Kinsella Irish Dance

For families and individuals across Wisconsin eager to connect with Irish culture through the art of dance, Kinsella Irish Dance stands as a beacon of excellence and community. With a rich history spanning over two decades, this esteemed school has cultivated a reputation for fostering both competitive dancers and a deep appreciation for Irish traditions. Kinsella Irish Dance is more than just a place to learn intricate steps; it's a vibrant, family-friendly environment where students from as young as two years old to nineteen years old, boys and girls alike, can discover the joy, discipline, and camaraderie inherent in Irish dance.

Founded in 2004 by Ryan and Brigid Kinsella-Alba, who met in Irish dance class at the age of five, Kinsella Irish Dance was established with a mission to develop a premier Irish dance program that promotes a love of Irish dance, music, and culture. Their personal journey as competitive dancers themselves, culminating in success at Regional, National, and World Championships, informs their dedication to technique and artistry. The school prides itself on its patient and kind instructors, many of whom are previous dancers themselves, providing a supportive atmosphere that allows every student to thrive. From the very first jig to advanced championship routines, Kinsella Irish Dance focuses on building confidence, fostering friendships, and instilling a true sense of belonging within the larger Irish dance community, all while ensuring a high level of technical proficiency.

Kinsella Irish Dance proudly serves the Wisconsin community with two convenient studio locations. The primary Milwaukee studio is situated at 445 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA. This location, nestled in the welcoming Bay View area of Milwaukee, offers excellent accessibility for residents throughout Milwaukee and its surrounding neighborhoods. For those in the western suburbs, Kinsella Irish Dance also maintains a studio in Brookfield, located at 21100 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045. The presence of these two studios significantly enhances accessibility for a broad range of Wisconsin families, making it easier for dancers from various parts of the Greater Milwaukee area to attend classes regularly. Both locations are designed to provide a conducive and safe environment for learning, with ample space for practice and a welcoming atmosphere for students and their families. The strategic placement of these studios underscores Kinsella Irish Dance’s commitment to making the art of Irish dance readily available to communities across the region.

Kinsella Irish Dance offers a comprehensive range of programs and services tailored to dancers of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing both recreational enjoyment and competitive excellence:

• Beginner Classes: Specifically designed for elementary-aged dancers joining for the first time, these introductory programs focus on teaching fundamental steps, beats, and rhythm in a fun and engaging manner. Younger students (as young as two years old, with 'Tippy Toes' classes for 2-6 years old) are often supported by older student helpers, ensuring a positive first experience.

• Youth Dance Programs: Catering to a wide age range from 3 to 19, the school offers various levels of instruction, ensuring that each child progresses at an appropriate pace and is continually challenged.

• Competitive Irish Dance Training: For dedicated dancers, Kinsella Irish Dance is a competitive school with a strong focus on technique, preparing students for regional, national, and even World Championships. They boast many world-qualified dancers, a testament to their rigorous and effective training.

• Adult Programs: Kinsella Irish Dance welcomes adult beginners, former dancers, and dance parents, offering both softshoe and hardshoe classes. They also have a "Retired, Not Tired" program for senior ladies who wish to stay active and connected to Irish dance without the competitive circuit.

• Live Music Integration: A unique offering, live music is incorporated into classes and shows, particularly from a young age. The owners themselves often play live music for performances, enhancing the authenticity and cultural immersion.

• Feiseanna (Irish Dance Competitions): Kinsella Irish Dance hosts its own feiseanna throughout the year, including the St. Brigid's Feis and the Kinsella Feis (often alongside the Cream City Feis). These events provide valuable competitive experience for students at various levels (First Feis, Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Novice, Prizewinner, Preliminary Championship, and Open Championship).

• Summer Camps and "Try it Out" Programs: These shorter-term programs offer an excellent opportunity for prospective students to experience Irish dance without a long-term commitment, often coinciding with summer breaks.

Kinsella Irish Dance distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its value and appeal within the Wisconsin community:

• Family-Oriented Community: Consistently praised by parents, the school fosters a warm, friendly, and inclusive family environment. This strong sense of community is supported by a dedicated family association that runs events and activities for members throughout the year, promoting bonding and shared experiences.

• Exceptional Instructors and Owners: The teaching staff comprises highly experienced and qualified individuals, many of whom are former competitive dancers themselves. The owners, Ryan and Brigid Kinsella-Alba, are deeply passionate about Irish dance and culture, inspiring their students with their own love for the art form.

• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond rigorous technical training, Kinsella Irish Dance emphasizes building confidence, grit, grace, and gratitude in its students. They encourage goal-oriented approaches and aim to develop the whole person, fostering discipline, respect, fitness, teamwork, and artistic expression.

• Proven Competitive Success: The school has a strong track record of success in competitive Irish dance, producing numerous world-qualified dancers and regional champions. This speaks to the high quality of their instruction and dedication to technical excellence.

• Early Exposure to Live Music and Culture: The integration of live music from a young age and the owners' active participation in providing it for shows highlights a genuine appreciation and commitment to preserving and sharing Irish culture.

• Supportive Learning Environment for All Ages: From young beginners who receive ample support from older students and patient teachers to adults exploring dance later in life, the school ensures that every student feels valued, challenged, and has fun while learning.

• High Parent Involvement: The active parent involvement and a true sense of community within the world of Irish dance are strong features, creating a supportive network for both dancers and their families.

For those interested in connecting with Kinsella Irish Dance, here is their contact information:

Milwaukee Studio Address: 445 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA

While a general phone number is not directly provided in the initial information for public display, inquiries can typically be made through their official website or by visiting one of their studio locations during operating hours.

Kinsella Irish Dance is an ideal and highly suitable choice for locals in Wisconsin, particularly those in the Milwaukee and Brookfield areas, for a multitude of compelling reasons. Firstly, its long-standing reputation (over 20 years) for excellence in Irish dance instruction, combined with its consistent production of world-qualified dancers, ensures that students receive top-tier training. Beyond technical prowess, the school's profound emphasis on fostering a family-friendly environment, complete with high parent involvement and a dedicated family association, creates a supportive and enriching community for both children and adults. For parents seeking an extracurricular activity that not only promotes physical activity and discipline but also instills confidence, a love for culture, and strong friendships, Kinsella Irish Dance is an unparalleled option. The inclusion of live music in classes and performances further deepens the cultural immersion, making the learning experience truly authentic and engaging. With programs spanning from young beginners to competitive dancers and even adults, Kinsella Irish Dance caters to every level of interest and commitment. Its two conveniently located studios in major Wisconsin areas make this rich cultural experience easily accessible, solidifying its place as a cherished and vital institution for anyone in Wisconsin looking to embrace the vibrant world of Irish dance.

Kinsella Irish Dance

445 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA