Stow Academy of Irish Dance

There is something truly magical about Irish dancing. Whether solo or in a group, the rhythmic patterns and graceful movements, the costumes and the incredible footwork… it is simply mesmerising.
Internationally certified Irish dancing teacher Amy Stow first discovered the dance form more than 25 years ago. Hooked after her first lesson, Amy went on to perform and compete locally and internationally, becoming the first KZN dancer (and third in South Africa) to complete all 12 Irish dancing exams. Amy has trained in Highland (Scottish) dancing as well, and competed as part of the SA team in the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland in 2008 and at the All-Ireland Championships in Killarney in 2010.
Born and raised in Durban, Amy tried her hand at studying both Medical Science and Accounting before deciding neither were for her. She now works as an ophthalmic assistant as her ‘day job’ and teaches dancing after hours at her studios – Stow Academy of Irish Dance (which she started in 2016) in Durban North and at FITPOD in Ballito.
Every one of Amy’s classes are different and fun, and they always start with a thorough warm up, stretch and bit of cardio to get the feet and ankles loosened up.
“We usually do one or two dance routines that everyone knows first, before learning something new or refining a particular movement or section of dance. The goal is always for everyone to have fun and learn something,” she says. Amy loves teaching at FITPOD and says the space and facilities are perfect for her classes.
Amy’s dancers often take part in shows, competitions and exams and a number of them have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their dancing, including one who recently competed at the World Championships in Glasgow.
Describing herself as somewhat of a ‘busy body,’ Amy’s mind is always going a million miles an hour as she works on different events and national competitions. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her puppy Keeva, working in the garden, playing computer games and actively following Formula 1 and MotoGP. She also loves reading.