ST. LOUIS, MO (CRESTWOOD) LOCATION
Mary Jo (Clark) Cange, Owner/St. Louis Primary Instructor/TCRG/ADCRG
Owner, Director, Choreographer, Primary Instructor:
Hello! My name is Mary Jo. My mug is far left above and I am the one with no wig or bow in the photo on the very bottom of this lil’ page. My students call me MJ, or Miss/Mrs. Mary Jo. I have been Irish Dancing since the age of 12 - and LOVING every minute of it! I am so grateful! I trained under Mary Clarkson, TCRG (Ballwin, MO), and am very grateful for her tutelage and every opportunity granted during my youth!
I attended Rosati-Kain High School Freshman through Junior year, and Seckman HS for my senior year (STL FAQ - ha). My college days were spent at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri), where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and was also co-captain of the first ever Webster University Women’s Soccer Team. I even had the honor of being inducted into Webster’s Hall of Fame in 2020. Thanks WU! GO GORLOKS! I feel incredibly fortunate to have been in the company of such a talented and amazing group of women!
After graduating college in 2005, my Irish Dance dreams came true when I received a letter in the mail that I was accepted into Riverdance - THE SHOW! I ALMOST fainted when I got the news. So...I packed my bags, and away I went! Off to have the experience of a lifetime with some of the most extraordinary people I have met to this day.
Well...a handsome suitor awaited in St. Louis, and my touring days soon came to an end shortly after my marriage to Dreamy McDreamerson. I am extremely grateful to have found my husband and biggest supporter, Scott Cange. Shortly after the wedding, and after another quick tour around North America, while sitting at my "real job," I realized that my passion for Irish Dance was not going to die quietly! Hence, the Clark Academy was born!
In January 2007, I took the infamously difficult exam to receive my TCRG, which certified me as an "official" Irish Dancing teacher under An Coimisuin le Rinci Gaelacha, The Irish Dancing Commission based out of Dublin Ireland. In 2013, I went on to take an even more difficult test to receive my certification to be an adjudicator. I am a registered member of the IDTAMA (Irish Dancing Teachers Association of Mid-America) and IDTANA (Irish Dancing Teachers Association of North America).
I look forward to each and every wee lil' dancer that walks into the doors of CAID! They are truly a gift. Thank you in advance for the opportunity to work with your child!
Additional Instructor(s):
NATALIE WAGNER: Hiya, I’m Natalie and I’ve been Irish dancing since 2010. I’ve competed at Oireachtas, Nationals, and Worlds, and overall have SO MUCH LOVE for jigging! My greatest accomplishment is placing 3rd in solos at the oireachtas or winning the Ceili competition with my best friends! The passion doesn’t stop there, I love teaching as well! Let’s make light of this crazy situation and get zooming (get it?).
SAM FELLING: Hello! My name is Sam Felling. I am currently a senior at Saint Louis University, where I am earning a bachelor's degree in Marketing. I have been Irish dancing since I was 6 years old and have loved every minute of this unique dance form! My greatest accomplishment is placing top 5 at the Oireachtas in solos and qualifying to compete at the World Championships, as well as winning Ceili with my teammates! Irish dancing is my passion and has taught me many priceless life lessons. I am super excited for the opportunity to share that passion through teaching and inspiring the next generation of jiggers!
Olivia Smugala - CAID Alumni & World Championship Qualifier
Anika Wagner - High School Student and World Championship Qualifier
Ellie Joyce - High School Student and World Championship Qualifier
Katherine Lawler - High School Student and World Qualifier
Katherine Selness - High School Student and World Championship Qualifier
