About Emma

Emma Mahony set up 'The Odette School of Ballet' with the dream of sharing her love of dance with others. She is extremely passionate about teaching both young and older people the wonderful art of ballet. Emma believes in inspiring, nurturing and guiding people through the world of dance. She creates a wonderfully welcoming and supportive environment where people can thrive and flourish. 'The Odette School of Ballet' is a local dance class where children and adults can make friends, explore movement, and gain a top quality ballet education.

Emma began her training with Dublin Ballet School where she trained under the Royal Academy of Dance method. She went on to study dance full-time where she attained a Diploma in Dance Instruction from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and a Certificate in Exercise and Health Studies from the National Council of Exercise and Fitness. Following this, Emma was accepted onto the RAD teaching programme, with Linda Higgins as her mentor. She graduated with a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and was immediately employed at Dublin Ballet School where she worked for a number of years.

Emma was the first 'Silver Swans' licensed teacher in Ireland and currently runs extremely successful classes in her own ballet school as well as with Dance Ireland. Her Silver Swans ballet classes have received extensive media attention and are a very popular activity in the Dublin community. Emma is a qualified BarreConcept instructor and offers barre fitness classes at The Odette School of Ballet. Emma is certified to teach the 'Progressing Ballet Technique' and was also involved in a 'Dance in Education' programme run by the Dublin Youth Dance Company. Emma was awarded a full scholarship to attend the International ImpulsTanz festival in Vienna, she was a member of the Dublin Youth Dance Company and she also represented her college nationally with a self-choreographed contemporary dance solo piece. Emma also teaches dance within the community; including projects in primary and secondary schools, NGOs and nursing homes. She has a background in fitness and has worked in a top-Dublin gym and was also employed by CoisCéim to teach ballet-fitness at their studio.

In 2023 Emma joined the Board of 'Dublin Youth Dance Company' as the Board Secretary. 

In addition to Emma's dance experience, she also holds a Bachelor of Social Science and MA in Sociology from UCD. Her dissertation explored the use of dance for the integration of asylum seekers and refugees into Irish communities. Emma also has a Professional Certificate in Women and Substance Use and a Professional Certificate in Social Justice. It is her dream to combine all of these passions to create a place where dance is accessible to all.

  • Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (RAD)
  • Diploma in Dance Instruction (ISTD)
  • Certificate in Exercise and Health Studies (NCEF)
  • Licensed Silver Swans ballet teacher (RAD)
  • Progressing Ballet Technique Level 1 (PBT)
  • BarreConcept Instructor
  • Pre/Post Natal Exercise specialist (NCT)
  • Bachelor of Social Science (UCD)
  • Masters in Sociology (UCD)
  • Professional Certificate in Social Justice (UCD)
  • Professional Certificate in Women and Substance Use (UCD)
  • .
  • Occupational First Aid (FETAC)
  • Emergency First Aid (St. John Ambulance)
  • Children's First (HSE)
  • safeTALK and ASIST (HSE)


'Odette' is the Swan Princess from the famous ballet 'Swan Lake'. She is a beautiful, kind-hearted and gentle young woman who shows strength and courage as she faces her tragic fate through dance. 'Swan Lake' is a timeless classic that embodies the spirit and values of classical ballet. 'The Odette School of Ballet' gives its students the opportunity to immerse themselves into the heart of ballet.


Emma is the designated Covid-19 officer at the ballet school and strict health and safety measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for students to dance.