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John Carey A.D.C.R.G

John Carey was born in Sutton Coldfield to Irish parents. At the age of seven he started to learn Irish dancing at the Doherty Academy. Little did he know that this "hobby" would soon map out his life in front of him.

At the age of nine, after less than two years of dancing, he became Great Britain Champion. The following year he won every major title, being the youngest person ever to achieve this feat. He went on to win eight World Championships, six All Ireland, 11 Great Britain and five North American titles.

At the age of 17 John was requested to audition to join the original cast of Riverdance when it was playing for the first time in London. John and Catriona Hale were the first 'English' Irish dancers to join the prestigious show.

John, a bright academic, decided to return to school after the London run to finish his A levels. It was during this year that he applied to Oxford University to study Chemistry, passed the exam and interview and was given an unconditional offer. However his life was to take another turn! Whilst studying for his final A level exams he was contacted by Michael Flatley's agent to be a part of his new show Lord of the Dance.

John put his place at Oxford on hold for one year to join Lord of the Dance. He was immediately appointed as Michael's understudy and was instrumental with assisting with the choreography of the show.

The show opened in 1996 to rave reviews, 3 weeks into the tour Michael tore a calf muscle during the opening number of a performance in Manchester, England. John stepped in and received standing ovations from the audience of 3000 and was declared "Wonderstudy" by the News of the World.

A second touring company of the show was formed and John was appointed lead dancer and dance captain and trained the new troupe of dancers at the now famous Pineapple Studios in Covent Garden. He toured mainly in North America performing at The Oscars, The Rosie O'Donnell Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. John received rave reviews proclaiming him as "The NEW Lord of the Dance".

After nearly 4 years of touring the world John decided to return to Birmingham and discovered his passion for teaching whilst assisting at his former school, The Doherty Academy. In 2003 he took and passed his T.C.R.G (teaching) exam and became a permanent fixture on the teaching staff at The Doherty Academy.

After a 2 year stint with "Magic of the Dance" choreographing and performing the lead role touring Europe, John decided to concentrate on teaching dancing and opened "The Carey Academy".

In 2008 John passed his A.D.C.R.G (adjudication exam) and has been invited to adjudicate all over the World. Including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, USA, and of course Ireland.

In 2010 John and two of his students were featured in the documentary "JIG" where they followed their lives in the run up to the World Championships in Glasgow.