A Brief History

Step dancing is distinctively Irish, combining artistry, grace, and physical ability. It has followed the Irish and Irish missionaries wherever they have traveled, including North America, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Africa.

In the 1700's, a major influence on Irish Dance and Irish culture was the advent of the Dance Masters. A dance master traveled throughout the villages in Ireland teaching Irish dancing. The dance master would stay with a family and teach in their kitchen or farmhouse, schools, or in the crossroads. Each dance master had a repertoire of dance steps and created new steps over time.

During the 20th century, Irish dance evolved in terms of locations, costumes, and techniques.

Today, Irish dancing is very popular. You can find an Irish dance school in nearly every state.

The costumes worn by Irish dancers are colorfully decorated with Celtic designs.

To Dance and to Dream

People are born not only able, but eager to move. This is a basic instinct; we all have a natural joy in movement. Dancers combine this instinct with another basic human instinct - to excel - and impose upon themselves the discipline of dance training.

The atmosphere at any school should be that in which students are encouraged to develop their own individual talents while at the same time working as a team. This can best be accomplished when the student and teacher share the common goal of learning as much as possible from each other, and to have fun while doing so.

At What Age Can My Child Start Learning Irish Dance?

The most common age for children to start Irish dancing is age 6 or 7. However age 4 is the minimum age for the Donna Means School of Irish Dancing.

Do I Have to be Irish?

Certainly not! People from all walks of life are experiencing the magic of Irish Dance, proving that anyone can be Irish at heart. We have produced champions from all continents of the world

What Are Some Benefits Of Irish Dance?

Increased physical skills - Developing body control and coordination, great exercise

Increased mental skills - Listening, following directions, increasing attention span, memorizing steps

Self esteem - Increasing the child's confidence, developing "stage presence"

A healthy competitive spirit - Increasing the child's desire to do well and to the best of his/her ability

Lasting friendships - Not only with classmates, but through performing and competing, meeting children from all parts of the city, state and country

Promoting Irish culture - A revival of Irish identity and tradition began in the 1960's. While a young dancer may not comprehend this particular benefit while training, this revival continues!

What Do I Wear to Class?

Dancers should wear shorts and a t-shirt/tank top or other loose-fitting shirt. Beginners can wear tennis shoes until ballet slippers can be purchased.