Aoife O'Sullivan

Senior Dance & Wellness Events Editor

tidyget Limited

Years in Event Curation

200+

Dance Events Attended

Years Volunteering with Dance Alliance

Irish Counties Covered

From Personal Passion to Professional Purpose

How a dance floor in Cork became a mission to connect 45+ adults with authentic Latin dance experiences across Ireland

The Beginning

Back in 2010, I moved to Cork for work. Honestly, I wasn't looking for anything special—just a way to get out of the office and meet people. Then I stumbled into a salsa social at a local venue. That first night changed everything. The energy, the music, the way people from all walks of life came together on the dance floor—it was nothing like what I expected.

What struck me most wasn't just the dancing. It's that everyone there was having genuine fun. No judgment, no pressure to be perfect. People in their 50s, 60s, even 70s dancing beside folks in their 40s. That's when I realised something important was happening—and there wasn't enough information out there for people like us to find it.

Spotting the Gap

For years I danced as a hobby while working in event management. I attended events across Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Kerry. And I kept noticing the same pattern—loads of brilliant dance events happening, but they were scattered, hard to find, and often didn't feel welcoming to people over 45. There's this assumption in the dance world that you've got to start young or not at all. That's nonsense.

I started volunteering with the Cork Dance Alliance in 2015. Spent five years helping organise bachata weekends in Kinsale and coordinating the logistics for the annual Killarney Latin Festival. Got to know the promoters, the venue owners, the community leaders. Built real relationships with the people making these events happen.

Making It Real

When I joined tidyget Limited in 2019, I finally had the platform to do something about it. Started curating a proper resource for dance events across Ireland—the kind of guide I'd wished existed when I was searching for my first salsa social. Worked with the Galway Cultural Centre, multiple dance studios, and independent promoters to build a verified, up-to-date calendar.

But this isn't just about listing dates and venues. It's about understanding the culture of each space, knowing which socials are genuinely welcoming, and helping people find their people. That's what I do now. That's what drives me every day.

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Arts in Event Management

National College of Ireland, Dublin

2008

Certificate in Adult Education

University College Cork

2016

Professional Member

Events Industry Association Ireland

2017–Present

Areas of Expertise

What I know. What I've lived. What I share.

Salsa Events & Socials Bachata Weekends Latin Dance Festivals Dance Venue Partnerships Adult Wellness Programming Event Calendar Curation Community Building Dublin Portobello Dance Scene Kinsale Bachata Community Spanish Arch Galway Events Killarney & Kenmare Festivals 45+ Demographics & Accessibility

My Approach

Three principles that guide everything I do

Verification Over Convenience

I don't just list events. I attend them, talk to organisers, and build relationships with venue owners. Every resource I share reflects real, on-the-ground experience—not just what I found online.

Inclusivity as Standard

Dance isn't just for the young. It's never too late to start, and the 45+ community in Ireland deserves spaces where they belong. That's the lens through which I evaluate every event and every recommendation.

Connection Over Sales

My goal isn't to sell anything. It's to connect people with authentic dance experiences and real community. When readers find their people and their rhythm, that's when I know I've done my job right.

Ready to Find Your Next Dance Event?

Browse the complete dance event calendar for Ireland and discover salsa socials, bachata weekends, and seasonal festivals happening near you.

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