Susan Daly Stanek was born in Dublin, where she began dancing at the age of 3. Susan enjoyed a flourishing dance career and traveled the world as a member of an international touring group. She also joined the John Players Theater Company "Tops of the Town."

Susan moved to the United States in 1986. While living in Manhattan, Susan continued to dance taking lessons at the Martha Grahman School. In 1995  Susan and her husband moved to Ridgewood to raise their growing family.  In 2000, Susan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. During her recuperation, she started teaching local children about Irish legends and folklore through music and dance.  In 2006, Susan opened Ridgewood Irish Dance Studio.  In 2007 Susan was honored to recieve the "Top 40 Under 40 " award from the Irish Echo.  Ridgewood Irish Dance offers classes from toddler to adult, in instructional traditional Irish Dance, progressive Irish Dance and Dance Drama.

ASHLING STANEK:

Ashling is the driving force behind "all things new at Ridgewood Irish Dance".  Ashling, while enjoying a career as a competitive dancer, also teaches new beginners.   Ashling is responsible for writing all the Dance Drama productions along with choreographing. Ashling has been named as the Bergen County  2012 St Patrick's Day Parade  Aid to Grand Marshal. The youngest to ever hold this title!! 

 LINDSEY STANEK

Lindsey is the youngest member of the Stanek Clan.  Lindsey helps with the "warm ups" and organizing schedules.  Lindsey is responsible for freestyle music and costumes and for planning our yearly performance with the NJ Nets!  Lindsey also  assits  in beginner classes starting this fall

SENIOR DANCERS

Ridgewood Irish Dance encourages mentoring and community service.  Many of our senior dancers help assist with younger students, from teaching steps to taking care of them at events and performances.  Ridgewood Irish Dance provides a positive environment for children of all ages and cultures to come together and be part of something special!