Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance

For New Yorkers on Long Island, particularly in and around Long Beach, who are looking to connect with Irish culture through the spirited art of dance, Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance stands as a well-established and dedicated institution. Founded in 1999 by Jean Hagen Duffy, A.D.C.R.G., this school has been a cornerstone for promoting Irish heritage and tradition through the medium of dance for over two decades. It offers a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages and levels to immerse themselves in the world of Irish step dancing, whether their aim is recreational enjoyment, cultural appreciation, or competitive excellence.

The Hagen-Kavanagh School is more than just a place to learn steps; it’s a community built on the values of tradition, confidence, competition, fitness, and fun. Directed by Jean Hagen Duffy and Tara Kavanagh Ryan, both of whom are certified adjudicators and teachers by Comhdhail na Muinteoiri le Rinci Gaelacha Teoranta in Ireland (An Chomhdhail), students receive instruction rooted in authentic Irish dance traditions. Both directors also hold Master's Degrees in Elementary Education and possess over 20 years of experience working with children, ensuring a pedagogical approach that is both expert and nurturing.

Since its inception, the school has achieved remarkable success, producing numerous Regional and National champions, and even several World medal holders. Beyond competitive accolades, the school emphasizes friendship and team spirit, fostering an environment where students are supportive and respectful of one another. This dedication to preserving and expanding the beautiful art form of Irish dance, while also building character and community, makes Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance a significant cultural asset for Long Island residents.

## Location and Accessibility

The Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance boasts a convenient location in Long Beach, New York, making it easily accessible for families across Long Island, particularly those in Nassau County. The primary studio is located at 727 W Park Ave, Long Beach, NY 11561, USA. This address on West Park Avenue provides straightforward access within Long Beach, a vibrant coastal community, ensuring an easy commute for local students. Additionally, the school also offers classes at another studio in Rockville Centre, New York, further enhancing its accessibility for a broader range of Long Island residents.

Being situated on West Park Avenue means the Long Beach studio is typically easy to find, often located in areas with accessible parking, which is a significant advantage for parents managing busy schedules. Its presence within a well-known Long Island town makes it a familiar landmark for many. The dual locations in Long Beach and Rockville Centre collectively serve a wide geographical area, allowing more New Yorkers to participate in authentic Irish dance instruction without excessive travel. This strategic placement underscores Hagen-Kavanagh's commitment to reaching and serving the Long Island community, providing a welcoming and well-situated hub for Irish dance education and cultural immersion.

## Services Offered

The Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance offers a comprehensive range of services designed to cater to dancers of all ages and commitment levels, from those seeking recreational enjoyment to serious competitors aiming for national and international titles. Their programs are structured to ensure progressive learning and a holistic experience in Irish step dancing.

• Traditional Irish Step Dancing Instruction: The core service involves teaching authentic Irish step dancing. This includes foundational steps, rhythms, posture, turnout, and crossover for soft shoe dances (Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, Slip Jig) and hard shoe dances (Jig, Hornpipe, traditional and modern Set Dances).
• Classes for All Ages (Starting from 5 Years Old): The school welcomes dancers as young as five years old, providing age-appropriate instruction that caters to beginners, primary, elementary, intermediate, and open levels, ensuring a clear progression path for all students.
• Recreational and Competitive Tracks: Students have the option to pursue Irish dance for purely recreational purposes, focusing on fitness, fun, and cultural appreciation. For those with competitive aspirations, the school provides rigorous training to prepare dancers for Feiseanna (Irish Dance competitions) at local, regional, national, and even international levels.
• Ceili and Team Dancing: Beyond solo dancing, the curriculum includes Ceili (group or team dancing), starting with traditional dances for groups of 4 and progressing to more complicated Ceilis and modern choreographies involving up to 16 dancers. This fosters teamwork and school spirit.
• Performance Opportunities: Every class learns a recital routine, and once a dancer masters their steps, they are offered the option of performing with the show troupe. Students have performed in a multitude of local shows, including donating their time and talents to charitable organizations, providing valuable stage experience.
• Certified and Experienced Teachers: All instruction is provided by teachers who are certified adjudicators and teachers by An Chomhdhail in Ireland (A.D.C.R.G. and T.C.R.G.). Jean Hagen Duffy and Tara Kavanagh Ryan also hold Master's Degrees in Elementary Education, ensuring a professional and child-centric teaching approach.
• Confidence Building and Character Development: Beyond dance skills, the school aims to give each child "confidence through the medium of dance" and stresses "friendship and team spirit," encouraging students to be supportive and respectful of one another.
• Affiliation with USA Irish Dance Alliance: The school's membership in the USA Irish Dance Alliance (USA IDA) provides students with opportunities to compete, perform, and be assessed in their technical dance skills, connecting them to a broader Irish dance community.

## Features / Highlights

The Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance stands out due to several key features and highlights that contribute to its long-standing success and positive reputation within the Long Island community. These attributes collectively create a unique and highly valued experience for dancers and their families.

• Certified and Highly Experienced Directors: The school is directed by Jean Hagen Duffy, A.D.C.R.G., and Tara Kavanagh Ryan, T.C.R.G. This means they are certified adjudicators/teachers by An Chomhdhail in Ireland, ensuring authentic and high-standard instruction. Their over 20 years of experience working with children, coupled with Master's Degrees in Elementary Education, underscore their pedagogical expertise.
• Proven Track Record of Success: Since its opening in 1999, the school has produced many Regional and National champions and several World medal holders. This competitive success highlights the effectiveness of their training programs.
• Emphasis on Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the school strongly stresses "friendship and team spirit." Students are encouraged to be "supportive and respectful of one another," and the mission aims to give each child "confidence through the medium of dance," fostering well-rounded individuals.
• Opportunities for Both Competitive and Recreational Dancers: The school explicitly states that while accreditations allow for competition, it is "not a requirement to experience the joy of Irish Step dancing." This inclusive approach welcomes students of all commitment levels.
• Regular Performance Opportunities: The inclusion of recital routines in every class and the option to perform with the show troupe, along with participation in local and charitable shows, provides consistent opportunities for dancers to showcase their skills and build stage presence.
• Dedication to Preserving Irish Culture: The school's core mission is to "preserve and expand the beautiful art form and wonderful tradition of Irish dance," making it a vital institution for maintaining and promoting Irish heritage in New York.
• Structured Learning Progression: Classes are carefully leveled (Little Leapers, Beginner A/B, Primary, Intermediate, Open), ensuring dancers receive instruction appropriate to their skill and allowing for continuous growth and mastery of Irish dance.

## Contact Information

If you're interested in exploring the vibrant world of Irish dance or enrolling yourself or your child in classes at Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance, their team is readily available to assist you. Getting in touch is straightforward, ensuring you receive all the information you need to begin your dance journey.

Long Beach Studio Address: 727 W Park Ave, Long Beach, NY 11561, USA

Phone: (516) 897-7260

Mobile Phone: +1 516-897-7260

Email: hagenkavanagh@gmail.com

The school also has a studio in Rockville Centre, New York, which shares the same phone and email contact information. You are encouraged to reach out via phone during business hours or send an email for inquiries about class schedules, registration details, specific program offerings, or any other questions you may have. The team at Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance is committed to providing helpful responses and welcoming new members into their dedicated dance community on Long Island.

## Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers residing on Long Island, particularly in Long Beach and the surrounding areas, Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local institution. While some public feedback indicates challenges with communication, the core mission, long-standing history, and extensive offerings of the school, as evidenced by its official statements and accomplishments, highlight its value to the community. Established in 1999, it has a proven track record of over two decades in preserving and expanding the beautiful art form of Irish dance, right here in our backyard.

The expertise of the directors, Jean Hagen Duffy and Tara Kavanagh Ryan, who are certified adjudicators from Ireland and possess Master's Degrees in Education, ensures a professional and nurturing environment for all students, from recreational dancers to aspiring champions. This commitment to both authentic instruction and child development makes it an ideal choice for parents seeking a structured yet fun activity for their children. The emphasis on fostering "friendship and team spirit" alongside dance skills creates a supportive community where students build confidence and lasting relationships, which is invaluable for personal growth.

Furthermore, the school provides diverse opportunities, whether a child dreams of competing at national levels or simply wants to enjoy the physical and cultural benefits of Irish step dancing. The multiple performance chances, including local shows and charitable events, allow students to showcase their talent and contribute to the community. For any Long Island family looking to connect with Irish heritage, engage in disciplined yet joyful physical activity, and become part of a dedicated "dance family," Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance in Long Beach offers a unique and established path to artistic and personal fulfillment.

Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance

727 W Park Ave, Long Beach, NY 11561, USA