John Smith

Emma Ganley, a native of Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland, began her journey in dance at the age of 5 under the guidance of The Ganley School of Irish Dancing, owned by her father, Joe Ganley TCRG, an esteemed Irish Dance instructor with 48 years of experience. Over the years, Emma has showcased her talent at numerous Leinster, All-Ireland, and World Championships in Ireland. Additionally, she has graced stages across Europe, captivating audiences with traditional Irish music groups at various festivals and events. At the age of 12, Emma embarked on her teaching journey alongside her father, dedicating nearly 14 years to imparting her knowledge of Irish dance until her relocation to the United Kingdom in 2008. Achieving her TCRG qualification in 2010, she then made her way to the USA in 2011, where she currently resides with her husband and two children near Clearwater, FL. Emma is a registered member of An Comhdhail Na Muinteoiri le Rinci Gaelacha Teoranta (The Congress of Irish Dance Teachers), one of the largest Irish Dance Organizations globally, where she holds the esteemed position of Branch Chairperson. Her primary aspiration is to spread her love and passion for Irish dancing, aiming to ensure everyone finds joy and fulfillment, whether dancing recreationally or competitively.

Meet Our Talented Dance Instructors at Palm & Thistle

Highland dance teacher, from Dunedin Florida, smiles in a black and white headshot

ELIZABETH

Highland Dance Teacher, Director

  • Elizabeth Constantine embarked on her Highland Dancing journey at the age of 8, igniting a passion that has led her to opportunities around the world. Her professional accolades include performing for audiences at Walt Disney Company resorts in Orlando, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

    Elizabeth is a certified instructor with the esteemed British Association of Teachers of Dancing. Elizabeth has dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of dancers.

    In 2012, Elizabeth founded the Tampa Bay Highland Dancers, now known as Palm & Thistle Highland Dancers. Recognizing a decline in the Highland Dance community in the southeastern United States, Elizabeth was driven to breathe new life into the art form, fostering camaraderie and excellence among her students.

    She has coached a number of dancers to compete at the national championship level. With a focus on building lasting friendships and honing skills for performances and competitions, Elizabeth's dancers can expect a nurturing and enriching experience.

    Residing in Dunedin, Florida, with her husband, a fellow former Disney performer, and their loyal beagle, Elizabeth continues to leave an indelible mark on the Highland Dance world, driven by her unwavering passion and commitment to excellence.

Highland Dance teacher from Dunedin, Florida smiles in a black in white portrait.

KIMBERLY

  • Kimberly Taylor was initiated into the world of dance at the age of 9, and embarked on a journey that has taken her across the United States, performing and competing with remarkable success. Notable highlights of her performances include events such as Celtic Echoes in Boone, North Carolina, and prestigious international gatherings like the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and the Belgium International Tattoo.

    Certified as a teacher by the esteemed British Association of Teachers of Dancing in the Highland Branch, Kimberly revels in the opportunity to inspire and empower her students, constantly seeking innovative methods to foster their growth and confidence.

    A proud alumna of St. Petersburg College, Kimberly harbors ambitions to further her education in sign language interpretation.

    Hailing from Dunedin, Florida, Kimberly is deeply rooted in her community, carrying forward the rich legacy established by her father in the realm of Scottish Arts. Her father, a distinguished snare drummer, has left an indelible mark through his achievements with the renowned City of Dunedin Pipe Band.

    Looking ahead with anticipation, Kimberly is eager to continue her pursuit of Highland dance, to showcase her talents on the global stage and perpetuate the tradition she holds dear while competing and performing around the world.

Highland Dance Teacher