O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance

For families in the Kansas City metropolitan area, particularly those in Mission, Kansas, with a budding interest in the vibrant world of Irish dance, the O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance stands as a premier destination. As Kansas City's original certified Irish dance academy, O'Riada-Manning (often affectionately referred to as OM) has cultivated a rich legacy of excellence, community, and passion for this unique art form. More than just a place to learn intricate steps, OM is a welcoming "family" where dancers of all ages and abilities can find their rhythm, express themselves, and connect with a rich cultural heritage.

Established in 1989, the O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance has proudly marked over three decades of teaching and inspiring dancers. The school's enduring success is largely thanks to its dedicated leadership, particularly Joseph Manning, the owner and senior dance teacher, who acquired the school from his own dance teacher upon her retirement. Joseph, a Kansas City native, is deeply committed to continuing the tradition of Irish dance in the area. His sister, Grace, expertly manages the business operations, ensuring the smooth running of this beloved institution. This blend of generational dedication and family-like management creates an exceptionally supportive and warm environment for all who walk through their doors.

One of the most striking aspects of O'Riada-Manning is its commitment to making Irish dance an enjoyable and enriching experience. As one long-time parent beautifully articulated, "While our boys and girls always do well in competition due to Joseph's tutelage, he never lets them forget that first and foremost, Irish Dance should be fun. His infectious attitude spreads across the students and parents alike, and we all genuinely appreciate the atmosphere this creates." This philosophy ensures that whether a student aspires to compete on a national or world stage, or simply wants to enjoy the unique movements and music, the journey is always filled with positive energy and a genuine love for dance.

The O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance is conveniently located at 6001 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202, USA. This central location within Mission, Kansas, makes it highly accessible for families across the Kansas City metropolitan area, including nearby communities in both Kansas and Missouri. Johnson Drive is a well-known thoroughfare, facilitating easy navigation for parents driving their children to classes. Ample parking is typically available, ensuring a smooth and stress-free drop-off and pick-up experience. For those relying on public transport, it is advisable to check local Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) routes for the most convenient bus stops in the Mission area. The accessibility of the studio is a significant advantage for busy families integrating Irish dance into their schedules, allowing for consistent participation in this vibrant art form.

O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance offers a comprehensive range of classes and services designed to cater to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels, from the youngest beginners to aspiring champions and even adults. Their curriculum balances rigorous technique with a fun and engaging approach. Here’s a detailed look at their offerings:

• Wee Ones Classes: Specifically for dancers aged 3 and 4, providing an introduction to Irish dance fundamentals, music, and basic movements in a playful setting, focusing on motor planning, gross motor skills, and social interaction.
• Level-Based Classes (Levels 1-7): Structured progression for students aged 5-15 and beyond, covering fundamental movements, the three light shoe dances (reel, light jig, slip jig), and advancing to traditional and slow speed hard shoe dances (treble jig, hornpipe, set dances).
• Ceili/Team Classes: Focus on traditional Irish group dances, fostering teamwork, coordination, and community spirit.
• Champ Classes: Intensive training for advanced and competitive dancers, preparing them for regional, national, and world championships.
• Adult Classes: Designed for adult learners of all levels, providing an opportunity to learn Irish dance in a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Technique/Workout Classes: Specialized sessions focusing on conditioning, strength, flexibility, and refining specific dance techniques.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular performances at local Kansas City events, including the Kansas City Irish Festival, St. Patrick's Day parades, nursing homes, schools, and even major venues like Royals Stadium, Sporting KC games, and Sprint Center concerts.
• Competitive Training: Guidance and preparation for dancers interested in competing at various levels, from local feiseanna (competitions) to the World Championships.
• Introductory Offers: Often available through platforms like Groupon for new students to experience Irish dance lessons at a reasonable rate.

What truly sets the O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance apart are its distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its outstanding reputation in the Kansas City community:

• Decades of Experience: Over 30 years of teaching, making it Kansas City's original certified Irish dance academy with a deep-rooted history.
• Family-Like Atmosphere: Consistently described as a "sort of family" by parents, fostering strong bonds between students, teachers, and families. Joseph and Grace Manning make everyone feel welcome.
• Fun-First Philosophy: Joseph Manning's emphasis that "Irish Dance should be fun" creates a positive and engaging learning environment, crucial for long-term enjoyment and passion.
• Mentorship and Role Models: Older dancers serve as role models and mentors for younger students, creating a supportive hierarchy and inspiring future generations. Joseph himself is a former competitive dancer, inspiring students to reach for national and world championships.
• Exceptional Performance Opportunities: Beyond studio recitals, students perform at a wide array of high-profile local events, including the Kansas City Irish Festival, St. Patrick's Day parades, professional sports venues (Royals Stadium, Sporting KC), and even concerts with renowned Irish bands (The Chieftains, Cherish the Ladies, The Elders, Gaelic Storm). These experiences significantly enhance confidence and ability.
• Flexibility in Scheduling: The academy offers a variety of class times, including weekday evenings and weekends, demonstrating an understanding of and flexibility for families' hectic schedules, acknowledging that kids have school and other activities.
• Balanced Approach to Competition: While the school produces national and world-class competitors, it is not pushy about competition, allowing students to choose their own path.
• Community Engagement: Deeply embedded in the local Kansas City Irish community, regularly participating in and contributing to cultural events.
• Professional and Polished Instruction: Praised for its "more polished and professional" instruction compared to other schools, leading to high-quality technique and performance.

Connecting with the O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance is easy. For inquiries about classes, registration, or simply to learn more, you can reach out through the following channels:

Address: 6001 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202, USA

Phone: (913) 396-3113

Mobile Phone: +1 913-396-3113

You can also visit their official website, www.omirishdance.com, which provides comprehensive details on class schedules, registration, class descriptions, and opportunities to book their dancers for events. They also welcome prospective students to visit and watch a lesson or two to get a feel for the vibrant atmosphere.

For locals in Kansas, particularly those in the Mission and greater Kansas City area, the O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance is an unparalleled choice for Irish dance education. The glowing testimonials paint a vivid picture of a studio that is not just about dance, but about fostering a supportive community and nurturing individual passion. As one parent eloquently stated, "OM has helped her find that passion." The blend of Joseph Manning's infectious enthusiasm, the mentorship from older dancers, and the wide array of performance opportunities creates an incredibly enriching environment. Whether your child is just starting out, or dreams of competing on a global stage, OM offers the ideal setting for growth and enjoyment. The flexibility in scheduling, reasonable rates, and the emphasis on fun make it an accessible and attractive option for any Kansas family considering Irish dance. It's a place where tradition, talent, and true community thrive, making it the perfect "dance home" for generations of local dancers.

O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance

6001 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202, USA