Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Schepman.
Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Irish dancing at the age of 10, initially taking it up alongside my sister at a local school in England. My mum had always wanted to take Irish dance when she was younger, and when the classes became available, she immediately signed us up.
Over the years, I competed regularly at regional, national, and world championships held throughout the UK and Ireland. Later on, I performed in London with several Irish groups.
As I got older, I took the necessary exams and earned my teaching qualifications. When an opportunity arose to teach Irish dance in Nashville, I decided to make the move here 16 years ago. Today, I teach traditional Irish dance to those interested in learning for leisure or competition, alongside my partner Aoibheann O’Brien Barbera at SOUTHERN Irish Dance.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a dance studio is a labor of love that comes with its challenges. The pandemic was especially tough, shifting classes online and finding ways to keep the studio afloat, support dancers, and provide a sense of normalcy and joy. Despite the chaos, we managed to keep going. Our dance families showed up with support, and we kept our dancers moving. It’s a good reminder that dance is more than just choreography and performances—it’s a community.
We’ve been impressed with Southern Irish Dance , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Southern Irish Dance is a premier Irish dance school offering classes in Cool Springs, Nolensville, Chattanooga, and Madison, AL, serving dancers from Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, and beyond. We specialize in teaching traditional Irish dance to students aged 4 through adult, welcoming everyone. Our goal is to prepare dancers for competitions, performances, or simply for fun.
We are a supportive, family-oriented school, and our instructors are passionate about sharing Irish dance with students and helping them reach their personal goals, whether it’s performing on stage, competing, or just dancing for enjoyment.
We have a performance troupe that performs locally, bringing Irish dance to life at festivals, corporate events, weddings, and community celebrations. Their performances feature a mix of traditional Irish step dancing and performance-based Irish dance, which allows for more creativity. We are dedicated to sharing the rich culture of Irish dance with every student who walks through our doors.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the first time I saw Irish dancers perform live. I remember being completely mesmerized by the rhythm, energy, and music. it was like nothing I’d ever seen before! I was fairly new to Irish dance at the time but it made me want to work hard and earn my hard shoes.
Pricing:
- Beginner monthly tuition is $90
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernirishdancetn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernirishdancetn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernirishdance
