OUR DANCERS

Claire McMahon Mooney

Principal

Claire McMahon Mooney is the Founder and Principal Dancer of MMD Studios.

Claire is a teacher like no other working at the very ihear of creative emergence in young dancers, building resilience, dance and choreography skills. Claire has built a home for dance in the heart of Lurgan and Craigavon. Working at the cutting edge of dance innovation Claire has recently partnered with Future Screens NI to build a dance movement in zoom. What began as an experiment to get through Covid has become a dance craze in kitchens and bedrooms as dancers safely dance alone together. Claire delivers both contemporary and street dance classes accredited by ID-Company founded by world renowned choreographer Ryan Jenkins and cannot wait to get back to her fully Covid compliant studio which is fully equipped with touch free sanitisers, kick screens, safe dance space and a secure queuing system.

Claire is a passionate dance beginning in Latin-American and Freestyle Disco Dance at the age of 9. Claire has triple distinction in Performed Arts in Belfast and foundation degree and Ba (Hons) Degree in Dance Newcastle College. Claire achieved a DTTLS teaching qualification in Newcastle College and taught Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the College for two years. Claire achieved her Freestyle Teaching Qualification at Newcastle Dance Centre.

Claire’s only ambition is for her dancers to reach for the stars. Claire has a unique ability to build independent dancers capable of choreography from 4 and above. An expert in free style Claire creates an environment in which her dancers combine technical ability with creative expression.

Claire is also trained in acrotrix and can assist dancers to excel in lifts and acrobatic performance.

Claire has delivered high quality dance classes in a variety of Dance Styles for 26 years. Claire is an expert teacher in Street Dance, Contemporary, Ballet, Freestyle and Hip Hop.

Claire has danced with Global Dance Leaders such as Simon Birch, Charlotte Grant, Ryan Jenkins. Vicki Matteu, Mandy Rogerson, Angela Reay, Andrea Masala, Bode Lawal and Maria Naidu, Anthony Lo-Guidice, Sandy Cuthbert and Ashley Fulton. Ryan Jenkins, Matt Walker, Robert Foley, Paul Madden, Henry Gilbert, James Hughes, Jemima Brown, Adam Ashford, Anthoula Papadaki, Leon Alderton, Ian Harris, Kyle Hanagami, Zacc and Kerri Milne, Louie Spence, Jason Pinnock, and Fabiane leame.

Claire is qualified in the Graham Technique, Cunningham Technique, Limon Technique, Classical R.A.D and Cecchetti Ballet, Pas De Deux, Contact improvisation, Choreography, Personal and Professional Development, Contextual Studies and Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Hip-hop , Street dance , Singing, Acting, Video Dance and Marketing events.

Claire is an experienced Creative Director. Professional Dancer. Fire Dancer and Model. Additional qualifications include:

• Community Sector Training Children Order and Child Protection Certificate
• First Aid Certificate Bluelight Medical Training Ltd
• Fully insured up to 10 million
• Paediatric first aid trained Fully qualified ID company Contemporary dance grades teacher
• Suicide awareness trained
• Fully qualified ID company Street dance grades teacher
• Fully qualified Acrotrix teacher
• CPD fully insured associate teacher
• Insure 4 sports
• Covid 19 trained

	Dance Teacher Abigail Gillespie Royalty Crew · Baby Hip Hop Assistant My name is Abigail Gillespie, I am 20 years old and I have been dancing with MMD Studios for just over 10 years. Currently I teach Royalty Crew, who are aged P4 to P7, and I also assist Caitlin O'Kane with baby hip hop classes. I enjoy teaching as it is so rewarding to watch the dancers' confidence and friendships grow throughout the studio and see how much joy dance can bring to them. Experience working with a variety of age groups throughout the studio has encouraged me to be patient and supportive, ensuring every child feels comfortable and confident. I am dedicated to creating a safe space for all dancers to grow, learn, build confidence and have fun!
Dance Teacher Zoe McCabe Hip Hop · All Ages My name is Zoe McCabe and I have been dancing at MMD Studios since I was six years old. I trained with Claire and now teach hip hop to students of different ages at MMD Studios. I have a lot of experience teaching hip hop, and many of my students have won first place in All Ireland hip hop competitions, which I'm extremely proud of. I was also a finalist for Dance Assistant/Teacher of the Year. I love teaching because it's amazing to see my students grow and enjoy dance as much as I do. Helping them build confidence and improve their skills makes teaching very rewarding. Dance helps improve coordination, fitness, and creativity — teaching teamwork and discipline in a fun, supportive environment. I make sure my classes are engaging and enjoyable so every child feels motivated and excited to learn. I also enjoy creating choreography and preparing students for competitions.
	Dance Teacher Caitlin O'Kane Hip Hop (2–5 yrs) · Lyrical (11–15 yrs) Hi, my name is Caitlin O'Kane. I'm 19 years old and I have been dancing for MMD Studios since I was 8 years old. I teach a hip hop class for 2–5 year olds and a lyrical class for 11–15 year olds. I adore teaching as it's extremely rewarding to see students develop their skills, confidence, discipline and find happiness through dance. I have experience teaching a wide variety of age ranges and feel I am a very adaptable, versatile teacher. I am very passionate about what I do, making me extremely dedicated with a sense of unwavering love and patience. I want to create a supportive, safe and engaging environment where all dancers — no matter their ability — can learn, feel like they fit in and most importantly have fun!
Dance Teacher Demileigh McSherry Hip Hop Crew · Competitive Dance My name is Demileigh McSherry and I started my dance journey with MMD Studios when I was seven years old. Over time, it has grown into a really rewarding career as a dance teacher. I've been lucky to be a finalist for Dance Assistant of the Year at the Dance Awards NI and have won lots of All-Ireland titles as a competitive dancer. Three years ago, I moved from helping with ballet to leading a hip-hop crew, which has been a great experience. I love teaching because it lets me help young dancers grow and gain confidence. Taking my crew to competitions and watching their hard work pay off with amazing performances makes me very proud. Teaching isn't just about dance for me — it's about inspiring others and sharing something I truly love.