About Us
Our Story & Instructors
Meet the instructors behind Avoca Connolly and learn how two respected programs came together to build one shared school.
Our Story
Avoca Irish Dance Academy, founded in 2008 by Susannah Ruehlen, and Connolly Irish Dance, established in 2006 by Louise Connolly, each built strong reputations for excellence, dedication, and community. Over the years, Susannah and Louise developed a close friendship and a shared vision for their dancers' growth and success.
In 2022, that vision took shape as the two schools became sister programs - collaborating on choreography, hosting workshops, and bringing their dancers together in new and exciting ways. After four years of working side by side, Avoca and Connolly officially merged in the Summer of 2026.
Our instructors
Our Instructors
Louise Connolly
ADCRG, TCRG - Lakewood Studio
Louise started Irish dance at the age of 8 with Scoil Rince Oirialla in Dundalk, Ireland. In the following years she claimed the title of World Champion two years in a row, along with Ulster, All Ireland, All Scotland, and British National Champion.
After reaching the pinnacle of her competitive career, Louise joined Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. Within her first year she was given the lead female role of 'Saoirse' and spent 6 years touring the world before founding her school in North America.
Louise holds her TCRG and ADCRG certifications from An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha - qualified to both teach and judge at the highest international level.
Susannah Ruehlen
ADCRG, TCRG - Longmont Studio
Susannah started her Irish dancing career at age 7 under the instruction of Maureen Hall, then Ann Richens and John Timm. She competed at the top of her region, excelling at the Western Region, Mid-America Region, and North American Irish Dance Championships. She also qualified for and competed multiple times at the World Championships.
In 1998, Susannah auditioned for Riverdance and joined the first American Riverdance Flying Squad. She toured the United States with Riverdance for 3 years, including the finale performances with the original North American Riverdance troupe, The Lee Company.
In 2009, she received her teaching certificate (TCRG) from the Irish Dancing Commission. In June 2022, Susannah passed her ADCRG exam and has enjoyed adjudicating dance competitions across the world.
Assistant Teachers
Amanda Lebeda
Assistant Teacher
Amanda began her dancing career in 2008, taking lessons from Susannah as her first and only student! Amanda has worked hard as an Open Championship dancer and has enjoyed many achievements including dancing on the Senior Ladies team and receiving 12th Place at the 2019 World Championships. Amanda loves to perform and has spent 2 summers dancing with the Riverdance Summer Camp in Boston. She has completed her 12 Grade Exams and looks forward to taking her TCRG Certification. Amanda enjoys teaching our Beginner and Intermediate dancers almost as much as they enjoy her!
Dayna Spence
Assistant Teacher
Dayna has been dancing since she was 10 years old. She started her dance career when Susannah came to her elementary school to teach an Irish dancing after-school camp, and she's loved it ever since. Irish dancing has become a huge part of her life. She is currently in the highest level of competition and has been able to travel across the world for dance competitions and camps. She also loves dancing on 8-hand teams and has a passion for performing. Later in her dance career, she has really enjoyed teaching younger students and watching them grow. She is also excited about working toward earning her TCRG and becoming a certified Irish dance teacher someday.
Kathleen Carson
Assistant Teacher
Kathleen has been dancing for 14 years. Throughout those years, she has competed around the world on teams and in solos. Along with the thrill of competing, she also loves the performance side of Irish dance. Competing abroad, dancing with Irish bands, performing around town during St. Patrick's Day, and Riverdance Summer Camp are some of her favorite memories.
Kathleen is a junior at Metro State University in Denver and plans to be a middle and/or high school history teacher. She also plans to complete Grades 11 and 12 in the upcoming year in preparation for becoming a certified dance teacher. Teaching and coaching are Kathleen's passion, and she is very excited to be part of the Avoca Connolly family.
Hannah McCabe
Assistant Teacher
Hannah has been dancing for 16 years, spending 12 of those incredible years growing up with the Connolly Irish Dance family. Though she wrapped up her own competitive dancing days at age 19, she still teaches classes at the studio!
Looking back on her time on the stage, she is incredibly grateful for the chance to travel the world for competitions, qualify for the World Championships multiple times, perform in St. Patrick's Day shows, and connect deeply with Irish culture. But by far, the most rewarding part of her journey has been the amazing people she met and the lifelong friendships she built along the way. Hannah is a senior at Colorado Christian University studying Business Administration with a minor in International Business, aiming for a future career that lets her explore the globe and experience new cultures.
Student Teachers
Alyssa Windholz
Student Teacher
Alyssa began dancing with Susannah at Avoca Irish Dance. After reaching the Open Championship level and competing at the Regional and National level, she has shifted gears to assist with our Beginner and Intermediate classes. Teaching and supporting the young dancers, including her younger sister, has been a passion of hers. She continues to work on completing her Grade Exams in hopes to one day earn her TCRG.
Roen Fraser
Instructor & Feis Musician
Roen has been dancing for 14 years and has competed at local, regional, national, and world level competitions in both solos and team disciplines. He is also an accomplished accordion player who performs at feiseanna and major competitions around the world nearly every weekend. Having completed all 12 grade examinations, Roen is preparing to take his TCRG and become a certified Irish dance teacher. He loves Irish dance and teaching dancers of all ages and abilities!