Kate O'Connor, ADCRG, was one of the co-directors of the Butler-Fearon-

O'Connor School for 18 successful years and the principal instructor of all the Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County, and San Diego area classes. 

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After the retirement of her two partners, Kate O'Connor, ADCRG decided to continue what was created 18 years ago. So, in July 2021, along with her son, Sean Kennedy, TCRG,  the school was reintroduced and returned to the original family school name of O'Connor Kennedy Academy.

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A Los Angeles, California native, Kate began dancing at the age of four.

With both parents being from Ireland, she was encouraged to join her

six brothers and one sister in learning traditional Irish Dancing to

preserve their culture.

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During her competitive years, Kate won many open championships and

is a former Western US Regional Champion. She has placed as high as

5th place at the North American Championships and several other top

placements as well.

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Kate became a certified Irish Dance teacher (TCRG) in 1995,

received her adjudicating credentials (ADCRG) in 2002 and Grade

examiner (BG) in 2016.   She brings her knowledge and expertise as

well as her passion for Irish Dance to all those she teaches and has

trained Regional, National, and World Medalists and Champions. In addition

to her teaching children throughout Southern California and co-directing

the O’Connor-Kennedy Academy, she travels throughout the year judging competitions across the U.S. and Canada, as well as overseas in the UK, Scotland,

Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. 

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Kate resides in Granada Hills, CA, with her husband Steven and their

daughter Chelsea. Kate also has two adult children, Sean Kennedy and Megan

Wright who are also part of the O'Connor Kennedy Academy teaching staff.

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“I hope to share my love for Irish Dance with all those I teach.”