Tapping feet and ballads sound from a new Irish dancing studio on Ingleside’s Ocean Avenue, where two San Francisco-native sisters pass on a centuries-old art form to the next generation.
Noreen Boyle Heavey and Mary Ann Boyle Folan have been immersed in Irish dance and culture. They started Irish dancing at ages five and seven, respectively. They transitioned into teaching in 1995 and opened the Boyle Irish Dance Academy, educating new generations and guiding solo performers and teams to competitions.
“You're going to have a great experience because we make it fun,” Boyle Folan said. “For people who are serious about competing, we'll push you, but if you're more about not being pushed, we can hold back. It's a good experience for you to feel better about yourself.”
The studio hasn’t been active the entire time. Both sisters took a break, though teaching intermittently, to start families and pursue careers. Boyle Folan is a retired ICU nurse and Boyle Heavey is a postpartum doula. They jointly returned to the academy during the pandemic and celebrated 30 years of teaching in 2025.
“I love teaching Irish dancing because I get to share something that is a deep part of my heritage,” Boyle Heavey said.
The sisters found a home on Ocean Avenue earlier this year at St. Francis' Episcopal Church after having taught in various locations throughout the Bay Area, like in Pacifica and on the Merced Manor Reservoir on 22nd Avenue.
The studio sits on the bottom level of the church and fits nearly 50 students. Academy trainees range in age and experience. Some practice four to five days a week, year-round. Classes are split into beginner-level, intermediate-level and champs or competition.
The sisters are certified Teagascóir Choimisiúin le Rinci Gaelacha, commission Irish dance teachers, through the Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, the Irish Dancing Commission.
The academy’s students have gone on to compete and win nationally and globally. Some have also participated in local events such as performing at events like the Union Street Festival and have had floats and dancing numbers for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The academy's atmosphere draws students back for more. Boyle Heavey said they don’t pit dancers against each other, but rather teach students through an uplifting community lens, focusing on safe body movements and mechanics, Irish traditional moves and what it means to work as a team and have faith in oneself.
She added that students take lifelong lessons with them no matter where they end up.
“It's a safe space,” Boyle Heavey said. “It's not a place where anybody should feel like they are intimidated in any way, and if that happens, then we need to talk about it. We don't want that. We want everyone to do well to the best of their ability, and get to a place where they're happy and comfortable.”
Jessica O’Reilly, parent to dancer Hanna, said that her daughter joined the academy in kindergarten and even now as a high school sophomore, she is still eager to participate in her classes every week.
“Irish dance is fun but can be hard at times, and you need teachers who meet you at your level, but challenge you at the same time as having a good time,” O’Reilly said.
Dancer Mia and parent Marissa Otellini shared similar sentiments. Mia said she feels grateful to be a part of a team that has become like a second family to her. Now 15, Mia started at the age of six with some of her friends after being inspired by her school mascot at St. Cecilia, the Fighting Irish, to explore dance classes.
“I think everyone deserves to be happy and proud of themselves and be surrounded by a welcoming community,” Mia said. “Noreen and Mary have created such an encouraging space for every dancer who walks through the door. They truly believe in every single person, and they have a way of building your confidence and helping you become the best version of yourself, and you can walk in one way and be feeling stronger, more confident, and proud of who you are.”
From a parent's perspective, Marissa said that it’s been amazing to watch her daughter tackle any challenge that learning Irish dancing has brought on.
“I think going into classes sometimes, Mia is overwhelmed because [she’s] trying to learn a new step or a new routine, but she always leaves feeling much more motivated, even if it's a hard class,” Otellini said.
The band of sisters has said that it’s never too late to take up the Irish dancing craft and that it is open to all ages. They encourage people to try out one class and to even bring a buddy, if they wish.
“It's not only that you have to really think and learn things, but you have camaraderie,” Boyle Folan said. “You learn cultures. You meet people. You get to perform. You become confident, so it's a great experience for people, and you don't have to be Irish.”
