Mary Jo Clark-Cange

Mary Jo (Clark) Cange, Owner/St. Louis Primary Instructor/TCRG/ADCRG

Owner, Director, Choreographer, Primary Instructor:

Hello! My name is Mary Jo—most students know me as MJ or Miss Mary Jo. I have been Irish dancing since the age of 12, and I’ve been loving every minute of it ever since.

I attended Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and proudly served as a co-captain of the first-ever Webster University Women’s Soccer Team.

After graduating in 2005, one of my greatest dreams came true when I received a letter in the mail welcoming me into Riverdance — The Show! I nearly fainted when I read it. Soon after, I packed my bags and set off on an adventure that truly was the experience of a lifetime. I feel incredibly blessed to have shared the stage with and learned from some of the most extraordinary people I have met to date.

In January 2007, I took the infamously challenging exam to earn my TCRG, officially certifying me as an Irish dance teacher under An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (The Irish Dancing Commission), based in Dublin, Ireland. In 2013, I proudly earned my adjudicator certification. I am a registered member of both the Irish Dancing Teachers Association of Mid-America (IDTAMA) and the Irish Dancing Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA).

I look forward to each and every wee lil’ dancer who walks through the doors of CAID. Each one is a gift, and “grateful” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Olivia Murphy

Hello! My name is Olivia Murphy. I began Irish dancing in 2008 and was one of the first students at CAID. I’m passionate about creating a positive, encouraging environment where dancers build confidence and strong technique. I have experience in both solo and team dancing, have placed top 5 at the Oireachtas, and competed at the World Championships four times. I bring what I’ve learned through my own training into the way I teach!

Katherine Massman (Selness)

Hello! My name is Katherine Massman (Selness) but you can also call me Kath or Kathy! I have been Irish dancing since 2008 and my love for dance has grown exponentially since! I have experience competing at Oireachtas, Nationals, and the World Championships in solos, ceili, and choreography. My greatest accomplishments include two Oireachtas solo titles, multiple World Championship solo and team recall medals, and completing all twelve of my Grade Exams. Irish dance has taught me resilience, discipline, hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork. The CAID studio has been and continues to be a wonderful place for me to grow, build confidence, and make lifelong friends. The joy dance brings me is indescribable, and I am deeply honored for the opportunity to pass that on to every dancer I meet!

Maggie Heavey

Hi! My name is Maggie Heavey. I have been Irish dancing since 2017 and have loved every second of it! I have experience competing in solos, ceili, and choreography up to the international level. Through CAID, I have found wonderful people and an amazing, loving environment. I have learned countless lessons, such as grit, self-assurance, and determination, all of which I am eternally grateful to be able to share with every kid that steps into the studio!