McDonald School of Irish Dance

For residents across the New York region, especially those in Syracuse and the wider Central New York area, the McDonald School of Irish Dance stands as a vibrant beacon of Irish culture and artistic expression. Established in 2001 under the direction of Champion Dancer Amy Markwardt-Metz, T.C.R.G., this esteemed school has been dedicated to sharing the beauty and discipline of Irish step dancing with students of all ages. More than just a place to learn intricate footwork, the McDonald School of Irish Dance is a community where passion for this traditional art form is ignited, talents are meticulously honed, and valuable life lessons like dedication and teamwork are instilled.

Amy Markwardt-Metz, whose love for Irish Dance began at the age of 8, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted Irish lineage to her instruction. As a 5-time World qualifier, a top 10 National placer, and a top 5 Eastern Regional placer, her expertise is undeniable. She has successfully taught dancers of all ages and levels, from beginner to Open Championship, and is assisted by her own former champion dancers. This ensures that students receive top-tier guidance from instructors with competitive backgrounds in both solo and team dancing. As one parent enthusiastically shared, their daughter "has danced with Amy for 11 years and has learned a great deal from her training! Great school and great families!" Another testament highlights the longevity of enjoyment: "My daughter dances here for many years. She loved it and we all had a wonderful time." The McDonald School of Irish Dance strives to provide individual attention in relatively small classes, focusing on proper form, technique, flexibility, stamina, and stage presence, while simultaneously encouraging a positive attitude and strong motor skills. Whatever a child's dancing goals may be, the school works diligently to help them achieve their potential, ensuring that their entire experience with Irish Dance is a truly wonderful and memorable one.

The McDonald School of Irish Dance is conveniently located at 5108 Velasko Rd, Syracuse, NY 13215, USA. This address places the studio in a readily accessible part of Syracuse, making it a convenient option for families and individuals residing throughout the city and the broader Central New York region. Velasko Road is a well-known thoroughfare, contributing to the studio's visibility and ease of navigation for both new visitors and returning students.

For those traveling by car, the studio's location typically offers ample parking options in the vicinity, which facilitates easy drop-offs and pick-ups for busy parents. Its proximity to major roadways within Syracuse ensures a relatively straightforward commute from various neighborhoods and surrounding towns. While specific public transportation routes might require a short walk, the strategic placement on Velasko Road often means it's within reach of Syracuse's local bus services, if applicable. This ease of access is a significant advantage for families in New York, as it helps to minimize travel time and makes integrating Irish dance lessons into a weekly schedule more manageable. The welcoming and convenient location further underscores the McDonald School of Irish Dance's dedication to serving the local community by providing an accessible hub for cultural enrichment and dance education. The school also maintains four locations across Central New York, enhancing its accessibility for a wider regional audience.

The McDonald School of Irish Dance offers a comprehensive and enriching array of services, meticulously designed to cater to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from toddlers to adults, and from beginners to aspiring champions.

• Diverse Class Levels: Classes are offered for all levels of competition, from Beginner to Open Championship, ensuring a clear progression path for dedicated dancers.

• Individual and Team Instruction: The curriculum includes both individual and team instruction, catering to both solo performance aspirations and the collaborative spirit of group dances (Ceili).

• Focus on Core Techniques: Main focus areas include proper form and technique, flexibility, stamina, and stage presence, laying a strong foundation for all dancers.

• Life Lessons Integration: Students are actively encouraged to acquire valuable life lessons such as dedication, teamwork, and a positive attitude, extending the benefits beyond the dance floor.

• Motor Skill Development: Irish Dance is utilized as a great outlet for building motor skills, including balance, physical fitness, and coordination.

• Up-to-Date Material: Dancers receive the most up-to-date material through intensive classes and workshops, ensuring they are current with competitive standards.

• Performance Opportunities: All dancers are given opportunities to perform at numerous community events, Irish Festivals, Parades, Gala Dinners, Weddings, and local TV programs (e.g., "Bridge Street").

• Competitive Opportunities: Dancers can compete in local and regional feisanna, and national and world competitions as they qualify. Champion dancers have successfully placed in competitions across North America and beyond.

• Annual Feis Hosting: The school hosts its own annual Feis in Central New York, providing a local competitive opportunity.

The McDonald School of Irish Dance distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that have cemented its reputation as a leading Irish dance institution in Central New York.

• Champion Direction: Led by Amy Markwardt-Metz, a T.C.R.G. (certified Irish Dance teacher) and a highly accomplished champion dancer herself (5-time World qualifier), the school benefits from exceptional expertise and a proven track record of success.

• Experienced Teaching Staff: Amy is assisted by her former champion dancers, providing students with a wealth of knowledge and competitive backgrounds in both solo and team dancing. This ensures high-caliber instruction.

• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Reviews highlight the "great school and great families," and the positive experience of students who "loved it and we all had a wonderful time." The focus on individual attention in relatively small classes also contributes to this supportive atmosphere.

• Comprehensive Training Philosophy: Beyond technique, the school instills crucial life lessons like dedication, teamwork, and a positive attitude, contributing to students' holistic development.

• Dual Path Options: The school caters to both competitive and non-competitive dancers, allowing students to pursue Irish dance at their desired intensity, whether for performance, competition, or simply enjoyment.

• Extensive Performance and Competitive Opportunities: Students have numerous chances to perform at various community events and can compete at local, regional, national, and even world levels, providing invaluable stage experience.

• Strong Community and "Family" Feel: Testimonials repeatedly refer to "great families" and the positive, enjoyable experiences over many years, indicating a strong sense of community and belonging within the school.

For inquiries about class schedules, enrollment, or to book dancers for a performance, please contact the McDonald School of Irish Dance using the following information:

Address: 5108 Velasko Rd, Syracuse, NY 13215, USA

Phone: (315) 436-9400

Mobile Phone: +1 315-436-9400

Email: info@cnyirishdance.com

For locals in Syracuse, NY, and the broader Central New York region, the McDonald School of Irish Dance is an exceptionally suitable choice for those seeking high-quality Irish dance instruction and a vibrant community. Its strong leadership under Champion Dancer Amy Markwardt-Metz, T.C.R.G., combined with a team of experienced instructors, ensures that students receive top-tier training. The school's commitment to providing both competitive pathways and extensive performance opportunities means that every dancer, from the recreational enthusiast to the aspiring world champion, can find a fulfilling experience.

The emphasis on individual attention, the cultivation of life skills like dedication and teamwork, and the creation of a supportive, family-like atmosphere make this more than just a dance studio. It's a place where children and adults alike can immerse themselves in Irish culture, build confidence, and create lasting memories. The convenient location on Velasko Road, along with other locations across Central New York, further enhances its accessibility. By choosing the McDonald School of Irish Dance, local residents are not only embracing a unique art form but also joining a celebrated institution that has been enriching the lives of its students and the cultural landscape of Syracuse for decades.

McDonald School of Irish Dance

5108 Velasko Rd, Syracuse, NY 13215, USA