Kerri Smith, TCRG

Kerri began dancing at the age of 8 and from her first class knew that Irish Dance was something special. She has loved every minute of it for the 19 years since.  In the 14 years she danced competitively, she represented the DeNogla School of Irish Dance under the drection of Jennifer Nagle- McGovern, ADCRG and Alison Nagle, TCRG and won many titles.  Kerri was a five time Oireachtas (Regional) Champion, she placed as high as second in the North American Irish Dance Championships with numerous top 5 finishes, and she was ranked fourth in the World Championships in 2009.  She also had the opportunity to be featured on the cover of Irish Dance and Culture Magazine, along with performing on Broadway and NJPAC with performers like Eileen Ivers, Frank Patterson and the Trinity Irish Dance Company.  

In May 2012 she took her TCRG exam in Limerick, Ireland and became an An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha (World Irish Dance Commission) certified Irish Dance instructor.  The following September she opened the Kerri Smith Academy of Irish Dance.  

Since opening, KSA has had many opportunities to perfom at cultural festivals, in St. Patrick's Day Parades, and competitively at local feiseanna, the Regional Oireachtas, and North American Championships with fantastic results.  In March 2014, Kerri had the honor of being named Woman of the Year by the New Jersey Irish Business Association for her work with the dance school and the following September KSA opened its own studio in Downtown Jersey City.  In 2022 KSA celebrated 10 years in business!  Kerri hopes to continue the success and momentum of the school for years to come!  

 Cheers!