An Irish dance school and design studio is aiming to create 15 new jobs over the next 18 months.
The plans come following the launch of ‘The Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance and Eire Designs’ new premises in Boucher Way, Belfast.
The new 8,000sq ft premises was possible thanks to an investment by Ulster Bank and Invest NI, and includes two dance studios, a costume design studio and manufacturing facilities.
The school, which has been responsible for producing dozens of world champion dancers over the last 14 years, credits the expansion with the increasing demand for Irish dancing classes.
Gavin Doherty of The Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance and Eire Design said: “We needed to move to a central location in order to open ourselves up to a growing audience and meet the requirement for more classes. The new premises also offered the opportunity to incorporate our successful design studio and manufacturing facility, which currently employs 30, and pave the way for expansion. Our aim is to create 15 new jobs in the next 18 months.”
Speaking about the new premises, Seaneen O’Neill of The Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance said: “The new premises are not only an investment in our company, but the children and athletes we are working with every day. Irish dancing is a great form of exercise for both the mind and the body, and offers an opportunity to travel the world and experience different cultures while competing against the very best dancers globally.
“We are hoping that the new premises will assist us in taking on additional students in 2015 and further growing the school — and sport — in Ireland.” The dance school formed as a result of the success of both The Doherty School of Irish Dancing, Ireland, and Petri School of Irish Dance in New York. The dance studios in Ireland and New York are headed up by the Doherty family including Gavin Doherty and sisters Seaneen O’Neill and Caoimhe Doherty, and Lisa and Karen Petri.