OUR MISSION
Joseph and Yulia's mission is to instill in each and every student the fundamentals to succeed in dance, as well to become outstanding citizens in their community. By reaching the pinnacle of professional dance, Joseph and Yulia have realized that any dream is attainable through hard work, dedication and the proper mindset to go along with professional instruction.
The ML Dance Academy promises to guide dancers in comprehensive training in order to prepare them for continued education and/or a professional career in theater and/or commercial venues of dance. The Thinking Dancer is our concern as well as the Proficient Mover. The ML Dance Academy offers recreational dance instruction as well and competition dance instruction. The academy offers youth dance classes as well as adult dance classes.
Joseph Moriarty was born and raised in Pickerington, Ohio, Joseph started traditional Irish dancing at the age of seven. It was soon obvious he had a natural flair for dancing and within a couples of years was winning age group titles at the US Midwestern Regional and US National Irish Dancing Championships. Joseph progressed to competing at the World Championships and consistently placed in the top five.
Mr. Moriarty then joined Riverdance-The Show in 1997 at the age of sixteen, and was asked to train for a lead position shortly after. Joseph is to date, the youngest male ever to be given the principal role. He is the second North American male to be given the lead role in the history of the show. Joseph was the longest male lead in Riverdance history.
Mr. Moriarty then joined Riverdance-The Show in 1997 at the age of sixteen, and was asked to train for a lead position shortly after. Joseph is to date, the youngest male ever to be given the principal role. He is the second North American male to be given the lead role in the history of the show. Joseph was the longest male lead in Riverdance history.
Joseph Moriarty, TCRG
Joseph Moriarty, TCRG, is an internationally recognized Irish dancer, performer, and teacher with over 13 years of professional touring experience with Riverdance. His performance career has taken him around the world, including starring on Broadway, performing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and the Kremlin State Palace in Moscow, and appearing for distinguished audiences including the Empress of Japan, the President of Ireland, and many other world leaders and dignitaries.
While his performing career has been extraordinary, Joseph's true passion is teaching the next generation of dancers. A certified TCRG (Teagascóir Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha), Joseph is dedicated to developing technically strong, confident, and well-rounded Irish dancers. Throughout his career, he has taught workshops, masterclasses, and dance camps across the United States and internationally, including New York, Los Angeles, Japan, and Colorado.
As a teacher, Joseph has coached dancers to outstanding success at the highest levels of competition. His students have earned Top 3 placements at the North American Irish Dance Championships, Top 10 finishes at the World Irish Dance Championships, World Championship medals, and All Ireland Championship medals. He takes great pride in helping every dancer reach their individual potential, whether they aspire to compete at the highest levels or simply enjoy the art of Irish dance.
Joseph is a proud registered teacher with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) and continues to further his professional development through the internationally respected Kavanagh-Porter Academy, remaining committed to excellence in Irish dance education.
In addition to Irish dance, Joseph performs regionally with some of the nation's premier Irish bands, bringing authentic Irish music and dance to festivals, theaters, and cultural events throughout the Midwest.
Today, Joseph is proud to serve as co-owner and director of The ML Dance Academy & Moriarty Irish Dance, alongside his wife, Yulia. Together they are committed to creating a positive, family-focused environment where dancers of all ages can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.
Joseph Moriarty, TCRG, is an internationally recognized Irish dancer, performer, and teacher with over 13 years of professional touring experience with Riverdance. His performance career has taken him around the world, including starring on Broadway, performing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and the Kremlin State Palace in Moscow, and appearing for distinguished audiences including the Empress of Japan, the President of Ireland, and many other world leaders and dignitaries.
While his performing career has been extraordinary, Joseph's true passion is teaching the next generation of dancers. A certified TCRG (Teagascóir Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha), Joseph is dedicated to developing technically strong, confident, and well-rounded Irish dancers. Throughout his career, he has taught workshops, masterclasses, and dance camps across the United States and internationally, including New York, Los Angeles, Japan, and Colorado.
As a teacher, Joseph has coached dancers to outstanding success at the highest levels of competition. His students have earned Top 3 placements at the North American Irish Dance Championships, Top 10 finishes at the World Irish Dance Championships, World Championship medals, and All Ireland Championship medals. He takes great pride in helping every dancer reach their individual potential, whether they aspire to compete at the highest levels or simply enjoy the art of Irish dance.
Joseph is a proud registered teacher with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) and continues to further his professional development through the internationally respected Kavanagh-Porter Academy, remaining committed to excellence in Irish dance education.
In addition to Irish dance, Joseph performs regionally with some of the nation's premier Irish bands, bringing authentic Irish music and dance to festivals, theaters, and cultural events throughout the Midwest.
Today, Joseph is proud to serve as co-owner and director of The ML Dance Academy & Moriarty Irish Dance, alongside his wife, Yulia. Together they are committed to creating a positive, family-focused environment where dancers of all ages can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.
MORE ABOUT JOSEPH
Yulia Lukyanova Moriarty is an accomplished ballet instructor, choreographer, and former professional dancer with an extensive international performance and teaching career. Born and raised in Kaluga, Russia, just outside of Moscow, Yulia began her classical ballet training at the age of six at the Kaluga Concert Hall Ballet Studio, where she trained until the age of twelve.
From ages twelve to sixteen, Yulia attended the Kaluga College of Arts, receiving comprehensive training in classical ballet, character dance, choreography, stage performance, classical piano, French language, and musical literature. She continued her professional education at the Kaluga College of Arts and Dance, studying under the esteemed instructor Evteeva, where she earned her degree in Choreography and Stage Performance.
While completing her studies, Yulia performed with the Classical Ballet Ensemble, performing an extensive classical repertoire before launching her professional career with the renowned State Company Cossacks of Russia. Her career quickly expanded internationally, performing with Sultans of the Dance in Germany before joining the Ondacruz Show Ballet Company in Portugal, where she performed from 2005–2007.
In 2007, Yulia successfully auditioned for Riverdance in Moscow and joined the touring company, performing throughout the world until 2011. Her professional career also included performances in folk ballet, contemporary ballet, and theatrical productions, giving her a unique versatility that continues to influence her teaching today.
Teaching has always been at the heart of Yulia's career. She has instructed masterclasses throughout Russia, Japan, Colorado, and numerous dance studios across Central Ohio. Today, she is recognized not only for her technical excellence but also for her ability to inspire dancers of all ages to reach their fullest potential.
As a teacher and choreographer, Yulia has guided students to outstanding success at the regional and national levels across multiple dance organizations. Her students have earned overall titles and championship awards in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and acro. Most recently, her dancers have captured championships at the Ballet Championships of America, qualified for and performed at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Finals in New York City, and been recognized as finalists at the World Ballet Art Competition (WBAC). Her choreography has consistently been recognized for its artistry, musicality, and technical excellence.
Yulia is passionate about developing strong, confident, and versatile dancers while fostering a positive and encouraging environment where every student can thrive. She believes that discipline, artistry, and a genuine love of dance create the foundation for lifelong success both on and off the stage.
Today, Yulia proudly serves as co-owner and artistic director of The ML Dance Academy, alongside her husband, Joseph Moriarty. Together they are committed to providing exceptional dance education while inspiring the next generation of performers through excellence, creativity, and a love of the performing arts.
From ages twelve to sixteen, Yulia attended the Kaluga College of Arts, receiving comprehensive training in classical ballet, character dance, choreography, stage performance, classical piano, French language, and musical literature. She continued her professional education at the Kaluga College of Arts and Dance, studying under the esteemed instructor Evteeva, where she earned her degree in Choreography and Stage Performance.
While completing her studies, Yulia performed with the Classical Ballet Ensemble, performing an extensive classical repertoire before launching her professional career with the renowned State Company Cossacks of Russia. Her career quickly expanded internationally, performing with Sultans of the Dance in Germany before joining the Ondacruz Show Ballet Company in Portugal, where she performed from 2005–2007.
In 2007, Yulia successfully auditioned for Riverdance in Moscow and joined the touring company, performing throughout the world until 2011. Her professional career also included performances in folk ballet, contemporary ballet, and theatrical productions, giving her a unique versatility that continues to influence her teaching today.
Teaching has always been at the heart of Yulia's career. She has instructed masterclasses throughout Russia, Japan, Colorado, and numerous dance studios across Central Ohio. Today, she is recognized not only for her technical excellence but also for her ability to inspire dancers of all ages to reach their fullest potential.
As a teacher and choreographer, Yulia has guided students to outstanding success at the regional and national levels across multiple dance organizations. Her students have earned overall titles and championship awards in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and acro. Most recently, her dancers have captured championships at the Ballet Championships of America, qualified for and performed at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Finals in New York City, and been recognized as finalists at the World Ballet Art Competition (WBAC). Her choreography has consistently been recognized for its artistry, musicality, and technical excellence.
Yulia is passionate about developing strong, confident, and versatile dancers while fostering a positive and encouraging environment where every student can thrive. She believes that discipline, artistry, and a genuine love of dance create the foundation for lifelong success both on and off the stage.
Today, Yulia proudly serves as co-owner and artistic director of The ML Dance Academy, alongside her husband, Joseph Moriarty. Together they are committed to providing exceptional dance education while inspiring the next generation of performers through excellence, creativity, and a love of the performing arts.