Our instructors
Tim O’Hare (Founder)
Tim O’Hare started his dancing career at the age of 5 in Detroit, MI. His first National title came at the age of 10, followed by six additional National titles and two Regional titles. His most noted competitive successes came in 1976 and 1977, when he won two back-to-back World Championship titles!
After an unparalleled competitive career, Tim opened the O’Hare School of Irish Dance in 1979 in Plymouth, MI. In 1984, he opened two more locations in Cleveland and Akron, OH. In 1996, he further expanded the school to Chicago, IL. Tim’s professional career in Irish dance is highlighted by his 1976 tour with the Chieftans, an appearance in the Disney feature film MAFIA in 1998, and a performance at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day in 1999.
Tim’s students have won many Regional, National, All-Ireland, and World Championships, and many have performed in the stage shows “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance.” Tim recently served two terms as President of the IDTANA and is an An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha representative in Dublin, Ireland. He travels all over the world adjudicating Irish dance competitions in addition to teaching classes at our Michigan location. Tim’s dedication and commitment to excellence in teaching Irish Dance makes the O’Hare School the success that it is today.
Tim lost a short battle with stomach cancer in 2019. He’s a legend who is greatly missed in the Irish dance community worldwide. His legacy lives on through the teachers and students at O’Hare Irish Dance who strive to make him proud each day.
Veronica Lilja (Owner)
Veronica Lilja began Irish dancing at the age of 3 and had tremendous competitive success at a young age. Under the instruction of Tim O’Hare, she qualified and competed at 8 consecutive World championships as a solo dancer. Her most notable accomplishments include winning the Mid-America Oireachtas, placing 3rd at the North American Irish Dance Championships, and medaling at the World Championships.
After her competitive career, Veronica performed with the Baltimore, Fort Worth, Ottowa, Knoxville, and North Carolina Symphonies in the show "Celtic Celebration". After working alongside Tim for several years, she found her true passion in teaching. In 2013, Veronica was awarded the esteemed TCRG certification in Limerick, Ireland and brought the O'Hare School to the Lake Bluff Park District and the Lake Forest Recreation Center. In 2017, she further expanded the school by opening a third location at the Libertyville Sports Complex.
In January 2019, Veronica opened her own O'Hare Irish Dance studio in Lake Bluff. That same year, the school faced devastation when losing its mentor and founder, Tim O’Hare. Veronica is honored and proud to carry on Tim’s legacy. She is excited to build on the success the O’Hare school has had over the last 40+ years.
Veronica currently resides in Lake Bluff with her husband, Matt, and their 2 young children Cassidy and Corey.
Michael Belvitch
Michael Belvitch began dancing at the age of 8 with the O’Hare School of Irish dance in Plymouth, MI. He took first place at six consecutive Regional Championships and two North American Championships. He also won the All-Ireland Championships and back-to-back World Championships. He greatly distinguished himself in 1999 by winning all of these titles in the same year!
After his wildly successful competitive career, Michael toured with Riverdance for three years. He then opened the Michael Belvitch School of Irish dance in Flushing, MI, upon his graduation from the University of Michigan and his receipt of the TCRG certification.
After relocating to Chicago, he once again joined the O’Hare School of Irish Dance as a teacher in 2006. In May 2015, Michael earned his ADCRG (Ard Diploma Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha) and has since adjudicated feiseanna and oireachtasí all across the country. He currently teaches classes at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago and at O’Hare’s main studio in Lake Bluff. We are fortunate to have Michael’s experience, knowledge, and expertise to offer our students!