Billy Petrocelli TCRG: Director & Owner

At the young age of 4, Billy saw Rivderdance at his Great Grandmother’s house and his love for Irish Dance was born. Billy started taking classes at the local YMCA and then transitioned to the Bremer School of Irish Dance under the tutelage of Sheila Bremer ADCRG. Billy achieved great success both regionally and nationally winning 3 regionally Oireachtas titles, along with placing top 5 at the North American Irish Dance Championships. After the closure of the Bremer School, Billy then transferred to train under Rose and Michael Kenny and Breda O’Brien at the Kenny Academy in 2014. Billy would go on to win 7 additional Regional Oireachtas titles and achieved top 3 placements at the All Scotlands, Great Britain's , British Nationals, and the North American Irish Dance Championships. Billy’s crowning achievement took place in 2018, at the World Irish Dance Championships, where he took 5th place in the Men’s 18-19 category, and brought a globe back to Boston!

Although Billy had a successful competitive career, he found that assisting in the class was his true passion. Billy helped train dancers as young as 2 1/2 all the way up to senior ladies, growing his style of teaching, to help promote an environment for all dancers to grow and thrive in. Billy achieved his certification to become a licensed teacher with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) in July of 2022. Billy felt it was imperative to provide both a competitive program along with a purely recreational program. The reason behind this, is that, at the Petrocelli Academy we understand not all dancers want to compete. Along with individual training, Billy wanted to help bring all ages together to learn traditional dances known as ceilis for all ages to enjoy and teaches them in his classes throughout the year. Performance opportunities are offered year round for all ages to take part in.

Along with teaching dance, Billy is a certified Personal Trainer, Stretching and Flexibility Coach, Youth Exercise Specialist, and Corrective Exercise Specialist accredited through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Billy currently works in a physical therapy clinic as a Rehab Aid working both with pediatrics and geriatrics and currently teaches a balance class at the local Council on Aging. Billy strives to implement all his training and knowledge in strength and conditioning and injury prevention and recovery to build a foundation for his students that not only helps them get stronger, but educates them.