Our Story: A Legacy of Irish Dance
The Johnston School of Irish Dance began in 1993 with a dream, a passion, and just four dedicated students. Founder Ann Johnston Sullivan transformed the garage above her childhood home—where she once practiced her own steps—into a studio filled with rhythm, energy, and tradition.
As word spread and families from across Syracuse sought lessons, Ann expanded to accommodate the growing demand. In a bold move, she acquired the Butler School of Irish Dance in Watertown from Patrick Butler, ensuring students from the North had a place to perfect their craft.
With the global rise of Riverdance, Irish dancing surged in popularity, and so did the Johnston School. In 1997, Ann welcomed longtime friend and fellow dance enthusiast Patty Wilsch to the teaching team, igniting even more passion in the school. Just a year later, they expanded again, launching a new location in Utica alongside their thriving schools in Syracuse, Fayetteville, and Watertown.
The momentum didn’t stop there. In 2014, Ann added yet another chapter to the school’s story by purchasing the Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance in Vestal, NY, bringing the total locations to five. With this expansion came the return of a former student, TCRG Abby Trageser Cook, now a certified instructor ready to inspire the next generation.
And the Johnston family kept growing. In 2021, they welcomed the Roisin Academy of Irish Dance into the fold, along with TCRG Lisa Lonergan Abel, further strengthening their commitment to excellence in Irish dance.
From a humble garage studio to a powerhouse of Irish dance across multiple locations, the Johnston School continues to instill passion, discipline, and tradition in dancers of all ages. The journey is far from over—every step tells a story, and every dancer carries the rhythm of Ireland forward.
Johnston School of Irish Dance 