AVALON SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE AND BEFORE
Lorie Parker started her dance career at the old age of 8. She began taking lesson from Kristie Wright dance studio. Her favorite being Jazz, but took lessons in Tap and Ballet. In 1980 she was fortunate to find a class in Cultural dance studies, and fell in love with the diversity. She began belly Dancing soon after, and instructing privately with friends. To date her teachers in Belly dance include Jill Parker of “Fat Chance Belly Dance” and “Ultra Gypsy”, Zoe Jakes of the “Indigo” and “Belly Dance Superstars” And the Lovely Jennifer Rose (Fabala)


In 1984 Lorie attended and volunteered at regional and National Native American Powwow’s studying the cultural dance styles of many Nations across the US. Her and her children continue to dance at many Powwows’s representing the family’s native backgrounds. She has many published articles in various magazines as well; including, Hornpipe, Weather Observer and News from Indiana Country. Lorie also has poetry in the Library of Congress.

In 1998 she began her studies in Praying Mantis Kung Fu with Master Larry Ebert. 2000 They started Shen Yi Kung Fu, and in 2004 Kokomo Academy of Martial Arts for mixed Martial Arts, with another local Martial Artist. In 2006 she took the Kung Fu team to the World Championships, where they received Gold, Silver and Bronze placements, other team members went on to win Grand Championships, and continue to teach today..

During which time Lorie and her daughter began exploring Irish Dancing, in 2001. They were instrumental in establishing traditional Irish Dance instruction in our community. Josie, Lorie’s daughter danced for Fox59 television news in 2002, and guest danced with Trinity Irish Dance Company. Josie continued her Irish dance with Richens Timm’s, Butler Irish Dance, McGovern Ceili dancer’s and with Ann Thurber, friend and dance student of Jean Butler of River Dance. Lorie and Josie both still practice Irish Step dancing for fun and fitness. Lorie is now retired from Martial Arts but continues to study various dance forms such as Flamenco, Tribal Fusion, ATS and American Cabaret, Irish Step, Native Powwow and (SaSesD) Self Awareness and Self Esteem for Self Defense, a Motivational workshop for women.

Lorie and Josie are currently jump starting a new Irish Step School in Eugene, Avalon School of Irish Dance.