In 1988, Margaret Cleary ADCRG introduced Irish Dance classes for adults at St. Ambrose Parish Hall in West Hollywood. The adult group were aptly known as The St. Ambrose Ceili Dancers and grew to be a reputable Irish organization within the Southern California community. They have attained five National titles for ceili dancing. In 1993, Margaret added classes for children. Classes are now offered for students of all ages and levels. They study the traditional art form of Irish dance (reels, jigs and hornpipes) in both soft and hard shoes. They perform regularly at events throughout the Southland and have appeared many times on local and national television as well as Irish TV (RTE). They have featured in the Disney video “Doing the Jig with Tig”. Members of the group have performed with the Chieftains, the Irish Rovers, Cherish the Ladies, Solas and other notable Irish entertainers; at the Hollywood Bowl with the Disney Young Symphony Orchestra, Descanso Gardens with the Pasadena Pops and in Las Vegas. Cleary Irish Dance has successfully established it’s presence in competitions at the regional and national level. Members of the group qualify every year to represent the Western U.S. region at the World Championships held annually at Easter in Ireland. Cleary Irish Dance is proud to perpetuate the traditions and culture of Ireland in Los Angeles.

Margaret Cleary was born in London of Irish parents (Tipperary and Kerry), the eldest of five girls, all champion dancers. She commenced dancing at the age of 8, and during her competitive years won countless solo championships, including All-England title and All-Ireland awards. She was a member of the Kavanagh senior figure dance team that were World Champions three consecutive years. Margaret attained her teaching accreditation (TCRG) with the Irish Dancing Commission in Dublin in 1976 and subsequently taught children in London whilst studying for her B.A. in Business at a London university.

In 1984, Margaret moved to Los Angeles. In 1988, she resumed Irish dancing by offering classes for adults. Children’s classes were added in 1993. In addition to teaching both adults and children’s classes, Margaret is in constant demand to adjudicate Irish dance competitions throughout North America, has judged National events as well as overseas including the World Championships in Ireland. She has undertaken numerous choreography assignments for TV, film and commercials and has worked very closely with the Disney Corporation on various projects. In 1994, Margaret Cleary was recognized for her contributions to the Irish community in Southern California by Mayor Richard Riordan, as an Irish Honoree of the Year. In 2002 and 2003, Margaret had the honor of teaching at the most prestigious of Irish summer schools in the U.S., Gaelic Roots in Boston College In 2005, Margaret successfully achieved the status of Irish Dancing Commission Examiner, one of 12 in North America, 35 worldwide. She has served five terms as an executive board member of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) and currently holds the position of Western US Regional Director for the IDTANA..

Margaret Cleary currently resides in North Hollywood with husband, Peter Dean.  Her eighteen year old daughter, Katie Dean is a freshman at the University of Rochester, New York. Katie too is a champion dancer and actively involved in Cleary Irish Dance.