March 2008 Issue
Ann Richens
AGE: 60
PERSONAL: Born in Dublin, Ireland, she began studying Irish dance at age 7. Richens now lives in Dayton with husband Jack, a retired aerospace engineer.
WHY SHE CAME TO THE U.S.: “Looking for a rich man,” she jokes. Actually, she took a job at the Irish Embassy in Washington. She taught dance in the D.C. area, and opened a school in Dayton in 1968. She and former student and world champion John Timm opened another location in Dublin, Ohio, in the 1990s.
TEACHING A NEW GENERATION: Having spent a lifetime studying and performing, Richens now instructs others, and has coached several world champions. She routinely sends her students to the world championships in Ireland.
REASONS FOR SUCCESS: She credits the dedication of her students: “They travel to Ireland a couple times a year, and have their own practice stages with mirrors at their houses.”
IN HER FREE TIME: Her vocation and avocation are one and the same: “My whole life is dedicated to Irish dancing.”
LOOKING FORWARD TO: In addition to her school’s annual participation in the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio, Richens plans to take students to Ireland this spring to prepare for the World Championships. by andrew kane
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 by Rita Theresa Canty Purnell
I remember when my sister Eileen Dine called her and asked if she would come to Columbus to take over her students. We were all so excited when she accepted her offer. I learned so much from Ann and was upset when I had to quit dancing because of my asthma. Ann taught my daughter Kelly and my niece Audra.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 by Bob Irwin
Best there ever was, and her students will benefit from knowing Ann the rest of their lives. I know I have.