All About The Forbes School 

The Forbes School of Irish Dance was established in 1987 under the guidance of Joan Forbes Dunn, T.C.R.G.(Certified Teacher).  Joan began her dancing career, alongside her three sisters, at the age of 6 under the direction of Edward Irwin, ADCRG, where she became the New England Champion and went on to compete at the national and world championship level. 
 
Joan has been teaching Irish dance to the children of Quincy and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Over the years our dancers have achieved great success in the competitive arena.  In addition, hundreds of Joan’s former students have kept closely involved in the studio’s community and have created friendships that will last a lifetime.  Many of Joan’s early students are now returning with dancers of their own!
 
In addition to teaching Irish dance, Joan has been teaching for the Archdiocese of Boston for 34 years.  She has a degree in Early Education from UMASS Boston.  In 2014, Joan received her master’s degree in Early Childhood Second Langauge from Wheelock College.  Joan is currently the lead preschool teacher at Quincy Catholic Academy. 
 
Siobhan Dunn Watkins (T.C.R.G) 
 Siobhan began her dancing career at the age of two, attending lessons with many of her cousins from her mother and aunts.  Under the instruction of The Forbes School, Siobhan became New England Regional Champion, numerous times, as well as 2nd in North America and holds multiple World Irish Dance Championship medals as well as All-Irelands.  Siobhan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Franklin Pierce University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Journalism.  In 2016, Siobhan earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education from American International College. 
 
Joan and Siobhan are both registered with An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha and are members of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of New England and North America.