Southern Academy of Irish Dance was established in the summer of 2013. However it is not a new school. Southern Academy is a wonderful blend of two of the most successful schools in the Southern United States – The Kristin Butke School established in 2002  and O’Brien Irish Dance Academy, Tennessee established in 2009. Directors Aoibheann O'Brien Barbera from O'Brien Irish Dance Academy, Kristin Butke Zagorski and Jennifer Marshall from Kristin Butke School all have unique backgrounds and training from Ireland, England, and America which give our school diversity and experience in all areas of dance including  team and solo competition, exercise, and sharing the love of the tradition and culture of Irish dance.  We each share the passion of teaching, and we are committed to the education and success of every student.  Our lives have been influenced by many great teachers and dancers, and we are excited to pass on our knowledge to our dancers.