Nicole Rankin-Lindsay started Irish dance at the age of five under the direction of Ann Richens. She has been dancing for over 25 years and has been teaching for over 15. Nicole was one of the most accredited dancers in her school, winning her first Mid-West championship when she was only 12 years old. She then went onto become an eight-time Midwest champion, five-time National champion, placed third at the Great Britain’s, second at the All-Ireland’s, and achieved numerous Overseas awards. Nicole had the privilege of competing in the World Championships held in Ireland and Scotland eight times, placing in all but one and twice finished 2nd in the World. She was also featured many times on the news, in newspapers and featured article, “Meet the Champs” written in the Irish Dance magazine.

In 1999, Nicole joined Riverdance the Show as a member of their flying squad. This special group of dancers would fly out to different cities to join the show, when their schedules allowed. This was the ideal situation for Nicole because it allowed her to still compete and go to school. Over the years, she flew out to cities all over the U.S. and Canada, joining Katie on almost all of the trips. 

In 2008, Nicole partnered with her long-time friend and confidante, Katie Regan, at the Regan Academy of Irish Dance. She acquired her TCRG certification in 2010.  Now, Nicole is happily married with five children, Mallory, James, Thomas, Jane and Mia. Her love of Irish dance has provided her with the strength and ability to train young dancers at the school in hope that one day; they too can reach the heights that she has achieved. 

Michael Holland started dancing at the age of 5 under the tuition of Ann Richens and John Timm at the Richens/Timm Academy of Irish dance.  With his Grandfather coming from County Donegal, his mom Kathleen danced for Ann Richens along with her 6 siblings; she enrolled Michael and his siblings to continue that tradition.   Michael quickly progressed as a dancer winning his first Mid-America Regional title at the age of 8.  Since then, Michael has won 8 Mid-America Regional titles, 5 North American Titles, and 2 All Ireland titles, as well as the Gerry Campbell Senior Perpetual Belt.  After twice finishing 2nd place at the World Championships, in 2012 Michael achieved the highest honor in Irish Dance, the title of Senior Men’s World Champion.  

Michael has also enjoyed success in not only competition, but in performance as well.  In 2008, Michael was awarded Presidential Scholar in the Arts, where he earned a trip to Washington D.C. to dance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Through the same foundation, National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts, he also earned a trip to New York City to dance for Mikhail Baryshnikov, in which Baryshnikov proclaimed “Michael Flatley eat your heart out.”  For the past 12 years, he has traveled the World with the highly sought after traditional Irish band, Cherish the Ladies.  In 2013, Michael traveled to Rio De Janiero, where he performed for Pope Francis as part of World Youth Day.  He has also had the pleasure of touring with Michael Londra’s Celtic Fire and  Rockin’ Road to Dublin.  

For 2 years Michael taught in the North East Ohio area and enjoyed much success while teaching there. In 2013 he sat and successfully passed his TCRG examination with honors.  In September 2014, Michael decided to move back to Columbus to join up with Katie and Nicole; they added his name to the school to make it what it is today.

In 2023, Michael sat and successfully passed his ADCRG making him qualified to judge competitions around the world.

Maria Murphy started her dancing career under the instruction of Peggy Shanahan at the age of 8. In 2008, she began training competitively at Regan Rankin Holland Irish Dance Academy. As a competitor, Maria has finished 2nd at the Mid-America Oireachtas twice, placed in the top 20 at the North American Irish Dance Championships, and has dance at the World Championships several times.

Over the years, Maria began to spend time volunteering in the studio to help motivate young dancers to achieve their goals. She believes it is important to encourage young people to find the joy in dancing and strives to achieve this during her classes. During college, Maria continued to be an active member of Regan Rankin Holland Irish Dance Academy. Continuing both her competitive career and helping with performances.

Maria graduated Summa Cum Laude from The Ohio State University in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Upon graduation, Maria received her K-3 teaching license for the state of Ohio. She currently teaches 3rd grade at Bolton Crossing Elementary in Grove City.