About the Team

Noel O’Donoghue is the President of the Dancesport Federation of Ireland (DFI), bringing lifelong passion and elite expertise to the governance dancesport in Ireland. His journey began at just six years old, paving the way for an extraordinary competitive career as a national champion across all age grades in Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence dancing.

A highly respected professional and National adjudicator, Noel holds Licentiate qualifications in all three disciplines. He is the founder and principal teacher of Dance Addicts Club, which he proudly operates alongside his wife, Angie. Having dedicated many years of service to the DFI National Council, Noel considers it a profound honour to lead the federation as President, continuing to champion the growth and excellence of Dancesport in Ireland.

John Nolan is the Vice President of the DanceSport Federation of Ireland and owner of Xquiste Dance Kilkenny. With over 30 years of dance experience, John has built a strong reputation within the dance industry through his dedication to Ballroom and Latin dance, performance, and teaching excellence.

Qualified in Ballroom & Latin with the UKA, John has competed and performed at an international level, including becoming a finalist in the WDSF World PD Showdance Championships. He is also widely recognised as the winner of Dancing with the Stars in 2019.

John is passionate about promoting high standards within dance education and competition, while continuing to support opportunities for dancers, teachers, and schools across Ireland. Through his role within DFI, he hopes to contribute to the continued growth, professionalism, and positive development of Dancesport in Ireland, helping to create strong pathways and opportunities for the next generation of dancers.

Grace Garrigan is the owner and principal of Studio 26 Dance Academy and currently serves as Secretary of the DanceSport Federation of Ireland (DFI). For over 14 years, Grace has been inspiring young dancers while actively contributing to the growth and development of DanceSport in Ireland.

With a lifelong passion for dance, Grace began her journey at just three years of age in Irish dancing, continuing until the age of eighteen. Alongside Irish dancing, she expanded her training from the age of nine into hip hop, jazz, and tap before ultimately discovering her passion for Ballroom and Latin DanceSport.

Grace’s dedication and commitment to the industry led her to achieve professional qualifications in Ballroom and Latin with both the United Kingdom Alliance (UKA) and the DanceSport Federation of Ireland (DFI).

Owning her own dance school was always a lifelong ambition, and through Studio 26 Dance Academy, Grace has created a positive and encouraging environment where students are supported to develop confidence, discipline, performance skills, and a lifelong love of dance.

As Secretary of the DanceSport Federation of Ireland, Grace plays an active role in supporting the organisation, development, and future growth of DanceSport throughout Ireland. She is passionate about fostering opportunities for dancers, teachers, and clubs while helping to build a strong and positive future for the federation and its members.

Nikita Gubaydullin is an international-class DanceSport athlete, three-time World Champion, and prize-winner at the Junior Blackpool Dance Festival. Behind every title lies years of dedication, discipline, and a deep passion for the art and sport of ballroom dancing.

As Publicity Director of the DanceSport Federation of Ireland (DFI), Nikita is committed to raising the profile of DanceSport across Ireland, building meaningful partnerships, and creating opportunities for young dancers to pursue their ambitions both nationally and internationally.

Nikita believes that dance is more than a sport; it is a powerful way to inspire individuals, connect communities, and demonstrate what can be achieved through passion, hard work, and perseverance.

Through his role within DFI, Nikita is focused on promoting the growth of DanceSport throughout Ireland and helping to showcase Irish dancers and DanceSport achievements on both the national and international stage. His vision is to support the continued development of the sport and help Ireland shine on the global DanceSport stage.

Sandra Moran is the founder and owner of Dance Darling, a dance school dedicated to Adults and Seniors. She currently serves as Head of Social Dancing within the DanceSport Federation of Ireland (DFI), where she is passionate about creating opportunities for Adults and Seniors to enjoy dance for recreation, wellbeing, social connection, and competition.

In 2025, Dance Darling was recognised as a finalist in Ireland’s Golden Dance Awards for its commitment to wellbeing and for providing Adults and Seniors with a pathway onto the dance floor later in life.

Sandra’s dance journey began at the age of five with Tap Dancing before progressing into competitive Irish Dancing at six years old, competing both nationally and internationally. Her passion for dance continued throughout her life, leading her to study Ballroom and Latin American dance and develop a successful competitive dance career.

Following a successful dance audition, Sandra earned a place at Inchicore College of Further Education, where she completed a full-time QQI Level 6 Diploma in Dance Performance and Production. During her studies, she trained in Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, Contemporary Dance, Music, Anatomy and Physiology, Pedagogy, and Dance Education. She successfully completed examinations with both the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), while also undertaking teaching practice in Ballet.

Sandra has performed and choreographed in numerous community productions and has appeared as a dancer at major events, including performances at the 3Arena and the Gossies. She also enjoyed success in Ballroom and Latin American competition, winning Student/Teacher titles in both Ireland and Blackpool.

Sandra holds a United Kingdom Alliance (UKA) Professional Ballroom Teacher qualification and has completed and assisted in the delivery of numerous DFI-accredited Social Dance Teacher Training certifications, helping to develop and support dance teachers throughout Ireland.

Alongside her dance career, Sandra enjoyed a successful professional career in education and recruitment. She is a qualified Secondary School Teacher, holds a Degree in Business and a Postgraduate Qualification in Education from Dublin City University (DCU), and has worked as a Recruitment Consultant specialising in the technology and financial services sectors.

In 2026, Sandra introduced and hosted Ireland’s first Social Dance Classic. Following its success, the event became an annual fixture on the DFI calendar, bringing Adult and Senior dancers together in a welcoming environment that celebrates participation, achievement, and community.

Within DFI, Sandra is passionate about dance education, teacher development, and creating opportunities for Adult and Senior dancers to thrive both socially and competitively. Her commitment to lifelong participation in dance continues to strengthen and grow Ireland’s DanceSport community.

Cathy Caulfield brings a uniquely multidisciplinary background to the DanceSport Federation of Ireland, combining expertise in financial services, education, and the performing arts. A qualified Financial Advisor with extensive management experience, Cathy has built a career grounded in strategic leadership, governance, and people-centred decision-making.

Alongside her full-time career in financial services, Cathy is also a fully qualified Childcare Practitioner and Special Needs Educator. This foundation in inclusive education informs her ongoing commitment to ensuring that DanceSport is accessible, welcoming, and empowering for dancers of all abilities.

With more than 13 years of experience as Studio Manager of WPDA, Cathy has played a central role in supporting dancers, mentoring teachers, and helping to shape a studio culture rooted in excellence, development, and community. Her background in the performing arts, including many years of stage experience across productions and events, brings a creative and performance-focused perspective to her work within WPDA.

As a member of the DFI council, Cathy’s primary focus is inclusivity. She is passionate about advocating for every dance to participate fully, confidently and with equal opportunity regardless of age, background or ability.

Drawing on her experience across education, business, and the arts, Cathy is committed to helping create a DanceSport community where every individual feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Hannah Kelly is Head Latin coach of Xquiste Dance . With having years of dance experience, Hannah has built a strong reputation within the dance industry through her dedication to Ballroom and Latin dance, performance, adjudicating and teaching excellence.

Qualified in Ballroom & Latin with the UKA, Hannah has competed, performed & adjudicated at an international level. With experience in other styles such as Hiphop, ballet, jazz, Tap etc.
Hannah was part of Dancing With The Stars in 2021-2023, whilst also being part of many stage productions.

As Head of Dance development Hannah is now focusing on building the next generation of competitive dancers in Ireland. Working towards achieving top results internationally & exposing dancers in Ireland to top class training.

Hannah is passionate about promoting high standards within competitive dancing in Ireland and hoping to give dancers in Ireland the same opportunities as dancers abroad, providing them with high quality training and the opportunity to work with the best in our industry. while continuing to support opportunities for dancers, teachers, and schools across Ireland. Through her role within DFI, she hopes to contribute to the continued growth and positive development of Dancesport in Ireland, helping to create better opportunities for the next generation of dancers.

Nick Kremichenski began dancing in 1977 at the age of 10 and has dedicated his life to competitive Ballroom and Latin American dance, teacher education, and the development of DanceSport at both national and international levels.

In 1989, Nick moved to London to further his studies in competitive dance, training under many of the industry’s leading specialists, including Walter Laird, Doreen Freeman, Bob Burgess, Shirley Ballas, Jason Gilkison, Michael Stylianos, and Lorna Lee. During this time, he competed in some of the world’s most prestigious events, including the British Open, International Championships, UK Open, and USBC Championships.

Nick turned professional in 1995, achieving a Highly Commended distinction in his Associate Examination with the Latin American Branch of the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA). Two years later, he achieved another Highly Commended distinction in his Membership Examination with the Latin American Branch of the IDTA. In 2002, he completed his Ballroom Branch Membership Examination with the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD), once again earning a Highly Commended distinction.

Nick has held a World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) Adjudicator Licence (A) since 2005 and a WDSF Chairman’s Licence (A) since 2009, reflecting his longstanding commitment to international DanceSport and the highest standards of adjudication.

Following his retirement from competitive dancing, Nick continued to make a significant contribution to the DanceSport industry through teaching, coaching, event promotion, and studio development. Since 2001, together with his long-term partner, Olga Komarova, he has organised numerous international DanceSport events, including the highly prestigious Crystal Palace DanceSport Cup under the IDSF/WDSF banner.

Nick is co-owner of Wimbledon Dance Academy and DanceSport Club, where he continues to support dancers through high-level training, education, and competitive development.

With decades of experience spanning competitive dancing, teacher training, adjudicating, and international event administration, Nick remains passionate about supporting the growth and progression of future generations of dancers, teachers, and DanceSport professionals.

As WDSF National Administrator, Nick brings a wealth of international experience and expertise to DFI, helping to strengthen Ireland’s connection with the global DanceSport community while supporting the continued growth and development of the sport at home.

Russell Johnson is a senior Ballroom and Latin competitor from Holywood, Co. Down, and is honoured to serve as DFI’s Technology Advisor.

Claire is a member of the DFI Dance Development Commission. She has many years of experience in different styles of dancing. She is now co-owner of GC School of Dance since 2013. It is one of Dublin’s top DanceSport centres, with students competing nationally and internationally. Claire is a highly qualified professional teacher and adjudicator, with qualifications from United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers (UKA).

I am the Principal teacher and director of Xquisite Dance in Ireland, for the past 10 years. Xquisite Dance is one of Ireland’s leading dance studios, training dancers in Ballroom, Latin – American, Hip Hop and Stage. The studio is located on the Longmile Road, Dublin 12. Xquisite is home of numerous Irish & International champion dancers. I am qualified professional teacher in Ballroom, Latin American, Sequence, Commercial & Stage.

I started dancing as a competitive ballroom & latin dancer winning many title. I am trained in ballet, contemporary & jazz in Dublin & London. I am also a founding member & director of DanceSport Federation of Ireland. I have recently been elected as a Honorary member of the board (former President) of DanceSport Federation of Ireland and am head of the Dance Development department.