Siobhan O'Connor

Senior Community Dance Coordinator

lipahill Ltd

Dance isn't about perfection or age or how you look. It's about connection—to the music, to other people, and to yourself. That's what we're building in every gathering, every weekend, across every corner of Ireland where people want to move together.

Siobhan O'Connor

Professional Path

14 Years Building Dance Community

From a single salsa night in Dublin to 30+ regular meetup groups across Ireland's coastal towns and cities, here's how the journey unfolded.

2010

Dance & Community Arts Degree

Graduated from Trinity College Dublin with specialized focus on community arts programming and social dance facilitation. Already saw the gap—nobody was organizing dance events for people over 45 in Ireland.

2011

First Salsa Night

Organized the first informal salsa evening in a Dublin community centre with about 20 people. Wasn't fancy. Just good music, friendly faces, and the realization that there was real demand for this.

2013

Kizomba Training & Certification

Trained extensively with international kizomba instructors and earned formal certification through the Dance Ireland association. This opened up a whole new dimension to the programs—kizomba brought something different, something intimate.

2015

Network Expansion

Established regular weekly meetups in Dún Laoghaire, Cork, and Limerick. Each location had its own flavor—beach socials in Dún Laoghaire, themed nights in Cork. What started as Dublin-focused became genuinely nationwide.

2019

Community Dance Facilitator Certification

Completed advanced certification in community dance facilitation. By this point, over 1,500 people had participated in programs. We weren't just organizing events anymore—we were genuinely building community.

2024

Senior Coordinator at lipahill Ltd

Now leading content strategy and programming for weekend dance meetup guides. Over 2,500 people have participated in events we've organized. Still growing. Still learning. Still absolutely convinced that dance is one of the most powerful community tools that exists.

Core Areas

What She Specializes In

Kizomba & Salsa Programming

Over 14 years of experience organizing kizomba and salsa events across Dublin, with specialized knowledge of how to create welcoming spaces for people just starting out. She's trained with international instructors and knows what actually works in the Irish context.

Beachside & Coastal Dance Events

Pioneered beachside dance socials in Dún Laoghaire and other coastal towns. She understands the unique atmosphere and logistics of outdoor seaside gatherings—wind, weather, space, lighting. Plus the magic that happens when you dance by the water.

Community Building for 45+

She gets it. The barriers people over 45 face—worrying about being too old, too unfit, too rusty. She's created 30+ communities that prove those worries don't hold up. Real friendships. Real movement. Real confidence.

Weekend Meetup Curation

Writes detailed guides on where to find, how to join, and what to expect from weekend dance gatherings across Ireland. She knows the actual groups, the organizers, the venues, the schedules. This isn't secondhand information.

Themed Event Design

Cork's themed dance nights, Dublin's special events, seasonal gatherings—she designs experiences that feel fresh and intentional. Not just putting on music and hoping people show up. Strategic, creative, effective.

Connection Through Movement

The philosophy underlying everything—that dance creates genuine human connection. She understands the psychology, the community dynamics, the accessibility piece. How to make people feel welcome, safe, and excited to come back.

Background

Education & Qualifications

Trinity College Dublin

Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Community Arts

Graduated 2010

Dance Ireland

Certified Community Dance Facilitator

Certified 2019

International Training

Kizomba & Salsa Instruction Certification

2013 - ongoing

Current Role

Senior Community Dance Coordinator, lipahill Ltd

2024 - present

2,500+

People participated in events

30+

Regular meetup groups established

Years of community programming

Irish counties with active programs

Coverage Areas

Geographic & Thematic Focus

Siobhan's expertise spans specific Irish locations and dance styles, with deep knowledge of how to adapt programs to different communities and settings.

Geographic Coverage

Dublin — Weekend salsa gatherings, beginner-friendly socials, established community of 500+ active participants
Dún Laoghaire — Beachside dance socials, seasonal outdoor events, coastal atmosphere programming
Cork — Themed dance nights, monthly social events, diverse dance style programming
Coastal Towns — Howth, Dunmore East, smaller community programming, accessible weekend meetups
Limerick — Emerging community development, salsa and kizomba introduction programs

Dance Styles & Programming

Kizomba — Intimate partner dance, slow movements, connection-focused teaching approach
Salsa — Energetic, rhythmic, community building, beginner to intermediate levels
Social Dance Events — Weekend gatherings, informal meetups, inclusive atmosphere design
Themed Nights — Special events, seasonal programming, unique experience curation
Age 45+ Programming — Accessibility-first approach, confidence building, community connection focus

Published Work

Guides & Articles

Siobhan writes detailed, practical guides on finding and joining dance communities across Ireland. These aren't theoretical—they're based on years of organizing and direct experience with every group, venue, and event mentioned.

Getting Started with Kizomba in Dublin

A beginner's guide to Dublin's kizomba scene. Where to find events, what to expect on your first night, how to approach learning, and why it's never too late to start dancing.

Read the full guide →

Beachside Dance Socials in Dún Laoghaire

Exploring the unique experience of dancing by the water. Seasonal timing, what to wear, practical tips for outdoor dancing, and the special atmosphere that comes with seaside gatherings.

Read the full guide →

Themed Dance Nights in Cork

Cork's dance calendar is packed with themed events. A month-by-month breakdown of what's happening, special celebrations, and how to get involved in Ireland's second-largest dance community.

Read the full guide →

Dance Communities in Smaller Coastal Towns

Beyond the major cities—what's happening in Howth, Dunmore East, and other coastal communities. How smaller groups operate, why they're special, and how to find them.

Read the full guide →

Explore all weekend dance meetup guides and community resources across Ireland.

Browse all dance guides

Get in Touch

Have questions about starting a dance group, organizing events, or connecting with communities? Reach out directly.

For inquiries about dance programming, community development, or collaboration opportunities, contact Siobhan through lipahill Five Ltd.

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