SARAH COSTELLO, TCRG / ADCRG
– FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Sarah Costello Irish Dance Academy USA formally Central Florida Irish Dance was founded in 2013 by Sarah Costello a professional Irish Dancer and Musician. Sarah has performed in venues throughout the continents of Europe, Asia, America and Australia. She has taken the role of lead dancer and dance captain with prestigious Irish Dance Troupes.
After thirteen years of touring Sarah relocated to Orlando to perform as a dancer at Walt Disney World. Her dance school which she went on to establish eleven locations throughout Central Florida with a total enrollment of over 130 students.
The students have competed in competitions in many states as well as the World Championships in Ireland. There are currently eleven North American Open solo champions in the school, one of whom is only 5 years old. Most recently one of her students Emily places 7th in the World Championships in Ireland in 2022. Students have also had the opportunity to perform for the Orlando Magic in 2017 and more recently for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Fusionfest.
A native of Belfast in the North of Ireland, Sarah who has a twin sister, is one of seven siblings, four brothers and two sisters. The family grew up steeped in the traditional music, language and literature of their Irish heritage but also had appreciation for a wide variety of musical genres. Sarah started dancing at the age of 3 and also took lessons in the Tin-Whistle, fiddle and flute. One of her tutors was the world renowned fiddle player Sean McGuire.
Sarah’s first professional role was at the age of 17 years old when after a successful audition she was offered the opportunity to tour as a dancer and musician with “Rhythm of the Dance” show. After touring Europe and USA she continued her academic studies at Queens University, Belfast graduating in 2007 with a B.A. Degree in Irish language and Theatre Studies. In 2008 she achieved her qualification as a TCRG (Teacher of Irish Dance). Sarah qualified as an ADCRG (Adjudicator of Irish Dance) in early 2022 and is one of few ADCRGs in Florida.
Sarah married her fiancé Scott a native of Pittsburgh, PA in April 2022 in Ireland and is now Mrs Sarah Hyland, but in sticking with the Irish Dance tradition will keep her maiden name on her school.
The Sarah Costello Irish Dance Academy has played a major role in strengthening the bands of the Irish Community in Orlando by bringing together people who have a shared interest in the promotion of the Irish Heritage and Culture. Sarah was the recipient of the 2015 ‘Contribution to the Irish Community Award’ from the Irish American Chamber of Commerce in Florida, received the Excellence Award for outstanding achievement for ‘I Love Dance’ competition Orlando in 2018 and was the winner of a $1000 prize for ‘Fusionfest Entertainment Winner’ in 2018. Sarah was most recently honored as an Irish Echo Top 40 under 40 in New York for individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of work before reaching the age of 40.
Outside of teaching Sarah is also the Dance Director / Lead Dancer for CMI Entertainment in the USA. A role which she took up in 2013. She has cast, choreographed and performed for several touring Irish variety shows visiting over 30 states in America to date. At the same time in 2013 she formed and Irish band and dance troupe ‘Irish Echoes’ who perform throughout Florida.
Sarah would find all of this impossible if she did not have the passion to guide, educate and enrich her students in Irish dance, language and music. A passion which she hopes to continue for many years to come.
Award-winning short film about Miss Sarah
Peace through Dance – portrait of Irish-born dancer and choreographer Sarah Costello by filmmaker Carlos Rocha.
Award-winning Irish dancing Orlando Miss Sarah
Sarah Costello Irish Dance Academy is now in its 11th year of teaching in Central Florida. To date, the school has won numerous awards including Orlando Weekly, Best of Orlando 2020 & 2021. Best of Orlando Performing Arts Group from Orlando Magazine in 2020! Fusionfest dance contest winners 2018 and Top 3 2020! Irish American Chamber of Commerce Florida Harp Award 2015.
Our director Miss Sarah was awarded in New York the Irish Echo Top 40 Under 40 USA Honoree 2022. Miss Caroline earned her TCRG certification in 2023.
For the last 5 years SCIDA has had regional, national and World qualifiers and medal holders! Most recently in 2023 having 5 World Qualifiers and 3 dancers in the top 30 in the Worlds 2023!