OUR PASSION FOR DANCE

About Joe Moriarty

Joe Moriarty began his Irish dance journey at the age of eight, quickly discovering a natural flair and passion for the art form. He rose through the competitive ranks with determination and talent—earning multiple top-five finishes at the North American Irish Dance Championships, including two third-place honors. He proudly represented North America at the World Irish Dance Championships on three occasions, finishing as high as 5th place. In 1996, Joe became the Mid-America Oireachtas Boys Champion in the 15–17 age group, a major milestone in his competitive career.

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At just 16 years old, Joe auditioned for Riverdance during a casting call in Chicago. Out of hundreds of dancers, he was the only one selected—despite being told he was too young. He officially joined the cast in the summer of 1997, following his sophomore year of high school, launching a remarkable professional career.

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Over the next 14 years, Joe performed as a principal dancer with Riverdance, captivating audiences on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Career highlights include performances on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre, at The Kremlin State Palace in Moscow, The Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and the Palais des Congrès in Paris, among countless others throughout North America, Europe, Australia, China, Canada, and Russia.

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Now the director of Moriarty Irish Dance Academy, Joe brings his elite professional and competitive experience to the next generation. As a TCRG-certified instructor through An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), he is committed to helping dancers develop strong technique, artistic expression, and a deep appreciation for Irish culture—whether on stage or in competition. Dancers at the Academy also benefit from exclusive training opportunities with one of the top Irish dance schools in the world, the Kavanagh Porter Academy.