An Cor Rud (The Reel Thing) School of Irish Dance established since 1997 is directed by
Derry, Ireland native Heather Mailey-Esposito, TCRG.

Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, students range from beginners to World championship competitors. Prizewinning dancers of An Cor Rud place regularly in the Southern Region Oireachtas, North American Nationals and compete in the World Irish dancing championships.

The dancers have appeared in a live taping with the late Irish Tenor Frank Patterson for public television. Also several showcase performances with the Chieftains and Cara Butler at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, the Ferguson Center in Newport News, Richmond�s Landmark Theater and the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Other honored stage showcases include Trinity Irish Dance Company, Dancing on Common Ground, and with fiddler Eileen Ivers.

In 2003, the school appeared with the cast of The Virginia International Tattoo, produced by the Virginia Arts Festival. This Tattoo is the largest in the U.S.A.

The dancers are also local favorites for the annual St. Patrick's Day morning show with WVEC Channel 13 News Reporter Joe Flanagan.

An Cor Rud School of Irish Dance promotes Irish culture through Dance.