Schade Academy-Irish Dancing

Are you a New Yorker looking to connect with a rich cultural tradition, improve your fitness, and join a vibrant community? Look no further than Schade Academy – Irish Dancing, located right here in East Meadow. With a proud history dating back to 1968, Schade Academy has been a cornerstone of Irish dance education on Long Island for over 55 years, nurturing thousands of dancers and producing champions at regional, national, and even World Championship levels. This academy offers an incredible opportunity to learn the intricate and energetic art of Irish step dancing in a supportive and friendly environment.

Schade Academy isn't just about learning steps; it's about fostering discipline, building confidence, and creating lifelong friendships. The academy is led by highly qualified and certified instructors, including Mary Lou Schade, a renowned teacher with over 35 years of experience, and her daughter Rosemarie Schade-Cromie, a former "Riverdance" performer and North American National Champion. This exceptional lineage ensures top-tier instruction for dancers of all ages and abilities, from those just starting their journey to aspiring world-class competitors. If you're in New York and eager to experience the physical and mental benefits of Irish dance while becoming part of a dedicated and welcoming community, Schade Academy is ready to help you take your first (or next!) step.

Schade Academy – Irish Dancing is conveniently located at 266 E Meadow Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554, USA. This accessible address in East Meadow makes it easily reachable for families and individuals residing throughout Long Island, including communities within Nassau and Suffolk counties. Situated on East Meadow Avenue, the studio is straightforward to find, benefiting from its presence in a well-established local area.

The accessibility of Schade Academy is a significant advantage for busy New Yorkers. Its location within East Meadow ensures that travel time to and from classes is manageable, allowing students to dedicate more focus to their dance training. For those commuting, the studio is typically easy to navigate to, with local roads providing direct routes. While specific parking information isn't always detailed for every business, dance studios in suburban settings generally offer convenient parking options for students and parents. This ease of access contributes to a hassle-free experience, enabling families to seamlessly incorporate Irish dance into their weekly routines. The well-situated location underscores Schade Academy's commitment to serving a wide segment of the New York community, bringing the joy and discipline of Irish dance closer to home.

Schade Academy – Irish Dancing offers a comprehensive range of services and programs designed to introduce, develop, and master the art of Irish dance for a wide variety of students. While a specific detailed curriculum would be available directly from the academy, based on their longstanding reputation and the nature of Irish dance schools, you can expect the following:

• Beginner Programs: Classes tailored for new students, often starting as young as 3 to 5 years old, with no upper age limit. These introductory classes focus on fundamental soft shoe steps, posture, rhythm, and traditional Irish music.
• Classes for All Ages and Levels: Schade Academy welcomes dancers of all ages and skill levels, from "Lil Leapsters" and "Beginner 1" to advanced competitive stages.
• Soft Shoe and Hard Shoe Dancing: Students typically begin with soft shoe dancing (light jigs, reels, slip jigs) before progressing to hard shoe routines (hornpipe, treble jigs, traditional set pieces), which produce the distinctive percussive sounds of Irish dance.
• Solo and Team Dancing (Ceili): Instruction covers both solo dancing, allowing dancers to develop individual technique and artistry, and ceili (group) dancing, which emphasizes teamwork and traditional group formations.
• Competitive Training: For students interested in the competitive aspect of Irish dance, the academy provides rigorous training for regional competitions (Oireachtas), national championships, and international events like the All-Ireland and World Championships.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to perform in various shows and events, showcasing their talents and sharing Irish culture with wider audiences.
• Certified Instruction: All teaching staff are certified by reputable organizations such as An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) in Dublin, Ireland, and are members of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA).
• Physical and Mental Benefits: Classes promote physical fitness (stamina, core strength, coordination, flexibility, balance) and mental acuity (listening skills, memory building, following directions).
• Cultural Immersion: Learning Irish dance provides an immersive experience into Irish heritage, connecting students with centuries-old traditions and music.

Schade Academy – Irish Dancing boasts several distinctive features and highlights that firmly establish its reputation as a premier dance institution in New York:

• Decades of Excellence: Established in 1968, Schade Academy has over 55 years of experience, making it one of the most established and respected Irish dance schools in North America. This long history speaks volumes about its quality and consistency.
• World-Renowned Leadership: The academy is led by Mary Lou Schade, a globally recognized Irish Dance Teacher and Adjudicator (ADCRG, SDCRG) who has served on panels for prestigious competitions worldwide, including the All-Ireland and World Championships. She is regarded as one of the greatest Irish Dance Teachers in the world.
• "Riverdance" Pedigree: Rosemarie Schade-Cromie, Mary Lou's daughter, brings invaluable professional experience, having held the Eastern Regional Oireachtas title, become a North American National Champion, medalled at World Championships, and spent 4.5 years touring with "Riverdance," including its Broadway run. This direct connection to professional performance inspires and educates students.
• Producer of Champions: The academy has produced hundreds of Regional, National, All-Ireland, and World Champion solo and team dancers, a testament to the effectiveness of their training methods and dedication.
• Holistic Development: Beyond dance steps, Schade Academy emphasizes the development of discipline, confidence, positive character, and a sense of teamwork. It's an environment that nurtures well-rounded individuals.
• Family-Oriented Environment: The family-run nature of the academy creates a warm and supportive atmosphere, where teachers and staff are deeply invested in each student's success and well-being. This fosters strong bonds and a true sense of community.
• Accreditation and Certification: Instructors are registered with the Irish Dance Commission in Dublin, Ireland, as well as the North American and Mid-Atlantic Irish Dance Teachers Associations, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of Irish dance education.
• Inspirational Alumni: Many top-ranking dancers from Schade Academy have gone on to become certified teachers and directors of their own studios, highlighting the strong foundation and lasting impact of the academy's training.
• Academic Recognition: Mary Lou Schade's appointment as an adjunct Professor of Dance at Hofstra University further underscores the academic rigor and esteemed reputation of the academy.

For more information about class offerings, schedules, or to begin your Irish dance journey at Schade Academy, please use the following contact details:

Address: 266 E Meadow Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554, USA

Phone: (516) 579-8123

For locals across New York, particularly those on Long Island, Schade Academy – Irish Dancing is an unparalleled destination for experiencing the vibrant world of Irish dance. Its suitability for our community stems from a remarkable combination of deep-rooted tradition, world-class expertise, and a profoundly nurturing environment. With over five decades of history, the academy has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce top-tier dancers, including numerous regional, national, and World Champions. This legacy means that aspiring dancers in our area have access to instruction that is among the best globally, right here in East Meadow.

The unique advantage of learning from instructors like Mary Lou Schade, a celebrated figure in the Irish dance world, and Rosemarie Schade-Cromie, a former "Riverdance" star, offers an inspiring and authentic experience. This direct link to both traditional excellence and professional performance sets Schade Academy apart. Beyond the technical steps, the academy excels at instilling invaluable life skills such as discipline, confidence, and teamwork, all within a supportive, family-like atmosphere where every student is valued. For New Yorkers seeking not just a dance class, but a rich cultural immersion, a robust physical activity, and a strong community connection, Schade Academy – Irish Dancing is truly an exceptional and enriching choice for all ages.

Schade Academy-Irish Dancing

266 E Meadow Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554, USA