About Our School
Belisama Irish Dance
Belisama was started in 2006 under the direction of Adrienne Bellis, with the assistance of Celia Bassett. Our idea was to build a school founded on excellent instruction, creative choreography, and the cultivation of community. Belisama Irish Dance performances are known for their joyful, energetic, and traditional dancing along with some whimsical forays into other styles of dance and music. Repertory includes elements from sean nos, jazz, swing, modern dance and more. We perform novel choreography annually at our show Rhythm of Fire, as well as at venues throughout Northern New Mexico.
Rhythm Sol
In 2021, Celia was inspired to expand the vision of the school to include classes for young children and families. Rhythm Sol was born and creative movement classes were added to the schedule! Rhythm Sol provides early dance education through a rich variety of music, storytelling exercises, games, and music props. Our aim is to prepare children for a variety of contexts such as further dance education, sports, theater, music and school! We utilize early childhood development theories in our classes and provide children with tools and skills for life. As of 2023, we have embraced the amazing Discover Dance curriculum founded by Andrea Trench, and have found it to be an incredible framework for our early childhood dance program.
Our Choreography
Choreography and music is often created through collaboration with internationally known choreographers and performers such as Michael Patrick Gallagher, a former Irish dance world champion and lead of Riverdance; modern dance choreographer and former Stomp member Seán Curran; Boston Sean Nós (old-style Irish dance) dancer and choreographer Kieran Jordan; fiddler Laura Cortese; and Ronan McCormack, also a former member of the Riverdance company and a world-renowned Irish dance choreographer. Belisama dancers have also workshopped with Chris Naish of Fusion Fighters.
Performance
Our show, Rhythm of Fire, occurs each year around St Patrick's Day, and always includes new choreography, student choreography, live music guests and a few fun surprises. We can also be seen at The Burn's Supper, Albuquerque Celtic Festival, Mono Mundo, Santa Fe Renaissance Faire, Festival of Trees, various retirement communities and many more wonderful events!
Belisama dancers have appeared with internationally known artists such as The Young Dubliners, Natalie MacMaster, Eileen Ivers, Trinity Irish Dance Company, Lúnasa, and Gaelic Storm.
