About us

Michael started dancing at the age of 4 with the Trainor School of Irish dancing in London and ever since that day his passion for the art grew and grew.  He progressed quickly into open and started competing nationally at a young age.  Michael has taken part in numerous competitions internationally including the All Irelands, Worlds and Great Britains to name but a few.  His main accomplishments include 2nd place at the British Nationals and 3rd place at the Great Britain championships.  He has also qualified for the World Championships on numerous occasions. 

At the age of 16, Michael joined the cast of Lord of the Dance on their UK tour and spent 3 months in the troupe, performing in Hyde Park and Bournemouth.  He decided to continue his studies and returned to school to study for his A levels.  Having achieved three good A levels, Michael went on to study Accounting and Finance at Bournemouth University and three years later achieved a BA(Hons) Accounting and Finance first class honours degree. 

In 2006, Michael went on to do a teachers training course at Goldsmiths University in London and passed in 2007.  He now teaches mathematics in a secondary school in London.

Michael decided to start studying for his T.C.R.G exam in the summer of 2007.  After months of vigorous preparation, he took his exam in Derry during November of 2007 and passed.

The Payne Academy of Irish dancing was established by Michael Payne T.C.R.G on the 2nd June 2008.