Erica Pessanha Borges
Laois Dance Academy Principal, Owner
Contemporary and Ballet Teacher
Laois Youth Dance Ensemble Artistic Director; Laois Dance Platform Director;
Graduate Diploma in Dance with Honours, University of Limerick.
Cert. in Dance, Inchicore College
Brazilian born, Erica 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 and build connections throughout the Irish dance community. Erica is YPCE Bursary Dance Award 2021, Arts Council Ireland recipient.
Renata Farah
Hip Hop, Commercial Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet teacher
Cert. in Dance, Petite Dance
Graduated in Physical Education, she has been developing her work as a dance educator for over 10 years and completed her professional training at a renowned Dance School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Through her career she focused on dance teaching and worked with renowed Brazilian choreographers at dance festivals and Brazilian TV shows.
Mayara Pessanha (Trainee teacher)
Hip Hop, Commercial Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet teacher
Mayara is currently at 2nd year of full time dance training at Inchicore College, Dublin where she aims to gain ISTD Dance Teaching Diploma.
She is a current Ohr Dance Company member and danced with Laois Youth Dance Ensemble for 8 years performing in numerous dance festivals across Ireland and abroad.
Mayara is Laois Dance Academy past pupil and has been trained in ballet and contemporary dance since the age of 7.
Laois Dance Academy 
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
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 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 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 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 Marie,
Apologies for late reply. If you still interested, could you please contact me by phone?
Many thanks,
Erica
0871328852