Our Coaches

*Directors Emily Wolff and Ciara Reynolds*

Emily Wolff, TCRG

Owner | Director | Head Coach | Chief Choreographer

Emily started dancing when she was just 4 years old and has danced with a number of schools in the Twin Cities over the past two decades. Growing up, she danced competitively under the direction of Katie Griffen TCRG and Rachel Knutson TCRG. In 2003, Emily decided to retire from competition and pursue her love of performance. Emily danced and taught for several years at the Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers in St. Paul where she had the amazing opportunity to perform with many local and international bands such as Dropkick Murphys, Gaelic Storm, Eileen Ivers, Katie McMahon, The Chieftans, The Young Dubliners, Scythian, Two Tap Trio, Myserk, and Tom Dahill. Emily also acted as Assistant Director, Instructor and Chief Choreographer of Rince na Chroi for 8 years.

Emily then decided to take her career to the next level by pursuing her Teaching Certification with An Coimisuin Le Rinci Gaelacha. She received her TCRG in December 2012 and in May 2013 she began the Mactír Academy of Irish Dance.

Outside of dance, Emily holds a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from St. Catherine University and worked for several years in the non-profit sector working with youth development for both Union Gospel Mission and Bethel University. Through her experience working with children and adults of all socioeconomic backgrounds, she is a true believer in social change through the art of dance. Not only does the Mactír Academy allow Emily to tap into her creative side, it gives her the opportunity to affect the lives of youth in such a positive way.

Ciara Reynolds

Assistant Director | Coach | Director - Wolf Pup Program

Ciara has been dancing and teaching in the Twin Cities since 1995. She began her dancing career at Saint Paul Irish Dancers, and continued her teaching and performance career at Rince na Chroi Irish Dance School where Ciara and Emily taught together for several years. Ciara has performed with many local and international bands such as Gaelic Storm, Natalie MacMaster, Eileen Ivers, Katie McMahon, The Chieftans, The Young Dubliners, Two Tap Trio, Myserk, and Tom Dahill.

Ciara has been an integral member of the Mactír community from it's founding in 2013 working alongside Emily at performances, competitions, and everything in between. Ciara's strong passion for working with children lead her to a bachelors in Child Psychology, and Masters in Special Education from the University of MN. Ciara now teaches on Wednesday and Thursday evenings working with dancers of all ages and abilities.

Liz Dengate

Head Coach - Beginner Adult Program

Liz started dancing with Mactir in the fall of 2014, and joined the teaching staff in 2016. She teaches our Beginner Adult class, as well as co-teaching some of our Beta and Alpha classes, and dances with the Advanced Adults group. Liz is originally from Detroit, MI, and has been practicing Irish step dance since 1996! In Michigan, she danced with the O'Hare School of Irish Dance and later Leim Irish Dance at the University of Michigan. When she's not dancing, Liz teaches Environmental Science and Biology to high school students with a focus on social justice, and gets outside as much as possible. She and her husband Niko live in Minneapolis.

Caoimhe Woodburn

Coach

Caoimhe began dancing in 2003 under the instruction of Ciara and Emily at Rince na Chroi Irish Dance School. Caoimhe has been with Mactír since 2013, dancing in the Alpha program and the Ceili program until beginning her teaching career in 2017.

Caoimhe has performed with many local and international bands including Two Tap Trio, Tom Dahill, We Banjo 3, Myserk, Damian McGinty, & Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. Caoimhe enjoys working with Mactír’s youngest dancers, including the Wolf Pup, Omega, & Beta programs.

Aislin James

Coach

Aislin was one of Mactír’s first students. She began her dancing career at the age of 8 and has been an integral part of the Wolfpack since it’s founding in May 2013.

Aislin has had the opportunity to dance with international Irish musicians including Talisk, We Banjo 3, & Damian McGinty.

Aislin competes nationally at the Championship level and enjoys traveling and working with the dancers in Mactír’s performance and competitive programs.

Cleo McGuigan

Assistant Coach