Thanks to the rich and thriving Irish music and dance scene in the Twin Cities, Danielle grew up amidst many wonderful local musicians and dancers. Danielle’s early years as a dancer encompass movement forms such as Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Eurythmy. Irish Step dancing took precedence for a number of years during which time Danielle danced both competitively and socially. After a year spent in Ireland Danielle’s dance expereince expanded to include the traditions of Sean-Nós dancing, Irish Set Dancing, Cape Breton Step Dancing and American Tap. Along side her quest to better understand these unique traditions, Danielle continues to expand her study of movement through forms such as Appalachian Clogging, Alexander Technique, Contact Improvisation, Tai Chi, Yoga, Swing Dancing, Afro-Brazillian Movement, Salsa Dancing and Ballet.

Danielle began playing the fiddle at age 10. She was fortunate to learn from many of the local musicians and fiddle players and to reap the benefits of the local session scene. In 2005 she shifted her focus from dance to music. This brought her to Ireland where she earned a Diploma in Traditional Irish music at University College Cork. During a year of study in 2005 and 2006 at UCC Danielle studied fiddle under Connie O’Connell and also learned from musicians such as Bobby Gardiner and Matt Cranitch.

Despite her choice to focus on music during this time in Ireland, Danielle couldn’t steer clear of the dancing!  It was during this time that she learned Sean Nos dancing as well as Old Style Step Dancing and Set Dancing from Peggy McTeggart of County Cork. In addition to learning the old styles of dancing, Danielle also taught Irish Step Dancing with Margaret McCarthy in Kinsale.

Since returning to Minneapolis in 2006, Danielle has completed a degree in Urban and Sustainabilty Studies at the University of Minnesota. Since 2006 Danielle has spent much of her summer and winter holidays back in Ireland and traveling around the U.S. continuing her music and dance studies as well as dancing with performers such as Daithi Sproule of Altan, fiddle player Liz Carroll, Scottish singer Julie Fowlis, pipers Tom Creegan, Kieran O’Hare and Patrick Cannady, The Brock McGuire Band and the Two Tap Trio.Danielle is currently building her teaching career and expanding her performing career.

Danielle currently teaches Irish Step Dancing at the O’Shea School of Irish Dance in St. Paul and fiddle at the Center for Irish Music. She has also expanded her personal lesson offerings, teaching adults and children in private and group settings as well as offering summer camps and workshops throughout the year.