TEACHERS
All qualified teachers (TCRG/ADCRG) are registered members of An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha (Irish Dancing Commission) in Dublin, the Australian Irish Dancing Association (AIDA) Inc. and AIDA Victoria. All teachers and teaching assistants have current Working With Children Checks.
CHRISTINE AYRES (ADCRG, BG)
Christine was born in Victoria, Australia of Irish parents from Meath and West Meath, the ninth of eleven children, seven of whom danced. She danced from the age of 7 and competed world-wide medalling at all major championships in both solo and teams under the tutelage of her brother Raymond Ayres, ADCRG.
Christine commenced teaching in 1996 coinciding with attaining her TCRG accreditation. She completed her adjudicator accreditation (ADCRG) in 2000 and has since travelled throughout Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the United States adjudicating feiseanna including the World Championships and World qualifying events. At the 2012 World Championships in Belfast, the Christine Ayres School won the Senior Mixed figure dance and the Senior Girls figure dance titles and repeated the Senior Mixed figure dance result in Glasgow, 2018, followed by the Senior Mixed 8 Hand Ceili in 2024.
As a result, Christine’s school was widely publicised in national media and Christine was formally recognised by Government for her contributions to Irish culture and the community. Christine passed her BG exam in 2024, making her a qualified Grade Examiner as well as a Life Member of AIDA Inc.
CONOR AYRES (ADCRG)
Conor began dancing at 9 years of age under the tutelage of her uncle Ray, then a few years later, her aunty Christine. She won 6 Victorian solo titles, was runner up at the Nationals many times and was a member of countless state and national team championships. Her most memorable moment was being a member of 6 out of 7 winning teams in the Open Age group at the National Championships in Hobart in 2008.
Conor has toured extensively around Australia as a principle dancer for Cherish the Ladies, Spirit of the Celts and the Guinness Celebration of Irish Music.
She gained her teaching qualification (TCRG) in 2010 and her adjudicating qualification (ADCRG) in 2013 . Her teaching highlights include winning 2 World Championship titles in Belfast 2012, another World title in Glasgow 2018 and 2024, 4th place in the World Championships in Dublin in 2011, and coaching many dancers to win State and National titles.
Conor is proud to be carrying on the Ayres family tradition of Irish Dancing in Australia with her aunty and brother.
LIAM AYRES (ADCRG)
Liam began Irish dancing at 5 in Melbourne, Australia, under his Aunt and Uncle, Raymond and Christine Ayres. He won 7 Victorian and 2 Australian solo titles and placed 3rd at the 2003 World Championships in Ireland.
As an original cast member of Dance of Desire, he toured Ireland, France, Germany, and England before being offered a position Riverdance in 2004.
He toured Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, South Africa and the UK, and after just 6 months was selected as a principal dancer, leading Riverdance companies throughout Ireland, North America, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. During his 9 years with the show, he performed at iconic venues, including the Kremlin Palace, the Pantages Theatre, and Radio City Music Hall.
Liam attained his ADCRG in 2018 and became a sought-after adjudicator, judging feiseanna across Australia, the North American Nationals and World Qualifying competitions throughout Australia, America, and Canada. His highlights of teaching include the World Championship titles in 2012, 2018, and 2024 as well as seeing dancers start out from toddler age to championship level. Liam is extremely proud to be part of the Christine Ayres teaching staff.
KIERAN HARVEY (TCRG)
Kieran started dancing at the age of five, drawing interest and inspiration from watching his Grandma’s ‘Riverdance’ videos.
Kieran competed from a young age in State, National and World Championships. He gained numerous State and National titles in solo and ceili sections and was also runner-up throughout his career at numerous championships. A highlight of his competitive career was reaching the top ten at the World Championships in Dublin 2011.
Kieran was a part of the original cast of ‘Celtic Illusion’ in 2011, which toured Victoria and New South Wales, including a performance at the ‘The Palms at Crown Casino’ in 2012.
After fulfilling his goal of competing in the senior men’s section of the Australian Nationals, Kieran sat and successfully passed his TCRG exam in 2013. Kieran is excited to pass on the love and passion that he has for Irish dancing as a teacher of the Christine Ayres School of Irish Dancing.
SARAH WHELAN (TCRG)
Sarah began her Irish dancing journey at the age of 3 under the guidance of her mother, Christine Ayres.
Throughout her competitive career, Sarah has competed in numerous State, National and International Championships. A four-time State Champion and National Solo Champion, she placed in the top three at Australian Nationals for seven consecutive years. At the World Championships, Sarah has achieved three top twenty placings in solo competitions and was part of several winning teams. One of her proudest moments was placing in the top 5 at the North American National Championships in 2019.
In addition to her competitive achievements, Irish dancing has given Sarah incredible opportunities, including performances on prestigious stages and appearances in various films, television shows and music videos. After gaining her TCRG qualification in 2024, Sarah is eager to share her passion for Irish dancing and pass on the the knowledge and love she has for the sport.
ELIZABETH LYNCH (TCRG)
Elizabeth began her Irish dancing career at the age of 5. She danced under Raymond Ayres for one year before dancing under Christine Ayres for a further 23 years. Having an Irish father from County Cork who lives in Australia, Irish dancing was a way the culture continued in the Lynch family line.
Elizabeth has competed in multiple State, National and World championships both in solo and ceili sections. She is a State champion, placed top 5 on the National stage and placed numerous times at the World Championships. Her fondest and greatest achievements were placing 9th at the 2016 World Championships in Glasgow as well as being crowned Figure Dance World Champion more than once.
Irish dancing has provided Elizabeth with such great opportunities from theatre performances to television features and since attaining her TCRG qualifications in 2024, she is passionate and excited to pass on the love she has for Irish dancing to future generations. Elizabeth is delighted to be a part of the Christine Ayres School and teaching team.
