Amy Coppola
Where do you live? Rochester, NY.
Current company and position? Dunleavy Irish Dance, Owner.
First job and what it taught me? My first job was working the switchboard at the Our Lady of Mercy Motherhouse. It was there I learned reliability and responsibility - skills that have stayed with me ever since. The Sisters would bring me a peanut butter cookie and a root beer every shift, and though I only earned $4 an hour, they also provided tuition assistance, which I truly credit for shaping my success. Getting to know the Sisters of Mercy personally taught me the value of community and gratitude. Their support showed me how powerful education is, and how far you can go when someone believes in your future.
How do you embrace your Irish heritage? Irish culture is woven into every part of my life - through dance, music, and community. I founded Dunleavy Irish Dance to promote Irish culture in a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible way, helping dancers appreciate both the beauty of Irish dance and the tradition it comes from. I am truly enamored with the Irish arts, and it is my greatest joy to celebrate, preserve, and pass them on to the next generation.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... When I’m not training my Irish dancers, I’m outdoors training my Doberman! The same patience and discipline I use in the studio definitely come in handy - and the dog treats help, too!
Biography: Amy Coppola is the owner and founder of Dunleavy Irish Dance and an ADCRG-certified adjudicator. She holds degrees in Business and Athletic Training from the Rochester Institute of Technology, blending strategic leadership with a deep understanding of movement and performance. Irish dance is Amy’s lifelong passion, and she is known for inspiring students to believe in themselves - developing both the athleticism and artistry essential to the craft. A recipient of the IDM Global Excellence in Teaching Award, Amy continues to promote Irish culture in a vibrant, welcoming, and impactful way.
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