About Us

Darren Maguire relocated to Tucson in the summer of 2006 to open the Maguire Academy of Irish Dance after ‘hanging up’ his Riverdance shoes.. Having danced with the world-renowned show for ten years, Maguire performed on many the world’s most notable stages, including Radio City Music Hall, The Kremlin and the Great Hall of the People. Darren is an accredited ADCRG, the certification required to adjudicate Irish dance competitions under the rules of the Dublin, Ireland based Irish Dancing Commission. Darren’s championship record is long. Before joining Riverdance in 1996, he had earned first place at many regional and National competitions, including the Great Britains, All England, All Ireland and the Regional Oireachtas; and a second place in the World Championships. Darren was born into a dancing family, as his parents, Kathleen and Michael Maguire, founded the highly-regarded Maguire O’Shea Academy of Irish Dance just outside London, England nearly thirty-five years ago. Maguire and each of his five siblings inherited the talent, and all have won major dance titles, the most recent being his youngest sister, Ellie, taking first place at the World Championships this past Spring.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to teach dance in Tucson,” said Maguire. “The Irish community here is immensely supportive—we’re off to a brilliant start. I’m seeing lots of talent and enthusiasm, and look forward to developing the dancers, and the school.”