In 1991 Nora turned her passion for Irish Dance from competing to teaching with the renowned Violet Moore, ADCRG. Nora has been actively teaching in Vancouver since 1995. In January 2002 Nora received her TCRG (Teachers Certificate from Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha) and has since become the Director and Dance Instructor/Choreographer of the Nora Pickett Irish Dance Academy. The Academy now instructs almost 200 students in North Vancouver and Richmond, Canada. She also still enjoys performing from time to time with her Eire Born performance troupes developed in 2000.

Nora's Irish dance philosophy can be summed up like this: "Anyone can do it at any age. When the dancing and music get into your blood, you just can't let it go." While she's extremely passionate about Irish dance and performing, Nora's natural enthusiasm for instructing shines through while encouraging each student and inspiring them to excel in Irish dance and as individuals.

Since 2004, Nora Pickett Irish Dance Academy instructors nominate students who exhibit exceptional Irish spirit, work ethic, talent and positive energy with their dance. Awards are presented each year at the Ceili .

Garlene Pickett Memorial Trophies are in honour of Nora's belated mother. Garlene's dedication went above and beyond her family role as Mom when she stepped up and became a seamstress specialist and chief cheerleader to support Nora, the Academy's dancers and Eire Born. With over 30 years of volunteer service, her legacy lives on.

Garlene Pickett Memorial Trophies - Nora Pickett Irish Dance Academy
Pre-beginner to Prizewinner categories for outstanding dedication & passion for Irish dance

The Eire Born Irish Dance Society's mandate is to provide financial support to the Nora Pickett Irish Dance Academy. Since Eire Born's inception in 2000, the Society has managed to raise sufficient funds for the Academy's traditional costumes (red dresses) and has helped offset transportation costs for local, national and international competitors of the Academy. The Society raises donations through the diligent work of dedicated parent volunteers and the amazing, show-stopping performances of the Eire Born Irish dancers.

Eire Born Irish Dancers are comprised of top dancers from the Nora Pickett Irish Dance Academy (NPIDA) in Richmond and North Vancouver. Eire Born dancers are dynamically trained for local, national and international performances and are accepted by invitation only into the performance groups. Every Eire Born dance member traveling internationally from Canada has achieved a championship level of Irish dance. The dancers work together to produce an energetic, awe-inspiring and professional show. Dance styles range from traditional to a more modern "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance" style. Eire Born dancers range in age from 5 to 23.

They “set the stage on fire” (Victoria Times) with Natalie MacMaster and her band when they toured with her in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. Eire Born even received the famous Royal Clap from Her Majesty The Queen of England on her Golden Jubilee Tour of Canada in 2002.

The dance troupes perform at festivals, corporate parties, weddings, pubs and other events. Contact us to book a show or book a show online.