Founded in 2006 by Adrienne Bellis, with the support of Celia Bassett, Belisama Irish Dance was created to provide exceptional instruction, imaginative choreography, and a strong sense of community. Our performances are known for their joyful, high-energy celebration of traditional Irish dance, with playful forays into other styles like sean nós, jazz, swing, and modern dance. Now owned and operated by Celia Basset, she continues to build upon the legacy of Belisama while also adding innovative, community-serving programs and classes with a priority of employing mothers.
Each year, we debut original choreography at our signature production, Rhythm of Fire, and perform at events across Northern New Mexico—from Celtic Festivals to retirement communities.
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Our Students may choose to compete if desired, and have placed at Regiona, National and World competative events with various organizations. Currently competing as The Michael Patrick Gallagher School, our dancers take frequent workshops and lessons with Michael Pat to stay in top for for both solo and team events.
View current classes and camps:
More about our studio
Rhythm Sol:
Early Childhood Dance
In 2021, Celia expanded the school’s vision with Rhythm Sol, introducing creative movement classes for young children and families. Through music, storytelling, games, and imaginative play, Rhythm Sol nurtures children's natural love of movement and supports their development across disciplines—from dance and theater to sports and school readiness.
In 2023, we proudly adopted the Discover Dance curriculum by Andrea Trench, offering a research-based foundation that helps children gain lifelong skills through joyful, developmentally informed classes.
Our Choreographic Vision
Belisama’s choreography is enriched by collaborations with world-renowned artists, including Michael Patrick Gallagher (Riverdance), Seán Curran (STOMP), Nic Gareiss, Sandy Silva, Kieran Jordan, Laura Cortese, Ronan McCormack, and Chris Naish (Fusion Fighters). This creative exchange brings dynamic new energy to our repertoire and offers our dancers a unique artistic edge.
Performances & Appearances
From our annual Rhythm of Fire showcase to performances at The Burn’s Supper, Albuquerque Celtic Festival, Mono Mundo, Santa Fe Renaissance Faire, and more—Belisama dancers bring the spirit of Irish dance to diverse audiences. We’ve shared the stage with world-class artists including The Young Dubliners, Natalie MacMaster, Eileen Ivers, Lúnasa, and Gaelic Storm.
We have placed in The Santa fe Reporter's "Best of Santa Fe" awards two years running under the category "Best Dance Company" we also won the New mexico Entertainment award for Best Dance Company in 2024
Which class is right for me?
Irish Dance
Intro to Irish
For dancers who are new to Irish dance, offered in younger and older age combinations. This class will provide the foundation for moving into more advanced dance levels in rish or other styles, through motor skill development, dance vocabulary introduction, fun games and skill practice through play. We will also touch on improve and choreography. 45 minute class. Dancers need both softshoes and hardshoes (ballet/jazz and tap shoes are fine to start).
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Beginner and Advanced Beginner
Dancers begin learning the basics of Irish dance: traveling steps, rhythms, proper warm up and cool down, foot positions and the beginning dances in soft shoe: reel, light jig, single jig and slip jig. Hard shoe: treble jig, hornpipe and St Patrick's Day. Ceili dances: The Walls of Limerick, The Fairy Reel and The Sweets of May. Dancers in Advanced Beginner may choose to compete and/or perform. Dancers take two 60 minute classes per week, with optional Jr Performing Company and Competiton/Teams classes.
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Novice through Championship
Dancers continue learning more advanced movements and technique in Irish dance. Each of the levels following beginner consists of dances in soft shoe: reel, light jig, single jig and slip jig. Hard shoe: treble jig, hornpipe and Traditional and Non-Traditional set dances. Dancers learn more than a dozen ceili dances. Most dancers novice level and up choose to compete and/or perform. Dancers take two 90 minute classes per week and are encouraged to add on Performing Company and Competiton/teams class.​
​Performing Company and Competition/Teams
Dancers Advanced Beginner and up may join these add-on options. Classes are Sundays and alternate between Performance and Competition/Teams focus. Dancers who wish to perform throughout the community year long MUST take this class in addiiton to their other classes..s
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Teen/Adult Classes
Teen/Adult classes are mixed level and move more quickly in terms of learning than youth classes. We cover a variety of skills including soft shoe steps, hard shoe steps and ceili dances. Often the class is broken down into 12 week sessions Please inquire for current information.
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Private Lessons
Private lessons are available to all dancers level Advanced Beginner and up. They offer the best possible way to reach personal goals within Irish dance. Dancers may choose to receive feedback on technique or rhythm, advice on breaking down steps, or learn new material. Or they may want to work with a teacher to develop personalized training programs that address goals in the artistry or physicality of Irish dance.
Discover Dance
Caregiver & Toddler Classes
Stage 1 : Child participates with an adult's assistance
This class is designed to give caregivers and toddlers a special bonding time, with activities that are developmentally appropriate and driven by dance and education theory. We do a combination of stretching, rhymes, movement games/dances, rhythm activities and free dancing. We utilize props such as scarves, shakers, balance beam and tunnels! Tempo, action, levels, space, shapes and more are explored. Bring a friend along or make a new one at class!
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Stages 2 : child participates without an adult's assistance
This beautifully crafted curriculum developed by Discover Dance is based on brain science and developmental theories, and designed to give your little one an incredibly positive and valuable introduction to dance. Offered to ages 2 and 3 we take the children on a dance journey like no other. Class will be structured in the same way each time, but the skills and concepts will change within the framework provided. We utilize many props to give children a multi-sensory experience. Obstacle courses are utilized to explore and practice balance, gross motor skills, spacial patterns and exploration. Every class offers chances for dancers to engage in improvisation and create their own movement.
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Parents are encouraged to remain close if necessary (for potty or attachment needs!) but give children an opportunity to develop independence. Dress code is comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement and self expression. Bare feet or ballet slippers. Class is 30 minutes long and sessions run six weeks.
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Combo Classes (Stage 3-5) for dancers aged 3.5-5 with previous experience in Stages 1-2
Combo classes utilize the framework and curriculum of Discover Dance, introducing dance concepts over a series of lessons that cover a wide variety of motor skills and pre-dance material through movement games, music, props and obstacle courses. Combo classes are for dancers who have taken Discover Dance stages 1-2 or another dance style.
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Combo classes are offered in a variety of styles: Irish, Acro, Tap, Ballet, Jazz and more (see schedule for current offerings). BTJ=Ballet/Tap/Jazz.
Dancers will learn specific skills and material for each style, along with their conceptual framework. For example Irish combo will include learning foot positions and the skills needed to move into more advanced Irish classes. Acro will cover basic body shapes and balancing skills along with beginner tumbling to prepare those dancers for more advanced dance or gymnastics classes. Combo class students may be invited to participate in the annual show. Classes are 45 minutes and run 6-16 weeks depending on current offerings.
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We do not implement dress code because we believe in "come as you are" for children under 4 years old. Some like to dress up in dance clothes, some like comfortable pants and a t-shirt. Ballet shoes or bare feet.
Ready to dance?
Visit our Parent/Student Portal to Regsiter for a class! Or if you have a question about which class is right for you, email us!
Our Team
At Belisama, our lead teachers are highly qualified, background-checked, CPR-certified, and bring years of experience in both dance and working with children. We’re proud to offer a team that combines technical excellence with a nurturing, inclusive approach to instruction.
We also offer a Junior Counselor Program for our tween and teen dance students—giving them a meaningful opportunity to assist in classes, build teaching experience, and grow as leaders within our community.
