About

Immerse yourself in the tradition of Irish dance at McCuistian Academy. Located inside Intent Studio, our school offers top-notch instruction and a welcoming environment for beginners to learn and develop the art of Irish dance.

Irish dance has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of Ireland. Originally performed at social gatherings and celebrations, it has evolved over the centuries, incorporating various influences from both Celtic and English dance forms. The rise of competitive Irish dance in the 20th century, particularly through shows like "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance," brought it to a global audience, showcasing intricate footwork. Today, Irish dance continues to thrive, celebrated for its beauty and culture.

With a focus on technique, expression, and tradition, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for Irish dance in all our students, just as Betty was inspired by her own instructor, Maureen McTeggart Hall.

Our Teachers

In accordance with the requirements set forth by the CLRG, instructors at McCuistian Academy undergo background checks through Asurint and receive training certifications through the US Center For Safe sport.

We believe that the safety and well-being of our participants are paramount, and having qualified, trained professionals leads to a positive and secure environment. Our commitment to these standards ensures that every instructor is not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere for all involved.

Betty McCuistian, TCRG

Owner & Director

With 27 years of dedication to the art of Irish dance, Betty Thompson McCuistian is a seasoned professional who has achieved remarkable success as both a competitor and performer. A former Open Champion dancer, Betty has qualified for the World Championships an impressive eight times and competed in the prestigious All Irelands seven times, earning recalls in light shoe, hard shoe, and overall categories. Additionally, Betty is a North American Nationals recaller and boasts numerous podium placements at the Southern Region Oireachtas.

Beyond competitive success, Betty has performed professionally with legendary artists such as The Chieftains, Dervish, Eileen Ivers, and Natalie MacMaster, showcasing the vibrant artistry of Irish dance on international stages.

Betty was crowned Miss Oklahoma 2011 and named 1st Runner-Up at Miss America 2012. Her Irish dance talent earned the prestigious Preliminary Talent Award at Miss America, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and captivating performer.

In 2014, Betty achieved the honor of becoming a CLRG-certified Irish dance instructor (TCRG). Combining extensive competitive experience, professional performance credentials, and a passion for teaching, Betty is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of Irish dancers to reach their fullest potential.

Erin Duarte

Associate Teacher & Co-Director

Erin has had a deep love of Irish Dance and culture since the age of 8. She was a competitive Irish dancer for 11 years, recalling and placing at Southern Region Oireachtas four times and qualified for the North American Irish Dance Championships. Erin also had the opportunity to perform with Eileen Ivers and The Chieftains. She looks forward to helping new dancers develop their technique and style and find joy in Irish Dancing.

She has a special appreciation for Irish music and Ceili dancing. At the Texas State Championship and Feis, she earned first place in voice and first overall in music with a traditional sean-nós style song performed in Gaelic. Erin hopes to help others experience the delight in community that is experienced in a Ceili dance (group social dancing) as well as appreciate the beauty of the Irish language and music.