Murray Irish Dance School

The Murray Irish Dance School, located in Portland, Oregon, stands as a long-established pillar of Irish cultural preservation and dance education in the Pacific Northwest. Led by Geraldine Murray, Oregon's first and longest-certified Irish dance instructor through An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha (The Irish Dance Commission) in Dublin, Ireland, the school has been dedicated to teaching authentic Irish dance for over two decades. Since its establishment, the Murray Irish Dance School has aimed to provide an authentic Irish cultural experience for dancers of all ages and backgrounds, fostering physical and mental development, coordination, and a deep appreciation for traditional Irish music and dance.

With Geraldine Murray's extensive experience, spanning over 50 years in Irish dance and music, the school offers a unique blend of traditional instruction and a supportive learning environment. The mission is to help students reach their full potential, whether they aspire to competitive excellence or simply wish to enjoy the art form for fun and cultural connection. The school welcomes students of all levels, from complete beginners to championship-level dancers, and from all cultural backgrounds, emphasizing inclusivity and the joy of shared heritage.

The Murray Irish Dance School is recognized for its commitment to developing top-tier Irish dancers. Its students have achieved significant placements at various prestigious competitions, including the Western US Regional Championships (Oireachtas), the North American Irish Dance Championships, and even the World Irish Dance Championships. This consistent success highlights the rigorous training and dedicated coaching provided by the school's leadership.

However, it is important for prospective students and their families in Oregon to be aware of varied experiences within the community. While many celebrate the high level of technique and competitive success, some past participants have voiced significant concerns regarding the school environment and communication practices. These contrasting perspectives are part of the public dialogue surrounding the school and should be considered by those exploring Irish dance options in the Portland area. The school's official mission states a commitment to a "supportive, fun and inclusive environment" and "a safe learning environment for all students through responsibility and mutual respect towards teachers, fellow students and parents."

The Murray Irish Dance School has a primary location at 12570 SW Farmington Rd, Beaverton, OR 97005, and an additional location at 8785 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97225, USA. The address provided for this article, 8785 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, places the school conveniently within the Portland metropolitan area, making it accessible for families in various neighborhoods of Portland, Beaverton, and surrounding communities in Oregon.

Both locations are situated on major roadways, which facilitates relatively easy driving access. The SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway is a significant arterial connecting several western Portland suburbs and parts of the city, ensuring straightforward commutes for parents dropping off and picking up their children. Adequate parking is typically available at such commercial locations, which is a practical consideration for families attending classes.

While driving is the most common mode of transport for many in this region, public transportation options, including TriMet bus routes, do serve the areas around these locations. This allows for accessibility through various means for local Oregon residents. The presence of two locations further enhances convenience, potentially allowing families to choose the facility that is most geographically suitable for them, strengthening the school's reach within the Oregon community.

• Irish Dance Classes for All Ages: The Murray Irish Dance School offers classes for students ranging from 3 years old to adults, accommodating all levels of experience from absolute beginners to World Championship competitors.

• Beginner Programs:

  • Tír na nÓg (Young Folk): Specifically designed for ages 3-5, these classes introduce basic Irish dance concepts in a fun, age-appropriate manner.

  • New Beginners (Ages 6-12): Focuses on fundamental soft shoe techniques, including reel, jig, and slip jig steps, proper foot placement, balance, and posture.

• Progressive Skill Levels: Classes are structured to advance dancers through recognized competitive levels (Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Novice/Prizewinner, Championship), ensuring a clear path for skill development.

• Soft Shoe and Hard Shoe Instruction: Students learn both soft shoe dances (Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig, Single Jigs) for agility and grace, and hard shoe dances for rhythmic percussive footwork.

• Ceili (Group) Dancing: Offers instruction in traditional Irish group dances, fostering teamwork and social interaction alongside dance skills. An Adult/Teen Ceili class is available for new beginners and seasoned dancers.

• Competitive Training: For aspiring competitors, the school provides rigorous training aimed at preparing dancers for local, regional (Oireachtas), North American, and World Championship competitions.

• Irish Tin Whistle Classes: Beyond dance, Geraldine Murray, a professional Irish musician, also offers classes in playing the Irish tin whistle, further enriching students' understanding of traditional Irish music and culture.

• Summer Camps: The school hosts "Summer Leprechaun Camps" for various age groups, providing an immersive experience that includes Irish dance, music, songs, and fun crafts.

• Performance Opportunities: Dancers have opportunities to perform at various events, showcasing their skills and contributing to the local Irish cultural scene.

• Highly Experienced and Certified Instructor: Led by Geraldine Murray, Oregon's first and longest-certified Irish dance instructor (TCRG), who has over 50 years of experience in Irish dance and music. She is the Pacific Northwest's only dance teacher who is also a professional Irish musician.

• Competitive Success: The school has a strong track record of success in competitions, with dancers achieving top placements at regional (Western US Oireachtas), national (North American Irish Dance Championships), and international (World Irish Dance Championships) levels, including multiple World Qualifiers and Oireachtas champions.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a well-structured progression from introductory classes for young children and beginners to advanced, championship-level training, covering both soft and hard shoe techniques as well as ceili (group) dancing.

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Beyond just dance steps, the school aims to provide an authentic Irish cultural experience, integrating traditional music (including tin whistle classes) and fostering an appreciation for Irish heritage.

• Inclusivity: Welcomes students of all levels of dance experience and from all cultural backgrounds, promoting Irish dance as an activity for everyone.

• Focus on Holistic Development: Emphasizes the development of physical strength, mental discipline, coordination, musical understanding, and self-confidence through dance.

Address: 8785 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97225, USA

Phone: (503) 239-3756

Mobile Phone: +1 503-239-3756

For residents across Portland and the wider Oregon region, the Murray Irish Dance School offers a unique opportunity to engage with traditional Irish culture and the dynamic art of Irish dance. For local families, this school presents itself as a pathway to rigorous training, competitive excellence, and a deep appreciation for heritage.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Murray Irish Dance School for Oregonians is its leadership under Geraldine Murray. As Oregon's first and longest-certified Irish dance instructor, her extensive experience and proven track record in producing championship-level dancers are significant draws for parents seeking high-caliber instruction for their children. Her background as a professional Irish musician also provides a holistic understanding of the art form, integrating music and dance in a way that enriches the learning experience. For those aspiring to competitive success, the school's history of top placements at regional, national, and even world championships speaks to its effectiveness in competitive training.

The comprehensive curriculum, ranging from "Tír na nÓg" for the youngest dancers to advanced championship levels, ensures that individuals of all ages and abilities can find a place to learn and grow. This broad offering means that a child can start their Irish dance journey early and continue through their formative years, developing not only physical skills but also discipline, confidence, and a strong connection to Irish culture. The inclusion of Ceili (group) dancing and even Irish tin whistle classes further enhances the cultural immersion, making it more than just a dance class but a true cultural experience.

It is important, however, for local families to consider all perspectives available from community feedback when making a choice. While some highlight the strong technique and competitive results, others have raised concerns about the internal environment. Prospective families are encouraged to engage directly with the school to understand its philosophy and policies fully, ensuring it aligns with their expectations for a dance education environment.

Ultimately, for Oregonians keen on a rich Irish cultural experience and high-level Irish dance training, particularly those with competitive aspirations, the Murray Irish Dance School stands as a prominent and established option within the local community, building on decades of tradition and achievement.

Murray Irish Dance School

8785 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97225, USA