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 Regional, National and World competative events with various organizations. Currently competing with The Michael Patrick Gallagher School, our dancers take frequent workshops and lessons with Michael Pat to stay in top form for both solo and team events.
View current classes and camps:
More about our studio
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.
Named "Best Dance Company" 2023, 2024, and 2025 by The Santa Fe Reporter, and "Best Dance Company" 2024 by the New Mexico Entertainment Awards.
Which class is right for me?
Irish Dance
Intro to Irish- Pearls Program ages 3-5
For young dancers who want to get the FUNdamentals of irish dance down! This class is esentially creative movement with Irish flair. Dancers will learn all the fundamental movement patterns that they need to progress, through games, and more!​
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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 (novice) or three (PW Champ) 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.
Current Offerings
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!