McNulty School of Irish Dance

For over five decades, the McNulty School of Irish Dance has been a cornerstone of Irish culture and dance education in the Midwest, and its Arlington Heights location stands as a vibrant hub for the Illinois community. More than just a "point of interest," it's a living tradition where the lively art form of Irish dance is passionately taught, cherished, and passed down through generations. Founded by Barbara McNulty in 1971, the school has grown significantly, fostering a love for Irish dance in countless students across multiple locations. As a certified institution recognized by An Coimisiun (the Irish Dance Commission in Dublin, Ireland) and North American and Mid-American Irish Dance Teachers Associations, McNulty ensures high-quality instruction and eligibility for global competitions. The personal testimonials from families truly highlight the magic of the McNulty experience: "Our daughter has been dancing with McNulty for a little over a year now. It has been an incredibly enriching experience for her, from the friends she has met, the places she has visited and the performances she has attended." This sentiment echoes the school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who not only master intricate steps but also build invaluable life skills, lasting friendships, and a deep connection to Irish heritage. Whether you're a young child eager to learn your first jig, a teen with competitive aspirations, or an adult looking for a unique way to stay active and connect with culture, McNulty School of Irish Dance in Arlington Heights offers a welcoming, encouraging, and incredibly enriching environment.

The McNulty School of Irish Dance's Arlington Heights location is conveniently situated at 4222 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, USA. This address places the school within a well-established and easily accessible area in the heart of the Northwest Chicago suburbs. Arlington Heights Road is a prominent thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for families coming from within Arlington Heights itself or from surrounding communities such as Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Mount Prospect, and Rolling Meadows. The presence of the studio on a main road typically indicates ample parking availability, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, especially given the potentially busy class schedules for various age groups. Its strategic location makes the McNulty School of Irish Dance a practical and desirable choice for anyone in the Illinois region seeking authentic Irish dance instruction in a readily accessible setting, minimizing travel time and allowing more focus on the enriching dance experience.

The McNulty School of Irish Dance offers a comprehensive range of classes and programs designed to cater to all ages and experience levels, from absolute beginners to advanced competitive dancers. Their curriculum is rooted in traditional Irish dance techniques while also embracing modern competitive styles. Key services include:

• Preschool Classes (Ages 3-4): Introductory 30-minute classes focusing on basic Irish dance movements, rhythm, and coordination in a fun, engaging environment, often including "Mommy/Daddy & Me" options.
• Youth Classes (Ages 4-16): Structured classes for children and pre-teens, covering fundamental steps in both Irish soft shoes and progressing to heavy shoes as students advance. Focus is on mastering jigs, reels, and hornpipes.
• Teen Classes (Ages 13-18): Tailored programs for teenagers, offering continued development in both soft shoe and heavy shoe techniques, preparing them for social dancing, performances, or competitive levels.
• Adult Classes: Classes specifically designed for adults of all experience levels, from complete beginners to those looking to return to Irish dance or simply enjoy a unique form of exercise and social activity. Includes both soft shoe and combined soft and heavy shoe options.
• Boys Only Classes: Dedicated classes for boys, fostering a comfortable and engaging environment for male dancers to learn and excel in Irish dance.
• Solo Dancing: Instruction in individual Irish step dance routines, focusing on intricate footwork, posture, and stage presence.
• Team (Ceili) Dancing: Group choreography that teaches teamwork, synchronization, and leadership skills, involving traditional Irish set dances performed with multiple dancers.
• Soft Shoe Instruction: Initial training using traditional Irish ghillies (for girls) or reel shoes (for boys), focusing on light, quick, and precise footwork.
• Heavy Shoe Instruction: Progression to hard shoes with fiberglass tips, focusing on percussive rhythms, complex footwork, and powerful movements, as seen in performances like Riverdance.
• Performance Opportunities: All students have the chance to perform at local community events, parades, senior living centers, fundraisers, and even high-profile events (as noted by past performances with groups like The Chieftains). This provides invaluable stage experience and fosters community engagement.
• Competitive Training: For dancers with competitive aspirations, the school provides rigorous training and preparation for sanctioned Irish Dance competitions throughout the world, recognized by the major Irish dance organizations.
• Summer and Winter Camps/Workshops: Seasonal immersive programs that may include Irish music, language, art, sports, history, and geography, in partnership with cultural experts.
• "First Class FREE" Offer: An incentive for new students to try out a class at no charge, allowing them to experience the McNulty teaching style and atmosphere.

The McNulty School of Irish Dance in Arlington Heights stands out significantly within the Illinois dance community due to several compelling features and highlights:

• Rich Legacy and Esteemed Leadership: Founded by Barbara McNulty in 1971, the school boasts over 50 years of experience. Barbara McNulty herself is certified to teach Irish step solo, figure, and ceili dancing, ensuring authentic and high-quality instruction rooted in tradition.
• Widespread Recognition and Accreditation: The school is officially recognized by An Coimisiun (the Irish Dance Commission in Dublin, Ireland) and the North American and Mid-American Irish Dance Teachers Associations. This accreditation allows McNulty students to compete in sanctioned Irish Dance competitions worldwide, providing a global pathway for aspiring dancers.
• Comprehensive Age and Skill Range: McNulty offers classes for "all ages and experience levels," including preschool, youth, teen, and adult classes, as well as specialized "boys only" sessions. This inclusivity ensures that anyone passionate about Irish dance can find a suitable program.
• Exceptional Performance Opportunities: The school places significant value on performances, enabling students to showcase their talents at hundreds of local events, parades, and even alongside world-renowned groups like The Chieftains. These experiences build confidence and allow dancers to share Irish culture with the wider community. One highlight includes dancers performing at a wedding reception, which was described as the "highlight of the wedding."
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond teaching dance steps, the program is designed to challenge each dancer to achieve their personal best "on and off the dance floor." Students develop concentration skills, coordination, self-confidence, discipline, teamwork, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships.
• Dual Focus on Recreational and Competitive Dance: While the school encourages a love for Irish dance for its own sake (recreational), it also provides rigorous training and opportunities for those with competitive ambitions, striking a balance between enjoyment and achievement.
• Connection to Irish Heritage: For Irish-American families in Illinois, the school provides a fantastic way to stay connected with and pass on their heritage. However, it also emphasizes that Irish dance offers tremendous opportunities to all students, regardless of cultural background.
• Dedicated and Experienced Teachers: Many instructors are former McNulty dancers themselves, fostering a consistent teaching philosophy and a deep understanding of the school's values and techniques. They are passionate about passing on the art form.
• Progression from Soft to Heavy Shoes: Students begin with soft shoes (ghillies/reel shoes) and gradually progress to heavy shoes, allowing for a structured and natural development of skills. Both solo and team dances are taught.

For those in the Illinois region interested in learning more about Irish dance programs or enrolling at the McNulty School of Irish Dance in Arlington Heights, you can easily connect with them using the following contact details:

Address: 4222 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, USA

Phone: (224) 639-8644

Mobile Phone: +1 224-639-8644

Email: mcnultydancers@aol.com

Connecting directly with the McNulty School of Irish Dance is the best way to get the most current information on class schedules, registration for various age groups (preschool, youth, teen, adult), and details on their "First Class FREE" offer. Their team is ready to assist you in joining their vibrant dance community and embarking on a rich cultural and athletic journey.

For residents throughout the Illinois region, particularly those in Arlington Heights and the surrounding communities, the McNulty School of Irish Dance stands as an exceptionally suitable and enriching local "point of interest." Its convenient location on N Arlington Heights Road ensures easy accessibility, making it a practical choice for local families to integrate authentic Irish dance instruction into their routines. What truly makes McNulty ideal for the Illinois community is its profound commitment to holistic development. As emphasized by parents, the school provides an "incredibly enriching experience" where children not only learn intricate dance steps but also forge "lifelong friendships," build "self-confidence," and gain invaluable life skills such as discipline, coordination, and concentration. The opportunity for students to perform at local events—and even at special family occasions like weddings, becoming the "highlight of the wedding reception"—creates a unique sense of community pride and belonging. For Irish-American families, it serves as a powerful bridge to their heritage, allowing them to connect with and pass on cherished traditions right in their own backyard. Yet, its inclusivity ensures that Irish dance is accessible and beneficial to all students, regardless of their cultural background. The school's recognition by international and national Irish dance organizations means that local students receive world-class training and have pathways to competitive success, if desired. Whether you're seeking a unique form of physical activity, a creative outlet, a strong community, or a cultural connection, the McNulty School of Irish Dance in Arlington Heights offers a vibrant, supportive, and truly transformative experience that significantly enriches the lives of local residents in Illinois.

McNulty School of Irish Dance

4222 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, USA