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The Only Performers at the PPP Since 1996!
The Caledonian Scottish Dancers, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was formed in 1966 under the direction of Meribeth Zielke (Waldrop), with the purpose of high quality presentation and preservation of Scottish music and dance. Meribeth’s brother, Reuel Zielke, eventually moved into the role of group director. The group is currently under the direction of Heather St. Ledger.
The Caledonian Scottish Dancers perform Highland and National dances as well as some lesser known dances. Besides performing the dances in the traditional fashion, they also incorporate arrangements of the dances as well as new choreography.
The group has appeared at numerous festivals, conventions, and cultural events throughout the Midwest United States. They have also completed four successful tours of Scotland, including performances during the Edinburgh Festival, the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, and the Robert Burns Cottage and Heritage Center near Ayr. Other international destinations where the group has represented the Wisconsin folk dance community include Chiba, Japan and Montreal, Canada.
The group primarily performs under the accompaniment of the Billy Mitchell Scottish Pipes and Drums. Gary Bottoni, the pipe major, will also occasionally accompany the group as a soloist. The group has been privileged to perform with other renowned musicians, including Kim Robertson, Navan, and Carlos Núñez.
BEGLAN ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE was founded in 2007 by former Riverdance lead dancer, Sean Beglan, TCRG, and his wife, former Riverdance troupe member, Jillian (Winke) Beglan. Both world medalists who chose to set up their school in the Milwaukee where Jillian grew up. Beglan Academy has gained a reputation for being a tight knit school with a family-like atmosphere, all while still achieving regional and international success in the competitive world.
Beglan Academy is about more than just Irish dance. We hope to provide a place where every student can thrive and reach their highest potential. We challenge, encourage and nurture each individual student. Being a part of our dance family means we teach each student to work hard and cheer on their friends and competitors.
Cashel Academy traces it’s Milwaukee roots to t1967, and the Shamrock Club Dancers. In 1982, we left the McGeary irish Dancers to go out on our own.
Over the years, we have won multiple Irish dance championships.
Our teachers have come through the ranks of the students to teach generations of dancers.
Coaches and owners Anne (McCarthy) Blume, Laura (McNamara) Donaldson and Michelle McNamara grew up Irish dancing together and began teaching as teenagers.
Having coached dancers to a combined nine world championships in team and solo categories, they have the experience to teach children everything from their first steps to competing at the highest level.
They spent many years teaching and coaching the dancers at Trinity, starting in their teens. .
Cashel Academy traces its Milwaukee roots to 1967, and the Shamrock Club Dancers.
In 1982, we left the McGeary irish Dancers to go out on our own. we later joined with Denis Dennehy for over 40 years, to form Cashel Dennehy.
Over the years, we have won multiple Irish dance championships.
Our teachers have come through the ranks of the students to teach generations of dancers.
We have had Irish dancing for our parties since the 1960's. .
