Featured Irish Dancer
Maggie began dancing with the Claddagh School of Irish Dance in California. She won four North American Championships, two All-Ireland Championships and in 2007 won the World Irish Dancing Championships. In 2010 Maggie performed the lead role in Busch Gardens’ production Celtic Fyre and originated the lead female role in Battle of the Dance. She joined the cast of Riverdance in 2011 and has toured extensively as lead dancer with the show. Maggie is delighted to be joining the company of Heartbeat of Home.

Featured Irish Dancer
Born in London, UK. James moved to Co. Cavan, Ireland at the age of 11 where he started Irish dancing for respected dance school in Dundalk. James enjoyed a successful competitive career winning every major title, including the coveted World and All Ireland Championships on multiple occasions.
In 2011 he then went on to fulfil his life-long ambition by joining Riverdance. James’ talent was instantly recognised and he was promoted to the principal role within seven weeks and has been proudly leading the troupe touring the world ever since. The highlights of his Riverdance career to date were he performed as lead role at the Eurovision 60th Anniversary and danced for the First Lady Michelle Obama. As an artist, James continued to step out of his comfort zone and expand his skill set by joining various productions and exposing himself to new dance styles. He toured with Breandán de Gallaí’s “Noċtú” and Prodijig’s “Footstorm” which highly influenced his now distinctive dance style. From these experiences James established his own introductory dance company AfterLife [2015], but has since rebranded and is one of the leading dance entertainment companies is Ireland with “KLIX”. KLIX are agents of change, driven by innovation, creativity and compassion who believe in their ability to change the world around them through the Irish arts and culture. In 2017 James founded his own therapeutic practice, Vigor, which incorporates sports massage therapy and personal training to improve the overall health and wellbeing of dancers.

Featured Irish Dancer / Dance Captain
Bobby was six years old when he started dancing in his hometown Bristol, UK. After an illustrious career as a competitive Irish dancer, winning ten World titles, he became a professional dancer joining the cast of Lord of the Dance. After six weeks in the show, Bobby was cast as the principal dancer. Bobby joined Prodijig and went on to help create their debut show Footstorm. In 2014 Bobby became a lead dancer in Riverdance, the show that originally inspired him to pursue dance. He is thrilled to be cast as one of the male leads in Heartbeat of Home.

Featured Irish Dancer
Born in Australia, Gianna attended the Halloran School of Dance, training in Irish dance, ballet, contemporary dance and musical theatre. There she obtained several championship titles in Irish dancing. She also studied ballet part time at the Australian Ballet School and part time acting at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts). Gianna was a part of the cast of Prodijig’s show Footstorm (2013). She then joined the cast of Riverdance in 2014 and has since toured the globe as apart as the female principal team on many tours. She is also an original cast member of Heartbeat of Home (2013) and made her debut as female principal in China in 2018. Gianna is delighted to be performing alongside the cast of Heartbeat of Home in this, her first appearance in London’s West End.

Featured Irish Dancer
Australian born Natasia began dancing at the age of three. She trained in all styles with a strong focus on classical ballet and Irish dance. Throughout her dancing career Natasia obtained seven national Irish dance titles whilst training as a ballerina with the Australian Ballet School. This all led her to be chosen as an original cast member of Heartbeat of Home (2013) and then to join the cast of Riverdance (2014). Since then, Natasia has performed worldwide in both shows as a principal dancer and is delighted to be in London performing in the show that kick-started her professional career.

Featured Irish Dancer
Jason is from Belfast. Under the tuition of the Armstrong School he won major solo championships at world level. He is an avid traveller and has proudly danced on every continent and in some of the world’s most prestigious theatres. Jason has toured internationally as a principal dancer in Riverdance performing in China, Argentina, Brazil, USA and Canada. He has danced for the Queen Elizabeth II, US First Lady Michelle Obama, and the Princess of Hawaii amongst others. He was also part of Prodijig’s forward thinking show Footstorm. Jason is also a passionate musician, photographer and illustrator.

Irish Dance Troupe
Brandon began dancing at the age of 4 with the Leneghan Academy of Irish Dance located in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. In sixteen years of competitive dancing, Brandon became a five time Mid American Champion, National Champion, and placed 6th at the World Championships. After participating in the 2015 Riverdance Summer School, Brandon began touring with Riverdance and joined the cast of Heartbeat of Home in 2018.

Irish Dance Troupe and Dance Captain
Ellen from Co. Meath, Ireland began dancing at the age of 5 and attended the renowned O’Shea School in Dublin. She has danced professionally since 2010 and has juggled this with her studies, graduating with an honours degree in Accounting and Finance in 2012. Ellen has toured Europe, Asia, Canada and the USA with Noctu, Irish Celtic, Heartbeat of Home and Riverdance. She is also Dance Captain with Heartbeat of Home.

Irish Dance Troupe
Darren Casey from Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland started Irish dancing at the age of eight for Scoil-Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh Dun Dealgan. After many years of national and international competitive success he joined Riverdance aged 18, touring the globe entertaining audiences from all walks of life. In 2012 Darren was a member of dance group Prodijig that famously went on to win the hit television show Got to Dance and later played an integral role in Prodijig’s full stage show Footstorm touring the UK and Ireland. Darren returned to Riverdance for the 20th anniversary tour and has since toured with Heartbeat of Home; enjoying a run in London’s West End among other highlights.

Born in Dublin, Ohio, USA Courtney began Irish dancing at the age of seven with the Regan Rankin Holland Irish Dance Academy. During her competitive years, Courtney placed in the top three at the All-Ireland, All-Scotland, and North American National championships as well as sixth place at the World Championships in 2016. She started her professional career with Chicago’s Trinity Irish Dance Company in January 2016 while studying fashion business at the Ohio State University. Later that year, Courtney embarked on her first tour with Riverdance and has now performed across China, Canada and the United States. She is so excited to be joining the Heartbeat of Home cast.

Irish Dance Troupe
Anna Mai began her dance journey at the age of four. She danced competitively for sixteen years alongside her brother Fergus, realizing quickly that it was her passion. As a competitor, she has won many major championships such as the All Ireland Championships, Great Britain Championships and the British Nationals. She then went on to tour China with the fantastic cast of Riverdance which included her brother Fergus. Prior to joining the cast of Heartbeat of Home she spent the summer performing with Riverdance in the renowned Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. Aside from her dancing, Anna Mai has also received a qualification in personal training from the University of Limerick.

Irish Dance Troupe
Fergus started dancing when he was eight years old at his national school and quickly learned that he had a passion for dance. He won most major Irish Dance championships and became a world champion. Fergus turned his focus to professional dancing and began his career with Riverdance alongside his sister Anna Mai and went on to tour China and then a summer run in the renowned Gaiety Theatre, Dublin. This paved the path for a new exciting venture into Heartbeat of Home. Aside from dancing, Fergus is studying Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Caroline was born and raised in London. She started dancing at the age of five and danced under the instruction of Frances McGahan at the McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy from the age of eight. Caroline enjoyed a very successful competitive career winning over 20 major solo titles including the All-Ireland, North American, Great Britain, All Scotland and World championships. She is also a qualified teacher under An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha. Caroline began her professional career in 2012 with Feet of Flames and was then selected to join the cast of Lord of the Dance. During her time with the company, she performed both female lead roles and was a principal dancer for the West End (London Palladium and Dominion Theatre), Broadway (the Lyric Theatre) and international tours. Caroline is thrilled to be joining the cast of Heartbeat of Home.

Irish Dance Troupe
Meadhbh hails from Tara, Co. Meath, Ireland and began dancing with the Jackie O’ Leary School of Irish Dance at the age of 4. She later joined the Murrihy – Flynn and O’Shea schools. Competing successfully at the World and All Ireland Championships, she became Leinster Champion in 2014. Meadhbh also danced in Ladies and mixed teams with the O’Shea School placing top three in the World Championships numerous times. As well as dancing professionally since 2010, Meadhbh completed a degree in Mathematics and English at St. Patrick’s College, Dublin. Since 2015, she has toured Europe, China and North and South America with Riverdance and other dance shows. Meadhbh is excited to be joining the cast of Heartbeat of Home.

Irish Dance Troupe

Andy started dancing at age 9, excelling in the competitive circuit as All-Ireland, Great Britain, All-Scotland, and North American champion. His professional career began alongside Michael Flatley in an arena tour of Celtic Tiger. Andy then joined Riverdance touring the world as Dance Captain of the Irish Troupe. Andy was also a member of Prodijig , the group who went on to win Sky One’s ‘Got to Dance’ in front of a television audience of 1.2 million. Andy has a passion for choreography assisting in projects such as So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and Laochra. Andy co-directed and choreographed a version of Romeo and Juliet which toured China for a 12 week run. Notable performances include dancing for Queen Elizabeth II and performances at Radio City Music Hall and James Corden’s ‘Late Late Show’. Andy is overjoyed to be a member of Heartbeat of Home, and to have the opportunity to be involved in this groundbreaking project.

Irish Dance Troupe
Louise from Dublin, Ireland began dancing at the age of four under the tuition of the late Lil Tully, transferring to the Elaine Kavanagh School of Dance in her teens. Many years of successful competitive Irish dancing followed before Louise began her professional career in 2010. After lengthy tours of the world Louise fulfilled her dream of joining Riverdance and has moved from a troupe role, to Dance Captain and Lead dancer. Louise is also a qualified personal trainer, having studied at Dublin City University and is delighted to be chosen to tour with Heartbeat of Home.
 

Callum, from Warwickshire, England began dancing aged 11. Following multiple competitive titles and top 10 world placings, he turned professional at 18. In 2011 he began performing off-Broadway in New York as the principal dancer in the Irish contemporary production Nöctú and toured the USA and Europe with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. The next year Callum performed the principal role in Riverdance on his first tour with the show across the USA and subsequently the world. He was invited to participate in the workshop of the pilot production of Heartbeat of Home in 2012 and performed in its opening in Dublin, 2013. Other highlights include performing for Prince William, touring the UK with Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway Live and now earning his West End credit with Heartbeat of Home. Callum competed nationally in tennis and enjoys rugby during his downtime. He is currently studying architecture in Liverpool and delighted to be back on stage.

Peter began dancing at the age of four with the Coyle School in Donegal, Ireland. After a successful competitive career Peter pursued his studies at Dundee University, Scotland completing qualifications in media, culture and society. In 2012 Peter began his professional career by being one of 12 dancers cast in Breàndan De Gallaí’s Rite of Spring. Peter has toured 32 countries performing the lead role in Rhythm of the Dance, Ragús – the Show and was the lead and dance captain of Gaelforce Dance. In 2014 Peter fulfilled his lifetime ambition and joined Riverdance on the 20th anniversary tour. Throughout his career Peter has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues including the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre, Tokyo Opera City Music Hall and the Kremlin Palace, Moscow. Peter is delighted to be making his West End debut in Heartbeat of Home.

Afro-Cuban Dancer
Paaliba started dance at age 13 initially beginning his training with Groundswell Dance Company, then later moving to London to further his studies. Paaliba is delighted to join the cast of Heartbeat of Home and would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support.

Pablo began dance studies at age eight at the Conservatorio Profesional de danza de Murcia in Spain. In 2006 he joined the Ballet Español de Murcia, becoming soloist and later lead dancer. Between 2010 and 2016 he danced with the Ballet Nacional de España under the direction of José Antonio, and later Antonio Najarro. In 2013 he choreographed for the Ballet Español de Cuba at the Teatro Nacional de la Habana. In 2017 Pablo debuted his first solo performance Verano afro-flamenco. He was soloist in the first international flamenco company, Flamenconautas. He choreographed and danced with the American flamenco company Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, and as a guest artist with the Russian flamenco company, Aire Flamenco Theatre. He has taught flamenco, castanets and Spanish dance in six countries across three continents. Pablo is currently the resident flamenco master at Centro Proart in Queretaro, México and was principal dancer in Iberica Contemporanea, México, the biggest flamenco festival in Latin America.

Afro-Cuban Dancer
Onyemachi Ejimofor trained at the London Studio Centre. His credits include: Dance member for Motionhouse Dance Company, Ensemble in The Bodyguard Musical (Germany), Ensemble in The Lion King (UK Tour), Dancer for Florence + The Machine (Hyde Park Summertime Festival), Dancer for Rosie Kay dance company (international dance festival Birmingham), Dancer in James Wilton Dance Company (Rugby World Cup), Dancer in The Corrs ‘Bring on the night’ music video, Dancer in money.co.uk commercial.

Born in Tallinn, Estonia, Vitali started dancing at the age of eight. He represented Estonia at the World and European
Latin-American championships and was Estonian National Champion. Vitali won the popular Dancing with the Stars television show in Turkey in 2012, and was a finalist on the Irish version in 2017; repeating his high placings as a quarter-finalist in 2018 and 2019. He was a finalist at the WDSF World Showdance Latin Championship in 2015, in Vienna. Vitali was also a cast member of world-famous ballroom show Burn the Floor.

Latin Dancer
Valerio was born into a dance family and began dancing at his parents’ school in Italy. He has competed for more than 15 years; winning a number of major Dancesport medals across North America and Europe. On retiring from competition, Valerio performed all over the world as part of the prestigious touring dance company Burn the Floor and then as a lead in the cruising stage show Legally Blonde. After completing his first season as a pro-latin dancer on Italy’s version of Dancing with the Stars, Valerio joined a UK Tour with Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev. Valerio is excited to be a part of the cast of Heartbeat of Home.

Born in Estonia, Valeria started dancing at the age of eight. She represented her country at the World and European Latin-American championships, was the finalist of the IDSF Amateur European Union Latin Championship and the finalist of the WDSF World Showdance Latin Championship in 2015. Valeria was a cast member on three seasons of Dancing with the Stars in Ireland, winning the first season there in 2017. She also appeared on the Turkish edition of Dancing with the Stars, where she took the silver medal. She was a cast member of world-famous ballroom show Burn the Floor.

Flamenco Dancer
Rocio started dancing at age four in Granada, Spain. At twenty one, she graduated from El Conservatorio Profesional de Danza, Granada and began working professionally with various flamenco companies and artists including Compañia Andaluza de Danza, Flamencos en Route, Mario Maya and Rafaela Carrasco. Rocio has also created her own works. In 2006, she premiered Acordes Pintados con Palabras and currently has an ongoing show Alhambra Baila. Rocio has performed all over the world as a featured flamenco soloist in Riverdance and has most recently added Heartbeat of Home to her credits as a flamenco artist/choreographer.

Ella is from London and trained at the Urdang Academy before continuing her training at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), where she completed her degree in Dance. Since graduating in 2017, Ella has worked in various parts of the industry from theatre to film, music videos and plenty more. Some of her recent credits include: Thriller Live (West End); Global Village, Dubai, Lost Village festival, Men in Black: International, Forever Living Global Rally, Stockholm, and Naughty Boy featuring Joe Jonas – ‘One Chance to Dance’ music video. Ella is thrilled to be joining the cast of Heartbeat of Home.

Latin Dancer
Lisa graduated from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, UK in 2002 with a first class BA hons degree. Since then she has danced extensively with the UK’s top Contemporary dance companies including Phoenix Dance Theatre, Bonachela Dance Company and Henri Oguike.
Lisa now works as a freelance artist. Her projects have included: The Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic games (Akram Khan); The Pet Shop Boys musical (Javier De Frutos) and Electric tour; she danced in the movie adaptation of Anna Karenina (Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui) and several UK TV adverts. She was assistant choreographer for the BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance and Strictly Come Dancing. Lisa has recently finished touring four Latin shows with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing.

Musical Director, Drums, Percussion and Bodhran
Mark, a native of Monaghan, Ireland began playing drum set the age of four. He studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the Performing Arts College. He is now one of Europe’s most highly regarded drummers and is in demand from a host of international acts. His individualistic and energetic style has seen him play with Lionel Richie, Josh Groban, The Corrs, The Divine Comedy, Mary Coughlan, Ronan Keating, Westlife, Girls Aloud, Donnie Osmond, and the late Christy Hennessy. Mark Alfred uses and proudly endorses: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vater Drumsticks, Protection Racket Cases.

Fiddle, Whistle
Tara, a multi-instrumentalist from Co. Clare, has achieved All-Ireland titles on fiddle in every age category including the All-Ireland Senior Fiddle Title and is an All-Ireland winner on the flute and saxophone. Tara has won 11 solo All Ireland Fleadh titles and 10 group All Ireland Fleadh titles. Tara won the coveted ‘Fiddler of Dooney’ competition and the prestigious ‘Michael Coleman Fiddle Competition’ and the senior Oireachtas fiddle title. She was selected by Donal Lunny for the T.V. series, Lorg Lunny, which culminated in the band Ciorras, and went on to join the Galician piper Carlos Núñez. In 2014, Tara joined The Chieftains for their North American tour. She achieved her Dip. ABRSM in 2007 in classical flute, graduated in 2011 with a BA(Hons) in Music and Arts, and in 2012 a B Mus. Degree.

Uilleann Pipes, Guitar, Whistle
Dublin-born, Cathal started playing music from the age of seven and began learning the Uilleann Pipes at thirteen. A Senior All Ireland Champion, he has played for two Presidents of Ireland, including Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Aras an Uachtarian. Cathal has performed regularly at international festivals such as Festival Interceltique du l’Orient and HIFA Festival, Zimbabwe, shared the stage with Ralph McTell in Hamburg and was recorded by Ireland’s National Television Broadcaster, RTÉ. Since graduating from the University of Limerick with an Honours Degree in Music, Cathal has toured in Ireland, the United Kingdom, China, Germany and Australia.

Saxophone, Keyboard and Whistle
Since graduating from Leeds College of Music with a BA (Hons) in Jazz, Emma has relocated to London and has established herself as a much in-demand session musician. Emma has toured throughout the world for Hedkandi, & Fierce Angel, as well as performing with Olly Murs, John Newman, Busted, Mr Hudson, The Ting Tings, and Patrick Wolf to name a few. Emma is looking forward to being part of Heartbeat of Home.

Trevor has been at the forefront of the London music scene for the last 14 years. His performing credits are wide ranging. He has performed with, amongst others, George Benson, recorded and toured with multi-instrumentalist James Morrison, toured with Sam Rivers Big Band, Michel Legrand, and recorded with Pat Metheny, Toots Thielemans and David Sanborn. He was a member of jazz-funk band Jamiroquai, and Incognito, recording and touring with both for a number of years. Maintaining a healthy balance between commercial and more creative projects, recording in studios for television and film, Trevor is currently trombonist/arranger for Sir Tom Jones, and recently toured with Randy Brecker’s European Big Band, as well as recording with Radiohead, and performing with the likes of Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, and recording and performing with Mark Ronson.

Ryan is an award-winning jazz and lead trumpet player and an in-demand studio musician, composer, arranger and
educator. Ryan studied classical trumpet with John Gracie, the long-time Royal Scottish National Orchestra player, a period that proved invaluable when he moved into the session and orchestral scene. In 2000, he joined the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, touring over the next 13 years with leading American musicians including saxophonist Joe Lovano and guitarist John Scofield. His recent recording and touring work includes dates with Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick Jr, George Michael, Gregory Porter, Robbie Williams, Michael Bublé, Beverley Knight and Sir Tom Jones. As a lead trumpeter, he has appeared with the Metropole Orkest, the RPO, the Hallé Orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, the BBC Scottish Symphony and Royal Scottish National Orchestras, the RTÉ Concert and Symphony orchestras, and the BBC Big Band. He has released two solo albums, Laphroaig-ian Slip and What Doesn’t Kill You.

Vocalist
Theatre and television includes: Lorraine in Boogie Nights (Gatehouse Theatre); Dorothy in The Wiz (Millfield Theatre); Miss Sherman in Fame (Dugdale Centre); Jo in Bugsy Malone (Leyton Great Hall); Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors (Quarterhouse
Theatre); Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Peterhouse Centre), and a contestant on The X Factor (ITV). Concerts include: Motown Supper (FEST, London); Motown Mansions (Beach Blanket Babylon, London), and Diana Ross and the Supremes (UK tour). Lauren is absolutely thrilled to be performing in such a breathtaking production and wants to thank her family for all of their support.