Erica Borges
Laois Dance Academy Principal, Owner
Contemporary and Ballet Teacher
Erica Borges, owner and principal of Laois Dance Academy, Artistic Director of Laois Youth Dance Ensemble and Ohr Dance Company, and Director of Laois Dance Platform.
Brazilian-born, Erica is a contemporary teacher, dancer, and choreographer who specialises in youth dance and diversity. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Dance with Honours from the University of Limerick, Rambert Grades UK certification, a Production and Management Diploma from Forum Danca in Portugal, and a Diploma in Dance from Inchicore College.
Since beginning her work in Ireland, Erica has been dedicated to developing dance in Co. Laois, building connections across the Irish dance community and bringing Laois Youth Dance Ensemble and Ohr Dance Company to national and international festivals. Her experience also includes serving on the Esker Arts Centre Facilitator Panel (2023/24), participating in the Dance Ireland Artist in Residency Scheme 2021, collaborating with the Arts Council and artists such as Maria Nilsson Walker and John Scott, and receiving the YPCE Bursary Award in 2021.
Erica’s vision, expertise, and passion continue to inspire dancers of all ages and help shape the thriving dance community in Laois.
Aine Winter, Senior Ballet
Hip Hop, Urban Jazz and Modern dance
Meet Eve Kirby, a dance graduate from Inchicore College Dublin. Eve’s dance journey began at the age of six, and over the years she has trained extensively in commercial, ballet, and hip hop. Her dedication and skill have earned her the prestigious Second Gold Bar in IDTA hip hop examinations, a recognition of her talent and commitment to her craft.
Since joining the Academy’s teaching team in 2021, Eve has inspired her students with her energy, creativity, and passion for dance, bringing out the best in every class she leads. Her training and experience make her a valued part of our faculty, and we are delighted to have her continue guiding our dancers into the new season.
Junior Ballet
Kate Lawler is currently studying at Inchicore College, pursuing a Level 6 Dance course with the goal of achieving her ISTD and RAD teaching qualifications.
She completed the intensive full-year training programme at the College of Dance in Dublin, graduating at a high standard. At the vocational level, Kate has trained extensively in ballet, modern, tap, and contemporary dance.
Miss Lawler brings a deep passion for dance and a strong commitment to inspiring young dancers to reach their full potential.
She was also a member of the Ohr Dance Company and had the opportunity to perform at prestigious events, including One Dance UK in Birmingham.
LYRICAL CONTEMPORARY
Mayara Pessanha, began her contemporary dance journey in 2013 at Laois Dance Academy and, in 2015, joined Laois Youth Dance Ensemble (LYDE), developing her artistry and performance skills from a young age.
She completed a two-year degree in Dance Theater at Formacao Olga Roriz in Portugal, focusing on choreography, and earned a Level 6 Dance Diploma at Inchicore College of Further Education. Mayara currently dances with Companhia de Dança do Seixal, collaborates with Claudia Dias, and has performed nationally and internationally, including with the Ohr Dance Company and alongside leading Irish choreographers such as John Scott.
Her extensive training and diverse performance experience bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to our students, and we are thrilled to have her join our teaching team.
Laois Dance Academy 