Our Instructors
Sean Beglan, TCRG
Sean started dancing at the age of four with the O’Reilly School of Irish Dance in his hometown of Cavan, Ireland. By the age of nine, he began to compete at an international level; placing top ten in Leinster, All-Ireland, North American, and World Championships of Irish dance.
By age 17, Sean was invited to join “Riverdance,” touring full time throughout North America. He was soon promoted to lead dancer, the role previously made famous by Michael Flatley. After touring for 5 years he then sat his Irish dance teaching certification exam and was awarded his T.C.R.G.. This title allowed him to teach Irish dance at a competitive level. Sean then turned
his attention to passing on his love of Irish dance and performance to the students of the Beglan Academy.
Jillian Beglan
Jillian started Irish dancing at the age of nine with the Cashel-Dennehy School of Irish Dance. Competing throughout North America, Ireland and Europe she quickly asserted herself as an accomplished Irish dancer placing nationally and internationally, most notably top three in the North American Irish Dance Championships and recalling
at the World Championships of Irish Dance. At the age of 17, she graduated high school early and was asked to join Riverdance as a troupe member touring for three years, full time, throughout North America.
When not helping out at the dance studio, Jillian can be found homeschooling their six kids or dabbling in Irish dance costume making.
Aileen Cronin-Ploessl, TCRG, ADCRG
Aileen began dancing at the age of 5 with Cashel Dennehy and soon went on to become top of her competition. She competed at the highest level of competition, winning the Mid-America region, placing top three Nationally and top twenty in the world. Aileen was also part of a ceili team that won the Mid-American Championship five times and placed second at the World Championships. After college, she toured as a troupe member with Riverdance for 2 years throughout North America and Europe. She achieved her T.C.R.G. in 2005, and achieved her A.D.C.R.G. in 2017, giving her the certification to judge at Irish Dance competitions.
Aileen is very focused on the development of dancing skills, performance skills, stage presence and self confidence in her students. She believes these skills will diffuse to all areas of her students’ life
Sasha Simons
Sasha began dancing as a young child with Trinity Irish Dancers. Later she moved to Beglan Academy along with her siblings. As a shy kid, dance gave Sasha the opportunity to gain confidence through performance and competition. After stepping away from dance to persue her education, Sasha found her way back to help teach and eventually to once again compete. She finished her competitive career winning the Midwest Oireachtas in 2025.
Sasha has a passion for making every young dancer believe in themselves. We are truly blessed to have Sasha as part of our Beglan team.