Hudson Irish Dance Academy

Welcome to Hudson Irish Dance Academy (HIDA), the leading destination for authentic Irish dance in Wayzata, Minnesota. Established in 2018 by Corey Hudson, one of the Twin Cities' premiere Irish dance coaches, HIDA is more than just a dance studio; it's a vibrant community built on passion, dedication, and the infectious joy of Irish dance. Whether you're a complete beginner looking for a fun new way to stay active, or an experienced dancer with competitive aspirations, HIDA offers a welcoming and supportive environment where every step of your journey is celebrated.

At Hudson Irish Dance Academy, the core mission is to bring joy and inspiration to every class and performance. This is achieved through a teaching philosophy that balances expert instruction with unconditional support, as highlighted by numerous satisfied families. Coaches Paige and Corey Hudson, revered for their "passion for, and knowledge of all things Irish dance," are dedicated to helping each dancer achieve their individual goals, whether that means excelling in competitions or simply enjoying the camaraderie and physical benefits of the dance. The studio fosters a positive and engaging atmosphere that keeps dancers eager to learn and grow, emphasizing the "camaraderie between the students" as a key highlight.

HIDA prides itself on its inclusive approach, ensuring that all dancers and their families feel respected and supported. They are known for not pressuring students into an overly intense competitive track, instead allowing individuals to progress "at their own pace, respecting your personal decisions on what works for your dancer and your family." This flexibility, combined with a commitment to creating a strong and supportive community, makes Hudson Irish Dance Academy a truly exceptional place for Irish dance education right here in Minnesota.

Hudson Irish Dance Academy's flagship studio is conveniently located at 1250 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391, USA. This prime location in Wayzata positions it minutes from major thoroughfares like I-394 and I-494, ensuring excellent accessibility for families and dancers from across the Twin Cities west metro area and beyond. Situated within the Wayzata Home Center, the studio is easy to find and reach, making commutes for classes or events straightforward.

The Wayzata studio boasts world-class facilities specifically designed for Irish dance. It includes three dedicated dance studios, two of which feature state-of-the-art fully-sprung dance floors. These specialized floors are ideal for Irish dance, providing the necessary shock absorption to protect dancers' joints and enhance performance, which is a significant advantage for both recreational and competitive dancers. The third, smaller studio space is perfect for individualized instruction and small group work, allowing for more focused coaching. For parents, a notable feature is the comfortable lobby area where they "have the ability to stay at the studio and watch their dancers classes," providing transparency and convenience. Ample parking is typically available at the Wayzata Home Center, further enhancing the accessibility for all who visit. This thoughtful setup, combined with its strategic location, makes HIDA a convenient and professional choice for Irish dance enthusiasts in Minnesota.

• Irish Dance Classes (Beginner to Advanced): HIDA offers a comprehensive range of group classes for dancers of all ages and skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced recreational and competitive dancers. They provide structured progression through various levels, ensuring tailored instruction for every student.

• Youth Programs: Dedicated classes for boys and girls, starting from beginner levels, designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of Irish dance in a fun and engaging way, while building coordination, rhythm, and confidence.

• Adult Classes: Opportunities for adults to "tryout Irish dance for a fun workout" or to pursue it with competitive intentions. As one parent noted, they "started dabbling in their adult class," highlighting the welcoming environment for adult learners.

• Recreational Dance Programs: Focus on the joy and fun of Irish dancing, providing a positive outlet for physical activity and artistic expression without the pressure of competition. This pathway emphasizes community and personal enjoyment.

• Competitive Dance Programs: For dedicated dancers, HIDA offers rigorous training and coaching designed to prepare students for local, national, and international competitions. Their coaches are known for going "above and beyond to help each dancer achieve their goals as best they can."

• Private/Semi-Private Lessons: Individual or small group instruction available for dancers seeking personalized attention, accelerated learning, or specific technique refinement. These lessons can be scheduled based on availability for all ages and levels.

• Performance Opportunities: Dancers from Hudson Irish Dance Academy frequently perform at regional, national, and international events, as well as local venues across Minnesota, offering valuable stage experience and community engagement. They have performed at the Irish Fair of Minnesota, on local news channels (Fox 9, WCCO), and at venues like the Target Center and Mall of America.

• Scholarship Opportunities: HIDA offers scholarships to support monthly tuition and other competition-related costs, demonstrating their commitment to making Irish dance accessible to a wider community.

• Unconditionally Supportive Environment: Reviews consistently emphasize the "unconditionally supportive" nature of coaches Paige and Corey, who encourage dancers' interests even beyond Irish dance. This creates a nurturing atmosphere where students feel valued.

• Expert and Passionate Coaching: The instructors possess "top notch" passion and knowledge of Irish dance, translating into high-quality instruction and a truly authentic learning experience. Corey Hudson, a renowned choreographer and coach with over 30 years of experience, was even awarded Irish Dancing Magazine's 'Global Excellence in Teaching' Award.

• Positive and Fun Studio Environment: The "positive and fun" atmosphere keeps dancers "engaged and eager to continue learning." This is crucial for long-term retention and enjoyment of the art form.

• Strong Community and Camaraderie: HIDA fosters an "unbeatable camaraderie between the students" and a "wonderful community," which is a significant draw for families. This extends beyond the studio, creating a supportive network.

• Respect for Individual Pacing: The academy does "not pressure you into getting too intense and will allow you to go at your own pace," respecting personal decisions regarding competitive involvement. This flexibility is highly valued by families.

• Transparent Viewing Policy: Parents appreciate the "ability to stay at the studio and watch their dancers classes from a lobby area," providing comfort and insight into their child's progress.

• World-Class Facilities: The Wayzata studio features three dance studios, including two with "fully-sprung dance floors," which are specifically designed to be ideal for Irish dance and provide optimal training conditions.

• Broad Scope of Achievement: HIDA caters to all levels, whether someone is "looking to tryout Irish dance for a fun workout" or has "the intentions of competing," demonstrating their ability to serve diverse aspirations. Their competitive dancers have achieved World-caliber recognition.

Address: 1250 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391, USA

Phone: (651) 505-3379

Mobile Phone: +1 651-505-3379

For residents of Minnesota, particularly those in the west metro and surrounding areas seeking a premier Irish dance experience, Hudson Irish Dance Academy in Wayzata is an ideal local choice. Its convenient location at 1250 Wayzata Blvd, just minutes from major highways, ensures easy access from various parts of the Twin Cities, making regular attendance hassle-free for busy families and individuals. The studio's commitment to providing a "world-class Irish dance space" with fully-sprung floors directly benefits local dancers by offering optimal training conditions and prioritizing their safety and long-term development.

What truly sets HIDA apart for locals is its unique combination of highly experienced and passionate coaches, like Corey Hudson and Paige, and a profoundly supportive and inclusive community environment. Reviews consistently highlight their "unconditionally supportive" approach and how they foster "unbeatable camaraderie between the students." This means that whether a child is just beginning their dance journey or an adult is looking for a fun new fitness activity, they will find a welcoming space where they feel valued and encouraged to grow at their own pace. The flexibility to pursue Irish dance recreationally or competitively, without undue pressure, caters to the diverse needs and aspirations of Minnesota families.

Furthermore, HIDA's active involvement in the local community, through performances at various regional events and the cultivation of strong student-parent relationships, creates a rich and engaging experience beyond just dance lessons. Parents can comfortably observe classes, fostering transparency and connection. For anyone in Minnesota looking to embrace the vibrant culture of Irish dance, build confidence, make lasting friendships, and benefit from top-tier instruction in a truly supportive setting, Hudson Irish Dance Academy offers an unparalleled local opportunity.

Hudson Irish Dance Academy

1250 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391, USA