Erica Pessanha Borges
Laois Dance Academy Principal, Owner
Contemporary and Ballet Teacher
Laois Youth Dance Ensemble Artistic Director; Ohr Dance Company artistic director; Laois Dance Platform Director;
Graduate Diploma in Dance with Honours, University of Limerick; Rambert Grades, UK certificate ; Cert. in Dance, Inchicore College
Dance Ireland Artist in Residency Scheme 2021 recipient, Arts Council (working with Maria Nilsson Walker).
YPCE Bursary Award recipient 2021, Arts Council Ireland (working with John Scott, Irish Modern Dance Theatre).
Brazilian born, Erica is a contemporary teacher, dancer, choreographer who specialises in youth dance and diversity. Since the beginning of her work in Ireland, she has strived to develop dance practice in Co Laois, building connections throughout the Irish dance community. She brought Laois Youth Dance Ensemble and Ohr Dance Company to festivals in Ireland and internationally.
Aine Winter
Ballet and Modern teacher
Eve Kirby
Hip Hop, Commercial Jazz
Eve is currently at 2nd year of full time dance training at Inchicore College, Dublin where she aims to gain ISTD Dance Teaching Diploma.
She has been dancing since the age of 6, trained in commercial, ballet and hip hop. Eve has been awarded up to second gold bar in IDTA hip hop examinations and is currently leading Laois Dance Academy ‘Hip Hop Dance crew’.
Laois Dance Academy 
Hello I am 11 years old and wondering if there are any ballet or contemporary classes for my age, I have some dance experience.
Hi there just wondering if you have any adult dance classes
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for your message. At the moment I’ve 2 options: Contemporary dance class on Fridays 5-6pm and Laois Youth Dance Ensemble on Saturdays 3-5pm. The Friday class is suitable for children from 8-11 years old, but if you don’t mind working with younger people than you, I welcome you in. The Laois Youth Dance ensemble is a dance company and admission is through free trial/audition. The age group in the ensemble is 12-19 years old and to join you need to commit. Please let me know what you prefer. If you can ring me also: 0871328852.
I’m looking forward to hear from you.
Regards,
Erica Borges.
Hi Erica,
Thanks for all your help & advice before our wedding. We really enjoyed the classes with you. You did great to make us relax and enjoy our first dance on our big day.
Thanks again,
Dónal & Michelle
Hello Donal and Michelle,
Thank you for your lovely message. I believe you guys did great a job on your first dance. Congratulations on your wedding! You’re a lovely couple.
Warm Regards,
Erica.
Hi just wondering is it possible for a teen to do modern dance without LYDE?
Hi there,
Yes it is. Class will recommence in September 6-7pm on Fridays. Please call me if you have any other query.
Regards,
Erica
Hi,
Is the modern jazz class for teenagers still running?
Hi There,
What I have for teenagers at moment is Laois Youth Dance Ensemble. A contemporary dance group meeting in the Dunamaise every Saturday 3-5pm. If you need more details, please do not hesitate in contact me. Regards, Erica (087-132-8852)
Hi are you still running classes for adults? If yes could you forward the timetable, prices etc please? Thanks avril
Hi Avril,
I have Contemporary Dance for Adults in Portlaoise on Fridays 8:30pm and Dance & Exercise on Tuesday 7pm. I hope you can make it! If you want, ring me on 087-132-8852. Regards, Erica