We provide the highest standards of professionalism and attention to detail at all times. As a Royal Academy of Dance registered school, we observe the highest standards for all our students.
Our classes are open to all, regardless of background, ability or experience. We work with all students and ensure that we foster an environment of inclusion and support at all times.
While our students are prepared for their RAD graded and vocational exams, we believe in dance for its own sake and we connect our students with their innate, unlocked passion.
We are a family-oriented business, focused on creating an environment that is nurturing, inclusive and enjoyable for all.
Our teachers have worked hard to progress in their careers, so we are sympathetic to the challenges that can be faced in shaping and learning a craft. We shape our classes and syllabus in such a way that is enjoyable, so our students want to come back and learn with us again and again.
We believe in holistic development, and firmly believe that the skills that are unlocked in our classes can be applied across so many different areas of life.
PRINCIPAL
Suzanne Bergin is the Principal and Director of Coastal Ballet School. She began studying ballet in 1976 with Maire Cole in Dublin.
She later became a member of the Irish Youth Ballet Company and was a member from the age of 11 until she left in 1992. Suzanne has danced in company performances in the Gaiety and Olympia in many roles.
After leaving the company Suzanne studied Financial Management and worked in the financial services and advertising industry until she opened Coastal Ballet School in 2003. She was awarded her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance in 2004.
She is now involved with mentoring and supervising students on this course and assists in the training of new student teachers for the Royal Academy of Dance.
TEACHER
Born and raised in Drogheda, Ireland, Hannah began her dance training aged 3 at her local schools Coastal Ballet School and Irish Ballet School where she trained in RAD Ballet and ISTD Modern to Intermediate standard.
At the age of 15 she joined Dublin Youth Dance Company which is where her contemporary dance training began. Whilst in the company she performed works by; Mariam Ribon and Toni Bravo.
At 19 she studied a year of contemporary dance in the Netherlands and performed works by Andrea Beugger and Marc Van Loon before attending The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance (HNC). Hannah performed in Dundee at the opening ceremony at the V&A with Shaper/Caper and also had the pleasure of performing a duet at Fresh Edit at Scottish Dance Theatre.
Hannah later transferred to London Contemporary Dance School, graduating with a First-Class BA (Hons) Degree. During her studies, she performed works choreographed by Ohad Naharin/Chisato Ohno, Hofesh Shechter/Yeji Kim, Sung Im Her, and Extended Play Dance/Jamaal Burkmar. A highlight of this period was collaborating closely with her peers and engaging deeply with their individual artistic practices.
She went on to complete an MA in Contemporary Dance and Performance, graduating with Distinction as a member of Emergence Postgraduate Dance Company (2021–2022). During this time, Hannah performed works by Joss Arnott, Vidya Patel, Gosia Mielech, and Kevin Finnan MBE, further developing her performance versatility and professional practice.
TEACHER
A Drogheda native, at the age of two, Sophie began her training with Coastal Ballet School where she achieved all the her Royal Academy of Dance graded and vocational examinations with Distinction.
Sophie was a member of Irish National Youth Ballet in 2017 where she was given many performance opportunities. She continued her studies
at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and graduated
with a BA in Modern ballet in 2024.
Following her studies, Sophie joined Budapest Dance Theatre as an apprentice for the 2024/2025 season, providing her with an opportunity to hone her
skills as a contemporary dancer.
Since returning to Ireland Sophie has had the opportunity to work with many dancers and choreographers including Róisín Whelan, Philip Connaughton and Selma Daniel. Sophie was recently a member of Step Up 2025 and is enjoying
reconnecting with the vibrant dance community in Ireland. She is delighted to be back teaching in Coastal Ballet School passing on the knowledge and experience that she has gained during her time training and performing.
TEACHER
Jessica began studying ballet when she was four years of age. She successfully completed her Royal Academy of Dance graded examinations up to vocational level with The Mcdermott School of Classical Ballet and Dance. Jessica has experience performing with The Mc Dermott School and Youth Ballet West.
Jessica began her teaching career in The Mc Dermott School of Classical Ballet and Dance in 2016.
Jessica has successfully completing her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and been award her Registered Teacher State with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Jessica has a keen interest in injury prevention and rehabilitation within dance and gymnastics. She is currently studying a BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training with Dublin City University to further her understanding of anatomy, injuries and rehab within sports and dance.
Jessica has experience teaching ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and acro. She is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive environment for students of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential.
Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist, Certified Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner.
Originally from Ohio Vania received her Bachelors of Arts and Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She continued her studies at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland where she received her Bachelors of Honours in Physiotherapy.
Having a love and passion for dance, and previous experience as a cheerleader and dancer, Vania has continued her professional development with a focus on dance injury prevention and rehabilitation.
With over 16 years of clinical experience Vania provides expertise in diagnostic assessment of neurodevelopmental, orthopaedic, and musculoskeletal; assessment, intervention, and management, in addition to biomechanical, postural assessment and management, orthotic prescription, and individually tailored programmes.