Slowey Photography, Nashville, TN (2026)

06/05/2026

New Obsession Alert: Arch queen .sanders0 showed up for her session in red pumps and now I’ll be digging through my closet to find my green ones circa 2013 🥀💜👑

and s/o for purchasing a session to giveaway before his show baaaabbyyyyy

06/05/2026

Meet The Athletes: Lyla Felean, Class of 2026

Northlake Christian’s Salutatorian will be attending The University of Southern Mississippi in the fall as recipient of their honors college Discovery Scholarship.

While she’s not fully committed to leaving the Irish dance world forever, she’ll be in retirement while she’s at school. When asked how she feels about wrapping up her time at her studio she simply said, “I don’t think it has hit me yet.

Highest on her list of high school experiences she enjoyed is “becoming a powerlifter. Like with Irish dance, I have made friends and enjoyed the competition of the sport. Plus, it has helped my dancing.”

Q: Do you have any advice for dancers going into their senior year?

A: This year goes by fast, just enjoy your time.

06/01/2026

📣 CLASS OF 2027 SENIOR ATHLETE TEAM DEADLINE - MIDNIGHT TONIGHT! 📣

“I've never been a huge fan of change, and leaving my normal routine of dance classes, teaching, and training makes me nervous. Thankfully, the Senior Athlete Team and talking to Mary all the time has helped ease the transition.“ - Sarah Jacobson, Class of 2026 Slowey Photography Senior Athlete

The Slowey Photography Senior Athlete Team was created in 2024 to give Irish dancers a celebration, similar to what athletes who participate in school associated sports receive through senior nights and media days. The team is a dedicated space to recognize what graduating Irish dancers have put into their sport, their talent and personal accomplishments, and in a lot of cases, their final days competing.

Through photo sessions with Mary throughout their senior year, these Irish dancers are showcased and celebrated as they wrap up this chapter of their life. Whether they plan to compete after high school or not (or let’s be honest, as they navigate that decision) the team activities commemorate their journey through the Irish dance world thus far, their relationship with the sport, and their competitive career - whatever that means to them.

Comment “2027” or message Slowey Photography for information on how to join.

06/01/2026

SENIOR SUNDAY - MEET THE ATHLETES - CLASS OF 2026

Lyla Felean, Ryan School of Irish Dance, Northlake Christian School - Covington, Louisiana

“I started Irish dance in third grade. I loved it immediately.”  Once she found the sport, Lyla soon learned that her area didn’t have many local feisana. But what started as the roadblock to getting the firsts she needed to move up out of grades turned into one of her favorite parts.

“The fun road trips and time hanging with friends is something I will cherish. That traveling has been one of my favorite things about Irish dance.”  As for the other parts she loves? They pretty much sum up Lyla…

“Dance is the perfect balance of structure and freedom. The exhilaration of flying about the stage is only matched with the feeling of power from clear rhythmic beats. I also love the rebellious origins of Irish dance, as underground teachings of the art form were practiced when it was banned in the late 1600s.”

05/31/2026

Meet The Athletes: Lily Noonan, Class of 2026

“My journey to the top was not fast nor easy. It was a long road with lots of ups and downs, but I am so grateful for every moment.”

Without a recall at Oireachtas until age 14, Lily shared that her ultimate goal of World Qualifying felt impossible at the time. Throughout the early 2020s she was always just a couple out from the WQ spots - until 2024, when a drop in placement left her the furthest out she had ever been.

“Going into that Oireachtas, I focused on dancing my absolute best and enjoying every moment, almost ignoring that goal to protect myself after so many disappointments. That was when I qualified for my first Worlds.”

She shared that when she finally hit that goal, it felt even more special because she had truly earned it, and how proud she feels every time her teacher (Miss Eileen) confirms that her journey through the competitive world has been perfect.

“I think my dance journey is a testament to learning to enjoy your dancing. I have learned that progress isn’t always obvious in the moment. Everyone’s journey has its own rhythm, and I want younger dancers to know that your dreams are never too far out of reach.”

Q: What advice would you give to dancers currently in grades?

A: I spent five years in grades, often feeling ‘behind’ and wishing I was at the next level while everyone else moved ahead. Now I realize there’s always going to be something more to chase. Looking back, being in grades for a long time was actually a blessing, because it gave me a foundation and a drive I wouldn’t have found any other way. Don’t wait for a certain level or a specific trophy to enjoy yourself. Some people move up fast, and some of us take the scenic route, but we all end up on the same stage in the end.

05/29/2026

The Slowey Photography Senior Athlete Team was created to give Irish dancers a celebration, similar to what athletes who participate in school associated sports receive, and space to recognize what they have put in to their sport, their talent and accomplishments, and in a lot of cases their final days competing.

What do team members get?

THE FULL SLOWEY PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
Everything included in the standard photo session for Irish dancers and seniors, including; professional makeup for your session, use of the style closet, and hands on help designing a meaningful session.

EXTRA PHOTOS
Additional free shoot opportunities throughout the year, including a “media day” at the end of senior year.

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHTS
Spotlights on social media where the athletes will have an opportunity to talk about their relationship with the sport, highlight their accomplishments in and out of the dance world, and share advice with younger dancers entering high school.

NETWORK + CONNECTION
Introductions + group chats with dancers around the nation who are also training and going through senior year.

Deadline to join the Class of 2027 team is June 1.

Comment "senior" for the official invite + information on joining!

05/28/2026

Meet The Athletes: Lily Noonan, Class of 2026

After 4 years of high honors, while balancing marching band, a ton of community service, nabbing her first WQ at Oireachtas 2024 and her first podium in 2025, Lily will be heading to The University of Tennessee this fall to study kinesiology (with a minor in communications for our content queen, duh).

When asked how she’s feeling about leaving her home state, all while planning to continue dancing in college, Lily said: “It is super bittersweet to be in my last year of practice in the 302. My dance school is just a huge family and I truly consider so many of the girls my sisters. Whether they’re 8 or 29, there’s a connection here I can’t find anywhere else.”

Her list of specific things she will miss is extensive (which makes sense, she once literally texted me “I just want everyone to love Irish dance as much as I do”), but among the top was what she referred to as the “daily chaos” - yelling at friends to move during stamina, dying after fulls, and “hearing my teacher say ‘Lily stop talking’ every 5 minutes.”

“I do look forward to practicing on my own a bit more, but our MP studios will always be my home. I owe so much to the village of parents who supported me and drove me all over creation as if I were their own.”

Q: What advice would you give to the Class of 2027 as they enter senior year?

A: Enjoy every moment, but also give yourself grace! Senior year is oftentimes glamorized but it’s super normal to be nervous or anxious about what’s to come.

05/27/2026

The Slowey Photography Senior Athlete Team was created to give Irish dancers in their senior year of high school a celebration; similar to the way that fellow athletes in school associated sports are celebrated through senior nights and media days.

Through photo sessions with Mary, Irish dancers are showcased and celebrated as they wrap up this chapter of their life. Whether they plan to compete after high school or not (or let’s be honest, are making the decision) the team activities commemorate their journey through the Irish dance world thus far, their relationship with the sport, and their competitive career - whatever that means to them.  The Class of 2027 deadline to join is June 1.   Comment “Senior” to be sent the official invite with information to join.

05/27/2026

SENIOR SUNDAY - MEET THE ATHLETES - CLASS OF 2026

Lily Noonan, McAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance, Cape Henlopen High School - Lewes, Delaware

Lily started Irish dance in 2014 after her sister watched Riverdance on VHS and wanted to try it. As there were no studios in her area, her mom started asking her network, which led to a local pediatrician and retired dancer (thanks, Dr. Erin!) starting a small satellite class of 10 dancers in Lewes.

“I had no interest in Irish dance because I wanted to do Ballet and be in the Nutcracker, but my mom told me I had to try it for 1 month. I cried on the way to my first class but clearly that day would change my life forever.”

It was the start of 2nd grade when Lily started, and she had a full year before she would be able to dance in her first school feis. “I think that is what truly made me fall in love with the sport. I loved having a new goal to chase after, a way to move my body, and of course, an excuse to dress up.”

Ten years later, that love is stronger than ever.

“I love dance because my favorite version of myself is when I am dancing. It’s truly my passion and an escape. I am constantly trying to turn down the volume of a brain that refuses to be quiet, but the moment I step into the studio, that curiosity is able to run free. The physical demands and discipline of Irish dance leave no room for my mental clutter of the day so in a way, dance is my therapy. Also, no matter how controversial, I love a fresh layer of dark tan, doing my hair and makeup, getting dressed up like a princess!”

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