Joni Muggivan

Joni Muggivan began dancing under world-renowned dancer Paul Tinen at the age of four, in a time when Irish dancing was virtually unknown in New Orleans. Because local teachers were scarce, she attended workshops all over the country.  Her list of teachers includes dancing superstars such as Jean Butler and Colin Dunne. At home, she danced under, and indeed would later teach with, Mary Ann McGrath Swaim, TCRG, whom she credits with fostering in her a true love for the search and acquisition of knowledge and expertise in competition, performance, and teaching alike.  Joni has performed and competed across the U.S. and Ireland, achieving her Open Championship status at age 14 and competing in the World Championships in Ireland in 1998.  She has been recognized by Loyola University and the Irish Cultural Society for her talent, effort and achievement in dance.  Joni operates dance schools in Richmond and Fredericksburg, VA, Edmund, OK and New Orleans, www.muggivanirishdance.com