O’Shea Irish Dance

Introduction / Overview

For those in St. Paul, Minnesota, and across the wider Twin Cities metropolitan area with a keen interest in dance, culture, and athletic artistry, O'Shea Irish Dance stands as a premier institution. Founded in 2005 and led by director Cormac O'Sé T.C.R.G., an original cast member of the internationally acclaimed "Riverdance," this studio brings world-class Irish dance instruction right to the heart of Minnesota. O'Shea Irish Dance is more than just a school; it's a vibrant community where the demanding and technical art form of traditional and competitive Irish Step dance is taught with passion and expertise. Students here are trained as artists, musicians, and athletes, fostering a healthy body through strength, flexibility, and fitness, and a healthy mind through confidence, discipline, and performance. As a satisfied parent shared, their son "loves the challenge, the community, performing in professional shows, and dancing competitively," and has "made such a supportive and positive group of friends." This highlights the holistic approach O'Shea Irish Dance takes, creating an environment where dancers not only excel in their craft but also build character and lasting connections. Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps or an experienced dancer aiming for championship titles, O'Shea Irish Dance provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a rich cultural tradition.

Location and Accessibility

O'Shea Irish Dance is ideally located at 836 Prior Ave N Suite #300, St Paul, MN 55104, USA. This central location within the Twin Cities makes it highly accessible for families and individuals residing throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding communities like Wayzata, Bloomington, Woodbury, and Coon Rapids. Being just off Interstate 94, the studio is remarkably easy to reach by car, minimizing travel time for those coming from various parts of the metropolitan area. The studio's position within a dynamic and arts-focused area of St. Paul also contributes to a welcoming and culturally rich environment. For parents, the convenience of drop-off and pick-up is a key benefit, allowing for seamless integration of dance classes into busy family schedules. The accessibility ensures that a diverse range of students, regardless of their specific Twin Cities neighborhood, can partake in the high-quality instruction and vibrant community that O'Shea Irish Dance offers. This central placement underscores the studio's commitment to being a hub for Irish dance and culture for the entire Minnesota region.

Services Offered

• World-Class Irish Dance Training: Comprehensive instruction in traditional and competitive Irish Step dance, focusing on technique, artistry, and athleticism.
• Classes for All Ages: Programs available for dancers aged three to adult, welcoming beginners with no prior experience to advanced championship-level dancers.
• Solo and Team Competition Training: Specialized coaching for students aiming to compete in solo and ceili (group) competitions at local, regional (feis), national, and even World Championship levels.
• Beginner Classes: Introductory programs designed to teach fundamentals, foot placement, body alignment, and basic steps for new dancers.
• Progressive Levels of Instruction: Structured curriculum that allows dancers to advance from beginner to primary, intermediate, advanced, and championship levels at their own pace.
• Soft Shoe and Hard Shoe Training: Instruction in both light shoe (ghillies for girls, reel shoes for boys) and hard shoe techniques, essential for traditional Irish dance.
• Fitness and Conditioning: Emphasis on building a healthy body through strength, flexibility, and overall fitness as an integral part of dance training.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular opportunities for students to showcase their skills in performances throughout the year, including community events and professional, full-length theatrical shows produced by O'Shea Irish Dance at various Twin Cities venues.
• Workshops and Camps: Seasonal intensives and camps (e.g., summer camps) to enhance skills and provide focused training.
• Cultural Immersion: Beyond dance steps, the curriculum subtly imparts a deeper appreciation for Irish culture and music.
• Adult Classes: Specific programs or adaptations for adult dancers looking to learn or continue Irish dance, catering to recreational interests or competitive goals.

Features / Highlights

• Led by a "Riverdance" Original Cast Member: Cormac O'Sé, the director, brings unparalleled expertise and a direct connection to the highest echelons of professional Irish dance, having toured for six years and performed over 2000 shows with Riverdance. This pedigree ensures world-class instruction.
• Certified Instruction: Cormac O'Sé is a T.C.R.G. (certified instructor with An Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha), which is the official qualification required for students to compete in Irish dance, ensuring legitimate and high-standard training.
• Impressive Competitive Achievements: O'Shea Irish Dance boasts a remarkable track record of success, including 16 Regional Solo Championship titles, 7 Regional Ceili titles, 6 National Championship titles, 3 National Ceili titles, and 8 top-ten placements in the World Championships, bringing "2 world globes home to the state."
• Strong Community and Supportive Environment: Reviews consistently highlight the "supportive and positive group of friends" formed at OID and the "better instructors," indicating a nurturing atmosphere where dancers thrive both socially and artistically.
• Professional Performance Productions: The studio produces two professional, full-length theatrical shows annually at prominent Twin Cities venues, offering students invaluable experience on a professional stage.
• Inclusive and Welcoming to All: Despite its high competitive standards, O'Shea Irish Dance explicitly welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, stating "absolutely everyone is welcome to Irish dance, no matter what their background or familiarity with Irish culture."
• Holistic Dancer Development: Instructors focus on informing the "whole dancer," training not only a healthy body but also fostering a healthy mind in terms of confidence, discipline, and performance.
• Rich Pedigree: Cormac comes from the legendary Scoil Rince Uí Shé of Dublin, Ireland, a school taught by his parents from 1969 through 2018, ensuring a deep and authentic connection to Irish dance tradition.
• Emphasis on Discipline and Growth: Students are consistently challenged to improve, fostering a love for the art form while developing perseverance and dedication.
• Central Location: Situated at The Celtic Junction Arts Center, the studio benefits from being part of a larger cultural hub, further enriching the experience for students and families.

Contact Information

For those interested in exploring the world of Irish dance, joining a welcoming community, or learning more about the classes and programs offered, O'Shea Irish Dance encourages direct contact. Their team is ready to provide detailed information and assist with enrollment. You can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 836 Prior Ave N Suite #300, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

Phone: (612) 722-7000

Mobile Phone: +1 612-722-7000

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of St. Paul and the broader Minnesota region, O'Shea Irish Dance is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local establishment. Its strategic location in St. Paul offers convenient access from across the Twin Cities, making world-class Irish dance instruction easily integrated into local family life. What truly distinguishes O'Shea Irish Dance is the unparalleled expertise brought by its director, Cormac O'Sé, an original cast member of "Riverdance." This direct connection to professional artistry means that Minnesotan dancers, from aspiring competitors to those seeking a recreational outlet, receive instruction of the highest caliber right in their own community. The studio’s impressive track record of regional, national, and even world championship titles demonstrates its commitment to excellence, providing a unique opportunity for local talent to shine on a global stage. Beyond the technical rigor, O'Shea Irish Dance fosters a vibrant, supportive community, as highlighted by a parent's review praising the "supportive and positive group of friends" and "better instructors." This emphasis on camaraderie and holistic development—training not just skilled dancers but confident and disciplined individuals—aligns perfectly with community values in Minnesota. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich tradition of Irish dance, connect with a welcoming cultural community, or simply experience the joy and challenge of this dynamic art form, O'Shea Irish Dance offers an outstanding and invaluable local resource.

O’Shea Irish Dance

836 Prior Ave N Suite #300, St Paul, MN 55104, USA