Irene Rojas, TCRG

(she/her)

Hey! I’m Irene, founder of Caitríona Irish Dance.

Irish dance has been my passion since age 5. I Irish danced competitively for over 20 years, and am a three time world qualifier: twice in solo dancing and once in the 16-hand figure.

I assistant taught Irish dance in Santiago, Chile and in San Diego, California for 10 years before opening my own school here in Denver, Colorado in August 2024!

Chile

I made my way to Chile with the intention to study abroad for one semester…and stayed for four years!

I ran cross country at Universidad Católica and went on many backpacking adventures in Chile and beyond, including Torres del Paine National Park, the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, and the Cruce Andino from Puerto Varas, Chile to Bariloche, Argentina.

After graduating from UC Santa Barbara in Spanish and Global Studies, I moved back to Chile and taught 4th and 5th grade English, ran an elementary school run club, and taught Irish dance to all ages and levels. I even helped organize and run Chile’s first ever Irish dance competition!

US

In the US, I worked at the Boys & Girls Club, and ran some really fun clubs like journalism club, architecture club, run club, and, naturally, Irish dance club! I’ve also nannied all ages for over 8 years: from 4-month-olds to 12-year-olds.

I do dabble with other art forms and sports. I did musical theatre in high school, was on my college improv team, ran two marathons in college, and founded a queer run club, Lez Run Denver, upon moving to Colorado.

Throughout all seasons of life, I’ve always made my way back to Irish dance and knew it needed to be a constant in my life, so I poured my heart and soul into opening my own Irish dance school.

Around the world

Irish dance has brought me a myriad of unforgettable opportunities:

I’ve had the privilege of competing in amazing places like Scotland, Canada, Argentina, and of course, Ireland.

I’ve gotten to dance on TV news segments (one even included a sea lion and an otter!).

I’ve danced in countless St. Patrick’s Day shows and parades, and much, much, more.

This sport has brought me so much joy and friendship, and now I get to share that magic with my students!

Colorado

Running my dance school in Denver has been a dream come true.

I’ve brought my Irish dance after-school program to 8 elementary schools, I host summer camps for DPS and at Colorado Academy, and I run community céilí nights to fundraise for a different cause every month.

Caitríona Irish Dance and Ré Nua Irish Dance became sister schools and our dancers have performed in 20 shows together so far.

I’ve gotten to dance with Riverdance alum (and owner of Ré Nua Irish Dance) Blaine Donovan in his debut production of Celtica and in his professional Irish dance company, Colorado Irish Dance Entertainment.

In December 2025, Heritage Irish Stepdancers made the difficult decision to close and graciously chose Caitríona Irish Dance and Rose Courtney Irish Dance to merge their former teachers and students. By January 2026, my school had doubled in size and I gained co-teacher and partner in crime, Molly Bennett, TCRG and absolute legend in the Colorado Irish dance scene, onto my team.

In March 2026, all 3 schools (Caitríona Irish Dance, Ré Nua Irish Dance, and Rose Courtney Irish Dance) came together to produce a huge collaborative stage show for St. Patrick’s Day!

So many pinch me moments!

My Why

Irish dance has always been my happy place, and I’m passionate about spreading that joy by providing a safe space and building community with a dance school that is accessible, collaborative, and inclusive of all ages, all identities, all bodies, and all abilities 🌈.

I’ve named my school after my best friend and my biggest cheerleader: my mother Catherine (Caitríonain Irish).

Gratitude

I am forever grateful for my entire support system that brought me to where I am today.

I’m grateful for my teachers Rori Ritchie, Jeannie Thornton, and Alisa Dosch (top left) of the Clan Rince School of Irish Dance for introducing me to the magic of Irish dance at age 5 and for believing in me when I returned to competing as an adult and qualified for worlds.

I’m grateful for my teacher Tony Comerford (top right) of the Comerford School for all of the amazing opportunities to dance in community at Celtic Camp and to compete in the 16-hand figure across the country and overseas.

I’m grateful for Sandra Claren (bottom left) of the Sandra Claren School for welcoming me into her studio in Santiago, Chile with open arms and for inspiring me to follow in her footsteps and get my TCRG certification.

Lastly, I’m grateful for Shaun Boyle (bottom right) of the Westfall Boyle Academy for challenging me in his workshops before major competitions.

Thank you! Gracias!

Honoring the Heritage legacy

I am in awe of the 27+-year legacy that Ariel, Alexa, Molly, and Bill Bennett created, first with the Bennett School and later the Heritage Irish Stepdancers school.

From their individualized classes for all ages and skill levels to their iconic world champion dance dramas, Heritage created a familial, fun space for creative expression beyond the traditional competitive boundaries of the sport.

I am honored to have been chosen to merge with their former students and teacher and am inspired to foster the same loving dance community.

Thank you for the mentorship, the support, and most importantly, the friendship.