Our Directors

Sheila Ryan

Sheila began Irish dancing at the age of four, with the Golden School in New York. She earned her TCRG in 1993 after finishing a long competitive career at World Championship level. After attending C.W.Post College and majoring in Public Relations, she went on to dance professionally with The Chieftains and many other popular music groups. In 1996 Sheila was one of the first Americans to audition for Riverdance the Show, and after being accepted remained with them for 3 years.

In 1998 Sheila directed and produced “Dancing at the Crossroads”, a 70-minute instructional Ceili video, starring fellow Riverdance dancers from the Lee Company. The video has since become a staple study guide for those dancers wishing to sit for their TCRG or ADCRG.

Sheila lives in Louisiana where she juggles the tasks of mothering her two daughters and one son, directing Camp Rince Ceol, and teaching Irish dance classes whenever possible.

Tony Davoren

Tony hails from Hollywood Co. Wicklow, Ireland. In 1992, he was invited to join the Celtic Irish choral group Anuna, and through that, began touring with Riverdance the Show. For the next five years Tony appeared on many of the great stages of the world, including Radio City Music Hall, and performed for the Prince of Wales in the Royal variety show in The Albert Hall, in London.

Artists he has recorded with include Sting, The Chieftains, and Sinead O’Connor. Tony is also featured on two Grammy Award winning recordings “the Long Black Veil” and “Riverdance the Show”. He also directed the music for “Dancing at the Crossroads” and has produced recordings for renowned Irish soloists Katie McMahon and Dave Donohue. Tony has also been tour manager for bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien and for Irish music greats, Altan.

Tony and Sheila first met while performing in Riverdance the Lee Company. Their mutual love of music, dance and enjoying their Irish culture drew them together and before long they were married in 2002. They are currently living in Louisiana and are enjoying parenting their children Roisin, Aoife, and Malachy.

Tony and Sheila Davoren, with their children Roisin, Aoife and Malachy

What Our Campers Have to Say

“I have been going to camp for 5 years since I was 8 and I am always so excited when I get to go back. Everyone at CRC is so helpful and welcoming. The friendships and memories made at camp last a lifetime”
– Camper Vivian, (13)

“This was our first year my daughter got to go to camp and she is 7 year old. I was as nervous as a mom can be – first sleep away camp ever. I could have not asked for a better experience. My daughter came home asking to go again the following week. She was more confident and a stronger dancer! She even placed to move up to the next level on 3 of her dances! The counselors are amazing – getting the daily update of pictures made me way less nervous especially when I saw a huge grin on my daughter’s face!!”
– Meghan, Mom of Emily (7)

“CRC is THE BEST! I come all the way from MEXICO to go to CRC in NY for 2 weeks! You learn a lot each day and have a lot of fun! I hope to be back at camp this summer!”
– Camper, Ana (14)

“My daughter attended NY Session 1 and she had a blast! It was her first year attending and made so many friends, recognizes so many familiar faces at feisanna and had an all-around great experience. She LOVED her instructors, loved the “big kid college feel” of being there and is already making plans with friends to return in 2024! ”
– Kate, Mom of Tessa (10)

“I started attending CRC, at the age of 9, not knowing anyone else. I am now 16 and CRC is still a highlight of my summer! Some of my best friends are because of CRC and I am so thankful! Camp is my happy place. The instructors are INCREDIBLY talented and help us work on our technique, skills with various drills, help build up our confidence! CRC truly is the best place for Irish Dancers to spend their summer. ”
– Camper Katie, (16)

“As a first time CRC camp family we were nervous about the week away, but the entire staff was amazing, caring and made us feel comfortable from start to finish. My girls absolutely loved making new friends and spending the week in a new environment perfecting skill. The girls wish they would have started going sooner and are very excited to return in 2024!!”
– Erin, Mom of Brielle (13) & Kylee (17)

“This was our daughter’s first summer at camp. I was so nervous to leave her and just knew I’d be getting a homesick call within hours of drop-off. Instead, she was paired with the sweetest roommate and had the best time ever. She learned so much, made new friends, built confidence, and did not want to come home at the end! She is already looking forward to next year and loves getting to say hi to camp friends at feisanna! Thank you, CRC!”
– Margaret, Mom of Charlotte (10)

“This was my first time at CRC, my first sleep away camp, and I loved it!! I have made so many friendships from CRC and I talk to them on Snapchat still. All the counselors and instructors were very nice and helpful! CRC has helped me improve a lot with my dancing. CRC has so many fun activities like trivia night, waterslide, and so much more. My favorite part about CRC was showcase because we got to be creative on what we wanted to do and be!”
– Camper Emma (12)

“I loved CRC! Everyone was so nice, and the activities were so much fun. The things I learned helped me move up in my dancing. I can’t wait to go back!”
– Camper Alexa (13)

“Maggie first attended CRC Midwest at age 11. She did Camp In A Box in 2020, allowing her to dance through Covid. For the past three summers she attended CRC New York, building friendships & memories.
Dancing with CRC, from Novice to OC, has helped Maggie to grow as an Irish Dancer.”
– Sarah, Mom of Maggie (16)

“As a first time adult camper and new dancer who started as an adult, I was awed by the community at camp! From the staff to my fellow dancers everyone was helpful and answered all my questions. They never made me feel less than for being a beginner with less experience, quite the opposite in fact, they were encouraging and as excited as I was when I learned something new. I can’t wait to attend camp again this summer!”
– Adult Camper Erin

Our Philosophy

The primary purpose of our camp is fun. Camp Rince Ceol strives to provide both challenge and inspiration for every camper. We bring Irish Dancers from all over the World together, in a non-competitive atmosphere to share their love of Irish Dance while enriching themselves in the Irish Culture. By combining hard work and an enjoyable camp atmosphere, our quality program offers unlimited opportunities for new and varied experiences, learning new physical and social skills, companionship, confidence and individual growth and development. We strive to create an environment that is in every way healthful and safe, where encouragement, laughter and joy are the norm. We at Camp Rince Ceol believe that summer camp should be a valuable and meaningful experience for all.