Meet Our Dancers!
Janine Tondu
Who are you, what do you do, how long have you been dancing for?
Hi there! I’m Janine and I like to consider myself as a wanderlust spirit. Whether it’s travel, career moves or just personal moves, I really don’t like to stay still. I have never really considered myself as a dancer, though I really do enjoy doing it. I have had a very long on again off again relationship with ballet for about 10 years now though a few years ago I made a resolution to try something new each year and leaned toward dance. My latest being belly dance and now Irish step dance.
What's your favorite part about Irish dancing?
I love the high energy of Irish step dance and the music that pairs with it!
Favorite step?
Of course since I’m still a newbie I love the jig step since I actually got it! I love the repetition in the steps and it actually makes for great cardio! (LOL)
Fun fact about yourself?
I’m obsessed with skincare and can read about it all day :)
Tabitha Ashura
Who are you, what do you do, how long have you been dancing for?
I'm Tabby. I'm a lover of languages, books, and travel. I work for @TransPerfectgram, and enjoy writing poetry. I grew up dancing with Celtic Steps in Colorado, and then danced in Moers, Germany with Celtic Rhythm. After high school, I moved to NY, and stopped dancing for nearly 10 years. I've been back for about a year and a half with NY Studio of Irish Dance and it's been great!
What's your favorite part about Irish dancing?
I love that I'm strengthening my body without noticing how hard I'm working because I'm focused on the steps. I also love the music
Favorite step?
Slip Jig
Fun fact about yourself?
Irish Dance is usually my fun fact!
Colleen Fahy
How long have you been dancing for?
Irish dancing for 3 and 1/2 years. But I’ve been dancing overall much longer! I started in ballet when I was 4 years old. I danced for 13 years through to college, took a little break and picked dancing back up shortly after graduating. So now it’s been about 17 years total.
What's your favorite part about dancing?
Performing and getting to meet new people.
What’s your favorite type of Irish dance?
Hard shoe treble reel.
What is the best experience you have had from dancing?
I love performing everywhere on Saint Patrick’s Day! This past year’s performance (2022) was particularly fun with an awesome crowd at The Standard Biergarten.
Fun fact about yourself?
I can knit and crochet.
Caroline Costello
When did you start Irish Step dancing?
I started when I was a junior in college, and Irish Step dancing was always something I wanted to learn.
Why do you dance?
When I first began, I was doing it mostly to have a creative outlet, however, I fell in love with the community as well as the music and steps. Every time I learn a new step or feel myself jumping or kicking higher, I feel such a sense of personal accomplishment!
What is the best experience you have had from dancing?
The weekend before Saint Patrick’s Day in 2019 we traveled up to Sisters of Charity of New York, to perform for a group of nuns. When we arrived, we were greeted so warmly by everyone there. They were all wearing green and had their own stories about their history of growing up in Ireland or learning Irish dance when they were younger – some even showing us some steps themselves!
Ilana Kornfeld
Who are you, what do you do, how long have you been dancing for?
I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area originally, but moved to NYC 4 years ago to go to law school. I fell in love with NYC (though not the weather) and chose to stay and start my career here as a public defender.
I started Irish dancing in college (about 8 years ago) and was hooked after the first class. I continued to dance throughout college but stopped after I graduated. I'm ready to start up again! It never fails to put a smile on my face.
What's your favorite part about Irish dancing?
I love the music and getting to dance with other people.
Favorite step?
Probably leaps (or over-2-3's)
Fun fact about yourself?
I had a soft shoe untie and fly off my foot during a dance recital…
David Rondinelli
Who are you, what do you do, how long have you been dancing for?
David has always has an interest in music and dance since he was a child, from dancing along to music videos, to taking social dance classes in college. He has been dancing at our studio for over a year now.
What's your favorite part about Irish dancing?
David loves the high spirited energy of the classes, while also being able to learn a new skill. Irish dancing is also a way for him to connect to his Irish heritage. David hopes his passion for Irish dance will call attention to the fact that many men enjoy dancing, and that there should be no stigma against male dancers, as it is like any other physical activity in that it is a skill that can be cultivated and mastered.
NINA CORBO
Who are you, what do you do, how long have you been dancing for?
Hello! My name is Nina and I have been with the New York Studio of Irish Dance for about a year and a half. I had danced in high school and for a year in college but had stopped and picked it back up after 6 years. I graduated a year ago from Pace University with my Master's in Book Publishing.
What's your favorite part about Irish dancing?
My favorite part of Irish dancing is the community aspect and the friends that I have made along the way. I also think that it is a really good form of exercise.
Favorite step?
I really like the reel skip step.
Fun fact about yourself?
I love reading and KPOP. My favorite book series is Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer and my favorite group would have to be BTS.