About the Teacher

My name is Jolie Kilpatrick. I am married to a wonderful, hard working man and we have one lovely son together. For the last two years of our lives we spent our time living on a tiny little island called, Grenada. Since the age of eight my husband has always known he wanted to be a doctor. So, during our time in Grenada my husband studied medicine while I busied myself about the island. I had the opportunity to see beautiful beaches, waterfalls and rain forests, often from my own back yard. I was able to volunteer with the Grenada SPCA helping out in the anesthesia department and rehabilitating mentally, emotionally, and physically damaged dogs. I was also blessed to co-direct and choreograph a play called "Grenada Unite". This was performed by the Bel-Air Children's Home. We were even able to fit a little Irish Dance into the show!

My husband and I  both cherish the memories of that place, but are so happy to be back in the USA!

Currently, my husband and I are living in Grosse Pointe, MI where he is finishing up his last two years of medical school. While here I have been dancing up a storm and putting all my energies into my fun loving son and getting my dream of having a dance school under way.  

 I have been a dancer since the ancient age of 14. Most start much younger, but never have I let my age stop me from achieving my goals. I was privileged to have been given a chance to dance by the late Mr. Pat Butler. I enjoyed every minute of the seven years I danced for him before having to say goodbye in March 2007. I now dance for  Pattie Malinowski and the Butler-Sheehan Academy.

Eventually, I will sit and, prayerfully, pass the prestigious TCRG exam to move on as a certified Irish Dance Teacher. This would allow all my students the opportunity to compete in feiseanna around the world. As for right now, I have not yet completed my own goals in competition. Therefore, I do not wish to disqualify myself from competitions by becoming a certified teacher at this time. However, not having the certification does not in any way keep me from being a competent and devoted teacher of Traditional Irish Step Dancing.