Rooted in Tradition
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Committed to Excellence
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Rooted in Tradition 〰️ Committed to Excellence 〰️
What sets O’Hare apart is the way we teach. We believe strong technique and strong character go hand in hand.
Lead Teachers
Tim O’Hare (TCRG, ADCRG, Founder)
Tim O’Hare was a two-time World Champion and the visionary founder of the O’Hare School of Irish Dance. After a groundbreaking competitive career, he opened the school in 1979, building a legacy that shaped generations of champions and performers around the world. His impact reached from the stage of Riverdance to the White House, and his influence continues through the dancers and teachers who carry his vision forward today. Tim passed away in 2019, but his spirit remains the heartbeat of the school.
Click here to read more about our founder and the history of O’Hare Irish Dance.
Veronica Lilja (TCRG, Owner)
Veronica Lilja is a lifelong dancer, TCRG and proud owner of O’Hare Irish Dance. A World medalist and Mid-America Oireachtas champion, she trained and taught under Tim O’Hare for decades before stepping into a leadership role alongside him. Veronica expanded the school to multiple locations, opened her own studio in Lake Bluff in 2019, and has remained devoted to preserving the values Tim instilled. With a deep love for teaching and a passion for developing confident, disciplined dancers, Veronica continues to lead the school with integrity, care, and vision. In 2024, Veronica was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by Irish Dance Magazine!
Click here to learn more about Veronica’s story and her role in shaping the future of O’Hare Irish Dance.
Michael Belvitch (TCRG, ADCRG)
Michael Belvitch is one of the most accomplished dancers in O’Hare’s history, having won six consecutive Regional Championships, two North American Championships, the All-Ireland, and back-to-back World Championships — all by the age of 18. After touring with Riverdance and opening his own school, Michael returned to O’Hare in 2006 to share his passion for teaching. He holds both TCRG and ADCRG certifications and has since adjudicated competitions across the U.S. Today, Michael’s deep expertise and championship-level insight continue to inspire the next generation of dancers.
Click here to learn more about Michael’s journey and the excellence he brings to our program.
Assistant Teachers
Miss Caitlin
Caitlin began Irish dancing at the age of 4 with the Sheila Tully School of Irish Dance and later continued her dancing career with the Mayer School of Irish Dance. She danced competitively for 12 years with her brothers and sister.
Caitlin went on to study at Depaul University where she earned a degree in Education. There she was elected to be the president of the Depaul Irish Society and created and led an Irish Dance troupe! Their troupe performed at Depaul and in Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade for many years. Upon graduating, Caitlin went on to teach first, second, third, and seventh grade.
Over the last few years, she has been busy raising her three young boys- Carson, Kiernan, and Connor. She is excited to share her passion for both teaching and Irish dancing with our students here at O'Hare and looking forward to beginning the Grade Exam process later this year!
Maggie McGovern
Maggie McGovern began Irish dancing at the age of 7 and trained competitively with both the Sheila Tully School and the O’Hare School of Irish Dance for seven years. She later earned her degree in Accounting from Loyola University Chicago and has built a successful career in Corporate Accounting — all while keeping her love for Irish dance alive into adulthood.
Now a proud O’Hare Irish dance mom to two competitive dancers, Bridget and Holly, Maggie has become a go-to resource for families navigating everything from shoes and wigs to feiseanna prep. Over the past year, she has completed Grades 1–4 of the CLRG Irish Dance Grading Exams and is continuing her studies with enthusiasm.
Maggie brings joy, patience, and a deep sense of community to her adult and céilí classes. Whether you're dancing for the first time or coming back after many years away, Maggie’s classes are welcoming, fun, and rooted in tradition.
“The goal isn’t just to build strong dancers - it’s to build resilient kids with high self-esteem.”
- Veronica Lilja, Owner of O’Hare Irish Dance
