Amanda Finnegan
Where do you live? Tampa, Florida.
Current company and position? Finnegan Academy of Irish Dance Founder, Owner and Director.
First job and what it taught me? My first job was in our local shop stocking shelves! It taught me the value of money, work ethic and the importance of saving.
How do you embrace your Irish heritage? Finnegan Academy of Irish Dance was founded in 2016 by champion turned professional Irish Dancer and Galway, Ireland native, Amanda Finnegan (Director and Founder of Finnegan Academy). Ms. Finnegan's goal in setting up Finnegan Academy of Irish Dance was to share her love of Irish culture and expertise within Irish Dance with students and families throughout Florida. Ms. Finnegan was honored to receive her first award for ‘Growing Irish Culture in Windermere’ in 2019. With locations in Orlando, Tampa and Sarasota, Finnegan Academy is home to in excess of 100 students throughout Florida.
Finnegan Academy was proudly awarded 'Most Loved Dance Studio' in Windermere/Winter Garden in 2021 and 2022, and 'The Best Dance Studio in Lakewood Ranch' in 2024. Finnegan Academy proudly teach students who are interested in competitive, recreational and show Irish Dance. Our academy prides itself on celebrating and promoting our Irish Culture regularly by performing Irish Dance shows at performances and events. Our Academy knows the value of community, therefore, works closely within the communities we are based, participating in local events whenever the opportunity arises.
Our Academy proudly boasts the Gaelic words "Is As Chlann Finnegan Me" on all of our merchandise and practice wear. This phrase is the heartbeat of who we are, stating 'I am part of the Finnegan family', a phrase capturing the foundation of family mirroring the ethos our Irish Culture and academy emotes - a positive, supportive, caring and nurturing community where goals are envisioned, supported, encouraged and accomplished.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... The first award earned by Amanda Finnegan with Finnegan Academy of Irish Dance was for ‘Growing Irish Culture in Windermere’ in 2019!
Biography: Amanda Finnegan was born and raised in Galway, Ireland. Ms. Finnegan has choreographed Irish Dance showcases internationally, bringing the Rhythm of Ireland to countries around the globe. Upon receiving her TCRG, Ms. Finnegan moved to Orlando, Florida in pursuit of her dream to set up Finnegan Academy of Irish Dance and spreading her Irish Culture. Finnegan Academy is currently a multi award winning Irish Dance academy with locations in Orlando, Sarasota and Tampa! Ms. Finnegan attended Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland earning her a degree in Primary Education, Music and Gaeilge (Irish Language).
