The Academy of Dance

Clarissa who resides in Co. Kerry. Holds A Masters in Dance and Dance Education from The University of Limerick.
2018 saw Clarissa win A Connect Kerry Women in Business Award - Winning the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
She is a 2017 finalist for County Kerry in Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year (IBYE) Award, A 2016 Finalist in the Connect Kerry Business Woman of the Year Awards and in 2015 she was also a Kerry County Finalist in Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year (IBYE) Award.
Her training as A Professional Dancer took place at the World renowned Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance – Brunel University London, under the directorship of Ross McKim. After completing the 3 year course, Clarissa graduated in July 2005 with a distinction in her National Diploma, HND and HNC in Dance specialising in Dance Injury and Dance Technique.

She is a qualified Teacher with The International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and is a member of the Ballet Faculty and Tap Faculty, The United Kingdom Alliance (UKA) as a Dance Adjudicator, A member of UNESCO Conseil International De La Danse, A member of The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Holds A Diploma in Dance Exercise, Holds a Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology, is A Fully Qualified Zumba Teacher, Certified with Irish Gymnastics in Rhythmic Gymnastics as a Level 2 Coach and Rhythmic Gymnastic Judge, is a Leader with Gasice the Irish Presidents Award. Clarissa is also fully qualified in Occupational First Aid with The Irish Red Cross.

Her previous training was at The College of Dance Dublin, under the directorship of Joanna Banks where she graduated with a Professional Dance Diploma.

Clarissa has performed in numerous Professional Pantomimes alongside stars such as Wayne Sleep and Bonnie Langford as well as appearing in television commercials.
Some of Her performances to date include:
Featured Dancer in Shane Murphy’s Visual Instillation “Flow” which premiered in an exhibition in Kerry’s County Museum, Ballet Ireland in the Rite of Spring at The National Concert Hall Dublin, Chrysalis Dance- Wishes and Waves Tour, Performances in The Cork Opera House, The Sailing Jazz Company, a Special Performance for the Prince of Monaco and Susan Sarandon, a lengthy European Tour, with Rambert at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden London, Reflections-Ireland's First Percent for the Arts in Dance at Siamsa Tire the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Guest Dancer in The Peacock Club at Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Performed for President of Ireland Mary McAleese, CoisCeim Dance Company at the opening ceremony of the Ryder Cup at the K Club Co. Kildare. Ballet Solo on TG4.
Solo Performances include:
The Dying Swan, Swan Lake, Raymonda, La Bayadere, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Napoli, and Violetta Elvin’s solo from the Birthday Offering.