Madison's Nicolette Doherty of the Irish step dancing school Sheeaun Academy is a New England champion of Irish Dance. Nicolette competed at the New England Oireachtas in Providence, Rhode Island last month and placed first in the "Traditional Set – Girls Under 7".

Moira Speer, T.C.R.G., who started Sheeaun Academy of Irish Dance, and her teaching partner Frank Rupp, T.C.R.G. sent 11 students to compete at the New England Oireachtas (New England Regional competition) in Providence. Nicolette placed twelfth in her team, "Girls 4-hand Ceili Under 9" out of 25 teams, and placed first in her solo, "Traditional Set - Girls Under 7" out of over 40 girls. 

The Sheeaun Academy is located in Madison as well as other towns in Connecticut. Nicolette was one of the first students in Madison when Speer started teaching 2 ½ years ago.

"She is a sweet, dedicated, and extremely talented little girl who works very hard and deserved to take home the top prize in her competition.   Frank and I are unbelievably proud of Nicolette and of all of our students that danced at the Oireachtas, and we look forward to many years of great memories and success at these events!" said Speer.

Nicolette started Irish Step at the Jeffrey after school program.  In November 2008, Speer went to Jeffrey and taught the kids who wanted to try Irish dance for free.  

Explained Nicolette's mother Christine Doherty, "Nicolette took to it and really liked it.  She had already 2 1/2 years of ballet and 1 1/2 years of gymnastics and continued to do gymnastics until June but stopped ballet in January 2009 to start Irish Step.  She started with Moira from the beginning in January 2009 when she opened Sheeaun Academy of Irish Dance and has loved it."

"All the kids she dances with on the competitive level are so wonderful, they all have compassion and support each other.  Nicolette works really hard in everything she does."

"For Nicolette, competing is a mind thing with her.  She thinks/believes she get first and then she does, her hard work and dedication have paid off," Doherty added.

The first line of the second grader's report card reads, "She's a teacher's dream," her mother crowed. 

Seven-year-old Nicolette said that, in addition to dancing, she likes "to play with her friends." 

"I do Girl Scouts and CCD," she adds.

"I like learning the new steps," Nicolette said. 

Nicolette would some day like to be a Riverdancer.

If you would like additional information on Sheeaun Academy of Irish Dance, please visit www.sheeaunacademy.com.  Classes are held at the American Legion Hall in Madison on Thursdays, and anyone interested in taking lessons can e-mail Moira Speer at moira@sheeaunacademy.com for more information.