Founder and Principal: Miss R. A. Mulvihill T.C.R.G
Born and raised in South East London, Rachel began Irish Dancing at the age of 9.
At the age of just 11, Rachel qualified for her first World Championship in Ennis and continued to compete at all major events. She placed either top 10 or top 5 at International Competitions including All Irelands, World Championships, British Nationals, American Nationals, All Scotland and Great Britain. Rachel won the European Championship title four years consecutively and also won the Southern Region Oireachtas on numerous occasions.
Throughout Rachel’s dancing career, she received many awards outside of competing. Rachel was awarded ‘Greenwich Sportswoman of the Year’ in 2002 and in 2003, Rachel received ‘The Jack Petchy Young Achievers Award’ allowing her dance school to receive a grant.
At the age of 17, Rachel retired from her competitive career and joined one of the world’s most famous Irish Dance shows, Riverdance. Rachel has toured:
Rachel has also worked with The Discovery Channel and Doctors at The University of Coventry using biomechanics and motion capture to help research into the prevention of injury during Irish Dance.
In January 2010, Rachel took her T.C.R.G exam in Los Angeles and successfully passed with honors, making her a fully qualified Irish Dance teacher. In October 2010, Rachel established The Mulvihill Academy with fresh, new and exciting ideas.
Debbie Cripps T.C.R.G
Debbie was also born and raised in South East London and began dancing at the age of 11 after being inspired after seeing Riverdance. She quickly worked up to championship level and competed in competitions nationally and internationally which included regularly placing top three in championships and being part of the winning figure team at the Great British Championships twice as well as winning the World Dance Championships in Barcelona.
Debbie was lucky enough to perform in many theatres across the country alongside many international stars including Ronny Corbett, Prunella Scales, and Christopher Biggins and is keen to pass on her love of dancing and performing to others.