Emily Touzin, founding director, was born in Dublin, Ireland, where she began Irish step dancing at the age of 4.  She was the first teacher to bring Irish dancing to Texas, both in the Houston and Dallas areas.  She has been actively involved in promoting Irish dance as a board member of the Southwest Celtic Music Association and participation in the North Texas Irish Festival since its beginning over 25 years ago.

Emily has taught Irish dance in many local schools for the students to perform in cultural fairs and talent shows.  She has also taught Irish ceili dancing to many organizations and called many ceili dances for others, including the North Texas Irish Festival.  Her desire to pass on her Irish heritage and love for Irish dancing to her students is evident in all of her classes and workshops. 
Emerald School Directors
Leslie Touzin Middleton, TCRG, began Irish dancing when she was 3 years old.  She received her certification to teach Irish dancing, TCRG, from The Irish Dance Commission, An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland in 2000 and is a member in good standing of the Irish Dance Teacher's Association of North America. 

Her successful career in Irish dance includes many performances and competitions throughout the North Texas area including the North Texas Irish Festival, the International Festival, the State Fair of Texas, South Fork Ranch, television, weddings, parties, schools, festivals, conventions, and church retreats.  She currently is the director of the Emerald School of Irish Dance Senior Dance Company.

Among her other accomplishments in dance, Leslie has experience in jazz and modern dance.  She was a member of her high school drill team becoming an officer and Captain her senior year gaining extensive experience in dance choreography.
Along with her weekly Irish dance classes, Leslie also teaches workshops for schools, theater groups and other organizations.