A lil’ bit o’ HIDT history

The Troupe derives its name from Hubbardston, Michigan, a small town rich in Irish influence and community spirit. Founded in 1998 by Patricia McCormick Baese, Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe (HIDT) emerged as a response to the growing popularity of Irish dance following the Riverdance phenomenon.

Pat led the troupe until 2010 when she passed the torch to the current director,
Emma Jandernoa.

Under Emma's leadership, HIDT has flourished, with over 100 dancers! In 2019, she was able to give the Troupe their own studio in downtown Portland. Opening the new studio doors has allowed the love of Irish dance to spread to many dancers from nearby communities!

Irish dancing serves as a powerful vehicle for preserving and promoting Irish culture among youth. Our dance program has touched the lives of hundreds of dancers, and we take immense pride in the positive impact we've had on their journey.

Meet Our Director, Emma Jandernoa

Emma Jandernoa (Phelps) is deeply passionate about Irish dance education and performance. Her journey began at the age of 7 under Meghan McCartney, and she furthered her dance education at the Heinzman School of Irish Dance. Alongside Irish dance, Emma explored a variety of other styles including lyrical, jazz, tap, ballet, and contemporary. In 2004, Emma started teaching in her hometown studio (the same space HIDT lives now!), where she cultivated a strong Irish dance program that nurtured a love for the art form in many dancers. After more than 8 years of teaching in various studios, Emma took on the role of director at
Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe in 2010.

She currently resides in Grand Ledge, MI with her husband and four children. Emma takes immense pride in the growth of the Troupe and is thrilled to continue fostering a positive environment where children of all ages can learn and appreciate the art of Irish dance.

Testimonials

  • I started dancing with Emma before she became director of HIDT. I naturally had to follow her to the Troupe as well. Becoming a Troupe member had such an impact on me; it was more than just a dance class. Performing multiple times a year was one of my favorite things about it. Everything Emma has taught me have carried over into my adult dancing career. I’ve especially enjoyed the adult classes through HIDT. I still enjoy dancing as much now as I did when I was a kid. I am thankful that I joined the Troupe!

  • My daughter’s years at HIDT have been some of her best because shes’s been surrounded by incredible staff, students and parents. It’s been a safe and supportive environment for her to learn and grow as a dancer and an individual

  • I’ve danced with HIDT for years and I‘ve had nothing but great experiences. The studio has always been a safe and supportive space for me. I’ve been able to grow and bond with an amazing group of dancers, and a wonderful teacher who makes dancing so much fun. We work hard to practice and perfect choreography and I love being able to show it off at the many performances we have during the year. I’m so glad that I found HIDT and I love being able to dance in such a positive environment.