Siobhán O'Connor
Senior Latin Dance & Community Events Specialist
trimlot Ltd
Dance Changed Everything
Siobhán's story isn't the typical dance background. She switched careers from corporate events management in 2010, walked into a community salsa class in Dublin on a whim, and discovered something that shifted her entire life. Now, after 14 years of professional instruction and community building, she's helped over 600 dancers—most of them starting in their 40s, 50s, and 60s—find their rhythm and build real friendships through Latin dance.
She studied Dance Performance and Choreography at Trinity College Dublin and holds professional certifications in both salsa and bachata from the International Dance Teachers Association. What sets her apart isn't just the credentials. It's that she genuinely understands what it feels like to start dance late, to feel awkward at first, and to worry you're too old. She's built three thriving communities—in Dublin's city centre, Cork, and Limerick—specifically designed for dancers over 45 who were often left out of mainstream dance venues. Her focus has always been clear: technique without intimidation, musicality over perfection, and the social joy of moving together.
14 Years Building Dance Communities
Dublin Community Launch (2012–2017)
Started with a single beginner salsa class in a small studio near Temple Bar. Within three years, grew to five weekly classes and organized the first Dublin Latin Dance Social—an event that now attracts 80+ dancers every month. Trained over 200 dancers during this period and established the foundation for her signature teaching style.
Cork Expansion & Beginner-Focused Programs (2017–2021)
Recognized that Cork needed dedicated beginner salsa instruction tailored for older learners. Developed a structured 8-week progression program that's become the foundation for all her teaching. Trained 150+ dancers in Cork and created monthly social meetups. Her "no judgment" approach made learning accessible for people who'd never danced before.
Limerick Community & Event Organization (2021–Present)
Launched Limerick's first dedicated social dance meetup series for dancers over 45. Currently manages weekly Thursday evening gatherings, seasonal bachata-focused events, and partnership programs with local community centres. Organized over 250 social dance events across all three cities. Joined trimlot Ltd as Senior Specialist to scale educational resources and reach more Irish dancers nationally.
Where She Focuses
Bachata & Salsa for 45+
Bachata and salsa instruction specifically designed for dancers over 45. She's developed teaching progressions that respect where mature learners are coming from—often with zero dance background. Her classes emphasize partner connection, musicality, and the cultural context of these dances rather than complex choreography. She's trained over 600 dancers in this age group and knows exactly how to make learning feel welcoming, not intimidating.
Social Dance Community Building
More than instruction—she builds actual communities. Weekly social meetups in Limerick, monthly Dublin Latin Dance Socials, and Cork community gatherings aren't just classes. They're spaces where friendships form, where people who've never danced feel genuinely welcomed, and where the focus is on enjoying the music and connection, not performing perfectly. She's organized 250+ events and understands what makes a dance community sustainable and genuinely inclusive.
Educational Resources & Guidance
As part of trimlot Ltd, she creates practical guidance on starting Latin dance, finding quality instruction, understanding the differences between salsa styles, and building confidence as a beginner. Her resources focus on the real questions people have: "Is it too late to start?", "How do I find a beginner class?", "What's the difference between salsa nights and lessons?" She writes from 14 years of direct experience, not theory.
Irish Dance Events & Nights
Deep knowledge of salsa nights and bachata events across Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. She knows the venues, the event formats, which nights are best for beginners versus experienced dancers, and how to help people navigate the Irish Latin dance scene. She's not just a participant—she's the organizer behind many of the events she recommends, so her insights come from both sides of the experience.
Training & Certifications
Dance Performance & Choreography
Trinity College Dublin
Professional Salsa Certification
International Dance Teachers Association (2012)
Professional Bachata Certification
International Dance Teachers Association (2014)
600+ Dancers Trained
14 years of instruction across Dublin, Cork, and Limerick
250+ Community Events Organized
Monthly socials, weekly meetups, and themed bachata nights
Senior Specialist, trimlot Ltd
Educational resources and national guidance (2024–Present)
Why This Matters
"Dance isn't for the young. It's for anyone with music in their ears and curiosity in their heart. I've watched people in their 60s light up when they nail a basic salsa step for the first time. That moment—that's why I do this. Not everyone's going to become a dancer. But everyone deserves to try, to belong to a community, and to feel alive when the music plays."
It's Never Too Late
She's trained dancers from 45 to 75. Age isn't a barrier—it's just a number. The right instruction, the right community, and the right mindset make all the difference.
Connection Over Perfection
Latin dance is about feeling the music and connecting with your partner. Too many beginners get caught up in steps. She teaches the feeling first, then builds technique around that.
Community Is Everything
The best part of dance isn't the performance—it's the friendships. Weekly meetups, monthly socials, and genuine connection matter more than choreography or competition.
Learn From Her Expertise
Practical guidance on starting Latin dance, finding classes, and joining communities across Ireland.
Getting Started with Bachata After 45
Your complete guide to learning bachata as a mature beginner. Everything you need to know about the basics, finding classes, and building confidence.
Salsa Nights in Dublin: Your Complete Guide
Navigate Dublin's salsa scene with confidence. Where to find beginner-friendly nights, what to expect, and how to make the most of your first social event.
Cork's Best Beginner Salsa Classes Explained
How to find quality beginner salsa instruction in Cork. What to look for in a class, what different teaching styles mean, and where to start your dance journey.
Finding Your Community: Limerick Social Meetups
Everything about Limerick's weekly social dance gatherings. What happens at a meetup, how to prepare, and how to build friendships through dance.
Ready to Explore Latin Dance?
Whether you're curious about getting started, looking for a class near you, or want to join a community, we've got resources to help. Start with Siobhán's practical guides or get in touch for personalized guidance.