Joni Muggivan, TCRG & Director
Joni Muggivan began dancing under world-renowned dancer, Paul Tinen, at the age of four, in a time when Irish dancing was virtually unknown in New Orleans. Because local teachers were scarce, she attended workshops all over the country in order to cultivate her talent and to gain knowledge and experience in the world of competitive Irish dancing. Her list of teachers includes superstars such as Jean Butler and Colin Dunne. At home, she danced under, and indeed would later teach with, Mary Ann McGrath Swaim, TCRG, whom she credits with fostering in her a love for the search and acquisition of knowledge and expertise in competition, performance, and teaching alike.
Under Swaim, Joni represented the New Orleans School of Irish Dancing in regular performances with such artists as Legacy, Danny O’Flaherty, and the Celtic Folk. In addition, her celebrated talent landed her performances in various venues, such as the North Texas Irish Festival, Notre Dame University, Celtic Cruise Lines, and Galveston’s Grand Opera House. She was heard on the radio with her hard shoes, appeared on multiple television programs, including the Angel Hill Show, and was featured on the Poor Charles Album, Change of Habit.
Perhaps the only thing more impressive than her performance record is her achievement in competition. She has competed all over the United States and Ireland at the Open Championship level, having achieved her Open Championship status at the age of 14. She competed in two Mid-American Oireachtas, during which she performed her own choreography and placed in the 80th percentile. She also competed in three Southern Region Oireachtas where she was awarded two seconds and a third place. In 1998, she become the first dancer in Louisiana to compete at the World Championships in Ireland where she again danced her own choreography.
In recognition of her talent, unceasing effort, and outstanding personal initiative, Joni received two awards for achievement in dance, one from Loyola University, and one from the Irish Cultural Society as a worthy recognition for one of the most impressive young performers and teachers in the state.
Muggivan Staff
Aerin Raguso
Margeaux Ducoing
Margeaux Ducoing
Aerin Raguso teaches classes at our Richmond location. She began Irish dancing at the age of 5 and has taught with our school for 4 years. She competed with the Mcgrath School of Irish Dance for thirteen years and was an assistant teacher for 6 years. She has had the opportunity to compete both in North America and Internationally includi
Aerin Raguso teaches classes at our Richmond location. She began Irish dancing at the age of 5 and has taught with our school for 4 years. She competed with the Mcgrath School of Irish Dance for thirteen years and was an assistant teacher for 6 years. She has had the opportunity to compete both in North America and Internationally including Scotland, England, and Canada. At Southern Region Oireachtas she placed 4th, at the North American Irish Dance Championship she placed 12th, and at the World Irish Dance Championship she placed 22nd. On top of competing solos, Aerin has also taken joy in performing at venues including the Kennedy Center and The White House.
Margeaux Ducoing
Margeaux Ducoing
Margeaux Ducoing
Margeaux Ducoing teaches classes at the Fredericksburg location. Beginning dance at the age of 4, she first learned dance as a competitive student under the Maple Academy of Irish Dance. Margeaux later became a student of Joni Muggivan at the age of 13, continuing to dance for a total of fifteen years at the champion level before eventual
Margeaux Ducoing teaches classes at the Fredericksburg location. Beginning dance at the age of 4, she first learned dance as a competitive student under the Maple Academy of Irish Dance. Margeaux later became a student of Joni Muggivan at the age of 13, continuing to dance for a total of fifteen years at the champion level before eventually becoming an assistant teacher for the Muggivan School of Irish Dance. Throughout her dance career, she has had the opportunity to compete in several Southern Regional Oireachtas, as well as compete at the North American Irish Dance Championship both in solo and team competitions. Beyond competitive dance, Margeaux has also performed at venues such as The White House, The World Bank, and many Irish and Scottish parades and festivals.
Angelle Stahl
Margeaux Ducoing
Annalise Fischer
Angelle Stahl teaches at our New Orleans location. She studied ballet and jazz throughout her childhood and into college. After seeing Irish dancers perform while studying in Ireland she joined the Muggivan School of Irish Dance and within a few years became an instructor at Muggivan. She has now been dancing for nearly nineteen years and
Angelle Stahl teaches at our New Orleans location. She studied ballet and jazz throughout her childhood and into college. After seeing Irish dancers perform while studying in Ireland she joined the Muggivan School of Irish Dance and within a few years became an instructor at Muggivan. She has now been dancing for nearly nineteen years and has traveled to workshops and competitions both nationally and internationally.
Annalise Fischer
Rebekah Wenninger
Annalise Fischer
Annalise Fischer teaches at our New Orleans location. Annalise graduated from Tulane with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education & Psychology. She is a championship level dancer who has been dancing for 13 years.
Gabby Brauner
Rebekah Wenninger
Rebekah Wenninger
Gabby Brauner is Muggivan School's administrative assistant. She is 23 years old and graduated from the University of New Orleans in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She loves helping others and looks forward to helping all of Muggivan's dancers and families get the information they need to have a wonderful experience at this school!
Rebekah Wenninger
Rebekah Wenninger
Rebekah Wenninger
Rebekah Wenninger is a Teacher’s Assistant at MSID in Virginia. She is 17 years old and has been dancing for 10 years. She is an open champion dancer who has been competing at majors (Oireachtas specifically) since she was 11. Rebekah placed 29th at the 2021 Nationals. Besides dancing she likes to do art and is a member of the Civil Air Patrol.