Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance

For those in Olympia, Washington, and across the Puget Sound region seeking to connect with a vibrant cultural tradition through energetic movement, the Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance offers an unparalleled opportunity. Established in 1996 (formerly as Scoil Rince Slieveloughane), this renowned school has been a cornerstone of Irish dance education in the Pacific Northwest for decades, fostering a love for the art form in hundreds of students from young children to adults. Whether your aspiration is to grace the competitive stage, deliver captivating performances, or simply enjoy Irish dancing for recreational purposes and personal enrichment, the Haley Prendergast School provides a supportive and inspiring environment to achieve your goals.

More than just a place to learn steps, the school is deeply committed to instilling a sense of Ireland's rich history and culture within its students. The instructors, sharing their extensive training, experience, and knowledge, guide dancers through the intricacies of traditional Irish dance, ensuring a well-rounded and authentic learning experience. For locals, this means having access to a premier institution that not only teaches a unique dance style but also connects them to a vibrant global heritage. It’s a wonderful way to engage physically, mentally, and culturally, right here in the heart of Washington.

The school’s long-standing presence and dedication to all levels of dancers, from complete beginners to championship contenders, highlight its comprehensive approach and its significant contribution to the local arts scene. It truly stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Irish dance and the power of community in fostering artistic passion.

The Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance maintains a studio at 2626 12th Ct SW Suite 5, Olympia, WA 98502, USA. This location in Olympia ensures excellent accessibility for residents within the city and from surrounding communities in Thurston County and beyond. Situated in a conveniently reachable area, the studio minimizes travel time for students and families, making it easier to integrate dance lessons into busy schedules.

The specific address on 12th Ct SW positions the school within an established part of Olympia, likely offering straightforward navigation for those traveling by car. While precise parking details are best confirmed upon visiting, commercial areas typically provide sufficient parking options, or street parking may be available in the vicinity. For parents who often juggle multiple activities for their children, or for adults attending classes after work, the ease of access to the studio is a significant advantage.

Being part of a broader network of studios across the Puget Sound region (including Kirkland, Monroe, Gig Harbor, Kent, and Redmond) further emphasizes the school's commitment to accessibility for dancers across Washington. The Olympia studio, in particular, serves as a vital hub for the South Sound Irish dance community, providing a dedicated space for learning and practice. This thoughtful placement allows the school to effectively serve its diverse student body and reinforces its role as a key local resource for cultural and artistic education.

• Traditional Irish Dance Lessons: The core offering is instruction in traditional Irish dance, encompassing both solo and céilí (group) dances.
• Classes for All Ages: The school caters to a wide age range, with students from "young children to adults," ensuring that everyone from beginners as young as six-years-old can participate.
• All Skill Levels Welcome: Instruction is provided for all skill levels, "from beginner to champions," allowing dancers to progress at their own pace and pursue their individual goals.
• Training for Competition: For students interested in competitive Irish dance, the school provides rigorous training to prepare them for local, regional, and even national/international competitions.
• Performance Opportunities: Dancers have the chance to "perform in community shows," showcasing their talents and representing the school in a "polished, professional show."
• Recreational Irish Dancing: For those not pursuing competition or performance, the school offers classes for personal enrichment, fitness, and simply the joy of dancing.
• Grade Examinations: The school encourages and supports students in taking "Grade Exams," a standardized system of assessment in Irish dance that provides positive feedback and a structured path for progression. There are 12 grades plus a preliminary grade, each building upon the last.
• Emphasis on Culture: Beyond dance steps, instructors "enthusiastically instill in their students a sense of Ireland's rich history" and culture, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art form.
• Inclusive Environment: The school actively works "to build an inclusive culture where everyone, regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity and respect."

• Long-Standing Reputation: Established in 1996, the school (formerly Scoil Rince Slieveloughane) has a decades-long history of excellence and is recognized as a "premier dancing school in the Pacific Northwest."
• Comprehensive Skill Progression: Catering to "very beginner through championship levels," the school offers a clear pathway for dancers to grow and develop their skills, whether they aim for recreational enjoyment or competitive success.
• Focus on Well-Rounded Education: The emphasis on "Grade Exams" for all dancers (competitive and non-competitive) highlights a commitment to a holistic dance education, providing positive feedback and structured learning.
• Strong Cultural Immersion: Beyond just steps, the school actively instills "a sense of Ireland's rich history" and culture, offering a deeper, more meaningful connection to the art form.
• Valuable Performance Opportunities: The chance to participate in "community shows" allows dancers to gain performance experience and share their talents, contributing to the local arts scene.
• Supportive and Inclusive Community: The school's explicit commitment to an "inclusive culture where everyone... has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity and respect" creates a welcoming and positive learning environment for all.
• Experienced and Passionate Teachers: The success and reputation of the school are built on instructors who share their "talent, knowledge, and experience," along with a genuine "love of Irish Dancing."
• Flexible Tuition Structure: With "multiple class and family discount" options and a "family maximum," the school demonstrates consideration for affordability and accessibility for families.

Address: 2626 12th Ct SW Suite 5, Olympia, WA 98502, USA

While a direct phone number for the Olympia location specifically wasn't explicitly found in the provided snippets, the general school contact information often shared across their network implies communication would be managed centrally or through lead instructors. Prospective students are advised to check the school's official website for the most current contact details, registration information, and class schedules relevant to the Olympia studio.

For residents of Olympia and the wider Washington State region, the Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance stands as an exceptional local resource for embracing the vibrant world of traditional Irish dance. Its convenient location at 2626 12th Ct SW Suite 5 in Olympia ensures easy accessibility, making it a practical choice for families and individuals seeking quality dance instruction without extensive travel.

What truly sets this school apart is its comprehensive approach to Irish dance education. Whether you are a young child taking your very first steps, a teenager aspiring to competitive success, or an adult looking for a unique recreational activity, the school offers structured programs for all ages and skill levels. The emphasis on "Grade Exams" provides a clear path for development, while the numerous "performance in community shows" opportunities allow students to showcase their talents and contribute to the local cultural landscape.

Beyond the technical steps, the school's commitment to "instill in their students a sense of Ireland's rich history" means that participants gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural roots of Irish dance, transforming it from mere exercise into a meaningful cultural immersion. Coupled with its explicit dedication to fostering an "inclusive culture" where every individual is valued and respected, the Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance offers a truly supportive and enriching environment. For anyone in Washington looking to explore a unique art form, engage in physical activity, and connect with a welcoming community, this school is undoubtedly a premier choice and a cherished local gem.

Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance

2626 12th Ct SW Suite 5, Olympia, WA 98502, USA