Waterford dance teacher Edel Quinlan honoured for 25 years’ service
A Mayoral reception was held by Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr. Liam Brazil for Edel Quinlan, in recognition of her outstanding dedication and contribution to the teaching and promotion of ballet and dance over 25 years. All Photos: Joe Evans
Edel Quinlan, the mind behind Dungarvan & Waterford School of Ballet was the focus of a mayoral reception this week as she was recognised for her years of work as a dance teacher.
First opening her school 25 years ago, she recently decided to retire from teaching though Mayor of Waterford City and County Liam Brazil joked that she shouldn’t step too far back, so valuable has her contribution been.
Addressing a room filled with Edel’s family, friends, students and the community around her school, Mayor Brazil described it as an honour to be recognising her work.
“Her contribution goes far beyond teaching,” said Mayor Brazil. “She has helped to build confidence, natural talent, determination and teach young people the importance of discipline, teamwork and believing in themselves, which is very important.
“A mayoral reception is fitting recognition of those years of dedication and passion and service, and for the long-lasting difference you have made in young people’s lives,” he said.
Mayor Brazil also described the positive influence that Edel has been on her students, encouraging and helping them to achieve things “they may never have thought possible before”.
Speaking after Mayor Brazil, Edel said that it was an emotional moment to be standing in front of everyone, saying she was honoured and grateful to receive the recognition.
“You’ve given me memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life, and I hope that in some small way I’ve given something back to you. I hope I’ve taught you more than just dance steps,” she said.
Dancing since age 3, she first began learning in Wexford, before studying in Dublin and achieving a teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance.
As well as these prestigious qualifications, Edel was offered a Fulbright scholarship to enable her to study dance, performance and choreography in the USA.
She also won ‘Best Choreographer’ for her work on The Phantom of the Opera with Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society, in the Waterford News & Star Green Room Awards.
“This was never a journey I did on my own, there have been so many people that have encouraged me and supported me and helped me along the way,” said Edel.
“I have to thank my dad, and my dear mam, who I know is looking down on me with great pride. They supported me from the beginning, encouraging me, believing in me,” she said.
She also thanked her students for the memories they created together, which she said she would carry with her for the rest of her life, specifically naming their performance at the Dance World Cup as a highlight.
Held in Dublin earlier this year, Edel described the experience as one of many incredible moments, as her students represented Ireland on a world stage.
The contest saw Edel’s school joining the over 11,500 young people from 60 different countries that descended upon Dublin in July, performing in front of an international panel of highly respected judges.
“Not only did they represent their county, but also their country, doing so with professionalism, camaraderie and pride. Those are memories I’ll treasure forever,” she said.
“Dance isn’t just about perfect technique or getting every step right. It's about confidence, friendship, courage, expression and creating memories that will stay with you long after the music has stopped.”
