Instructors

The Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance was founded by Wendy Ellis Windsor in 1997. Wendy began Irish dancing over 20 years ago with teachers such as Kevin Broesler, Eileen Mulligan Evans, Eimir Ni Mhaoileidigh, Donny Golden, Tom Bracken, Michael Smith, Maxine Olson, and Deirdre Goulding. Named in honor of her Irish great-grandmother, Katie Scott, the Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance is dedicated to teaching the art and science of Irish dance in a fun and supportive environment to dancers of all ages, levels, and aspirations. Our philosophy centers around teaching important life lessons of setting goals, working hard, struggling through difficulty, learning from failures, building resiliency from disappointments, and celebrating success with and for others. As a certified school through An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (The Irish Dance Commission), our students are eligible to compete in Irish feiseanna (dance competitions) around the world. We also have many performance opportunities for all of our dancers (not just a select group) throughout the year at festivals, schools, churches, nursing homes, and other venues. While competition and performance is highly encouraged, it is not required and we allow each family to choose their level of involvement. We welcome you to come try out a class.

In addition to being an Irish Musician, Claire is also an Irish step dancer and a certified teacher (T.C.R.G) under An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha. Claire teaches for Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance in Nashville, Tennessee. Throughout Claire’s competitive career she earned her ranking as an open championship dancer. She has experience competing in many Ceili (Team) competitions, 4 hands, 8 hands, and figure choreography’s (16+ members) in regional, national, and global competitions. In 2016 Claire finished her competitive dancing career placing 4th in the Southern Region then retiring to become a feis (Irish dance competition) musician the following year. Claire’s passion for Irish dancing comes from performing and dancing to live music. She has danced for many bands over the years including The Chieftains, Gaelic Storm, Jamie Laval Celtic Christmas tour, and the Nashville Celts, Four Leaf Peat, Helicon, Charm City Junction, and Music City Trad. In passing on the tradition of Irish Dancing, she hopes to share the joyous connection between the dance and music with the natural lift they share. Claire is also the Director and founder of the Nashville Irish Music School.

Casey started Irish dance at the age of six  under the instruction of Ann Richens & John Timm in Columbus, OH.  She has been dancing for 20+ years. Casey was very passionate about competitions and competed at the regional, national, and world level.  She placed top three in the Midwest Championships for five consecutive years and placed 3rd in North America in her age group.  She competed in the All-Ireland and Great Britain Championships placing 10th and 11th. Casey also competed in six World Championships where she was a world medalist twice and 13th was her highest achievement. Casey has greatly enjoyed the performing side of Irish dance as well, and has had the opportunity to perform with numerous Irish groups such as The Chieftans, Natalie MacMaster, and Eileen Ivers, as well as performing in many irish festivals and events. While Casey was actively involved in Irish Dance, she also made it a point to focus on her education and earned a business degree from Wittenberg University in 2011.  One of her greatest joys right now is having the opportunity to help dancers achieve their potential and goals in dance.