The Dancer Independence Program
Virtual private coaching for Irish dancers who want to become more confident, aware, and independent in their training outside of regular scheduled classes.
One of the greatest gifts Tim O'Hare gave his dancers was independence.
This program is designed to give dancers the skills to take ownership, and become the kind of elite competitor who can stand confidently on their own and show off their mastery of this dance.
Program Offerings
Your virtual lessons and video submissions provide the eyes, expertise, and direction. You put it into practice. The goal is to help you become a dancer who knows what to work on—and how to work on it.
Ready? Let’s go.
Please have your dancer reach out to Sammie to schedule or inquire about submitting a video for review.
All PC and Championship level dancers get a complimentary video review twice annually on their chosen dance of focus. Send a message to begin.
Meet Sammie Swan
Dancer Independence Program Manager
Sammie began Irish dancing in 1996 and trained under Trinity, Tim O'Hare, and Kathy Dennehy. A former championship-level competitor, she placed in the top 25 at the North American Irish Dance Championships, 11th at the Oireachtas, competed at the All-Ireland Championships, and represented O'Hare at the 2009 World Championships as a member of Veronica's team under the direction of Michael Belvitch.
Following her competitive career, Sammie performed professionally throughout the US and Canada, including appearances with Chicago Reel, The Chieftains, Celtic Celebration in Ottawa, and alongside acclaimed Sean-Nós dancer Brian Cunningham. She later created The SOAR Method — Yoga for Competitive Irish Dancers, developing movement and conditioning workshops specifically for Irish dancers and leading programs throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Today, she combines her experience in championship competition, professional performance, recovery, and dancer development as a virtual private instructor and with O'Hare Irish Dance.