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Wilton High Graduate Steps Out In 'Riverdance,' Opens Irish Dancing School

EASTON, Conn. -- Meghan Lucey, a 27-year-old Easton native, has already had one successful career and is about to embark on a second — all while embracing her love of Irish dancing.

Fairfield resident and former Easton native Meghan Lucey

Fairfield resident and former Easton native Meghan Lucey

Photo Credit: contributed
Meghan Lucey onstage with "Riverdance, The Show."

Meghan Lucey onstage with "Riverdance, The Show."

Photo Credit: Riverdance
Meghan Lucey and her business partner Stephen Brennan after teaching a class together in East Haven

Meghan Lucey and her business partner Stephen Brennan after teaching a class together in East Haven

Photo Credit: contributed
Meghan Lucey, at age 8, dancing in her first competition in New Haven in 1997.

Meghan Lucey, at age 8, dancing in her first competition in New Haven in 1997.

Photo Credit: contributed

Lucey, who now lives in Fairfield, spent the past nine years traveling the world as a dancer in the international hit "Riverdance." 

And this summer, along with her dancing partner Stephen Brennan, she has established a dancing school called The Brennan-Lucey Irish Dance Academy, with locations in Fairfield, Milford and Hamden.

Lucey's love of dancing began two decades ago, when, at the age of 7, she began taking lessons at a local school. 

She developed a special passion for Irish dancing. "Irish music is so energetic and exciting. The steps are really fun to do," she said. "You move a lot, it's very quick-paced."

Throughout her dancing career, Lucey was awarded numerous titles, including National Champion, All-Scotland Champion, NAFC Senior Belt Champion and six-time New England Regional Champion. 

She also placed second at the World Championships and won the North American Irish Dance Championships.

The summer after graduating from Wilton High School, Lucey traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to audition for "Riverdance." 

"I did not audition for any other shows as 'Riverdance' had always been my number one dream," she said.

Lucey started taking classes at Fairfield University while awaiting word on her audition. 

"I found out in October that I had gotten into 'Riverdance' and that there was a spot on the upcoming tour of North America starting in December, so I finished my semester of college a few weeks early and then went on tour," she said.

While performing in "Riverdance," Lucey traveled the world. "There were 48 of us in total. We went to China, Germany, Austria, France and Ireland, as well as 47 states in the U.S.," she said.

She performed at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan for NBC’s "Riverdance on Ice" and at CBS’s "The Late Late Show With James Corden" in Los Angeles. 

"I loved touring because it combines my three favorite things: 1) getting to work at something I love. I got to perform every night; 2) Traveling, I love to travel and seeing the world; I'd go sightseeing whenever I could; and 3) being with my friends," she said. "My troop became like a family on tour."

All this time, she knew she would one day want to teach. "Starting from about age 12, whenever I could, I would help out the little ones in my dancing schools," she said.

So, in 2013, while still performing in "Riverdance," Lucey became certified as an Irish Dance teacher. This summer, she left "Riverdance" to begin teaching.

"I love being able to see a child learn and grow and meet their goals through hard work. If I could play any part in that, then it's a good feeling to know I helped someone," she said. "I love to pass on my knowledge of dance to the next generation."

Although Lucey is now teaching full time, she has not completely put her performance days behind her. When "Riverdance" comes through New Haven in March, she will perform with them as well as fill in as a sub whenever she can.

For more information on the Brennan-Lucey Irish Dance Academy Inc. and for class locations and schedules, call 203-913-2930 or click here.

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