Meet Gerard Murphy
Based in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada, Gerard Murphy is a long-time line dance instructor, choreographer, and emcee who brings energy, warmth, and a sense of fun to every event he’s part of. Originally from Newfoundland - where Irish music and dancing were part of everyday life - Gerard has been immersed in the line dance world for over 30 years.
Gerard has travelled extensively across Canada, and to the U.S. and U.K., sharing his passion as an instructor, judge, and host at line dance events. Known for his quirky sense of humor and relaxed teaching style, his workshops are always welcoming, upbeat, and focused on one thing above all: having fun.
Since choreographing his first line dance in 1994, Gerard has created dozens more - many of which continue to be danced and taught around the world. Several of his choreographies, including Heave Away, Mamma Afrika, The Way, and Crabbuckit, were published in the U.K.'s Linedancer Magazine, and some have even been featured in competitive line dance circuits. Gerard also has experience teaching East Coast Swing and pattern partner dancing.
His work has been recognized with several accolades, including:
Together with his wife Susan, Gerard hosts the annual Restart Modern Line Dance Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2026 they will host their tenth Dancin' on the Water Modern Line Dance Cruise, embarking from Barcelona, Spain on April 26th.
In November 2024, Gerard launched his Presence Matters initiative, aimed at helping line dance instructors level-up their connection, charisma and confidence at the front of the room.
When he’s not traveling for dance, Gerard enjoys life as a sought after speaking professional, emcee and group facilitator, as the founder and CEO of Barefoot Facilitation Inc. Between gigs, he enjoys the calmness of home with his wife Susan, surrounded by the natural beauty of Canada’s East Coast.
FRIEND Gerard on Facebook HERE
Based in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada, Gerard Murphy is a long-time line dance instructor, choreographer, and emcee who brings energy, warmth, and a sense of fun to every event he’s part of. Originally from Newfoundland - where Irish music and dancing were part of everyday life - Gerard has been immersed in the line dance world for over 30 years.
Gerard has travelled extensively across Canada, and to the U.S. and U.K., sharing his passion as an instructor, judge, and host at line dance events. Known for his quirky sense of humor and relaxed teaching style, his workshops are always welcoming, upbeat, and focused on one thing above all: having fun.
Since choreographing his first line dance in 1994, Gerard has created dozens more - many of which continue to be danced and taught around the world. Several of his choreographies, including Heave Away, Mamma Afrika, The Way, and Crabbuckit, were published in the U.K.'s Linedancer Magazine, and some have even been featured in competitive line dance circuits. Gerard also has experience teaching East Coast Swing and pattern partner dancing.
His work has been recognized with several accolades, including:
- North Country Rick Tippe Canadian ODAA Awards:
– Eastern Canada Instructor (Winner, 1999)
– Eastern Canada Choreographer (1st Runner Up, 1999)
– Instructor and Choreographer (1st Runner Up, 1998) - Windy City Linedancemania (2012):
– Winner of the Pro-Choreography Competition for I Wanna (Dance), co-created with Michael Barr and Frank Trace - Multiple nominations for:
– Four Dancer’s Choice Awards (US, 2005)
– International Choreographer at the Crystal Boot Awards (UK, 2006)
– Male Personality of the Year at the Dancer’s Choice Awards (US, 2006)
Together with his wife Susan, Gerard hosts the annual Restart Modern Line Dance Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2026 they will host their tenth Dancin' on the Water Modern Line Dance Cruise, embarking from Barcelona, Spain on April 26th.
In November 2024, Gerard launched his Presence Matters initiative, aimed at helping line dance instructors level-up their connection, charisma and confidence at the front of the room.
When he’s not traveling for dance, Gerard enjoys life as a sought after speaking professional, emcee and group facilitator, as the founder and CEO of Barefoot Facilitation Inc. Between gigs, he enjoys the calmness of home with his wife Susan, surrounded by the natural beauty of Canada’s East Coast.
FRIEND Gerard on Facebook HERE