are dancing for themselves, and no competition score or remark from any Adjudicator should make them love what they are doing any less."
Currently, Allison is teaching all levels of Irish Dance at SRB. Allison also runs a Cardio Fitness Program based on the concept of Irish Dancing, called Jigs and Swigs™️. Aside from Irish Dance, she is an active competitor on the West Coast Swing Dance Circuit.