Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance

For families and individuals across Tennessee seeking a unique and exhilarating dance experience, the Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance in Nashville offers a vibrant community and top-tier instruction. Since its founding in 1997 by Wendy Ellis Windsor, this esteemed school has been dedicated to teaching the art and science of Irish dance in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment. It's a place where tradition meets passion, and where dancers of all ages and aspirations can truly thrive.

The Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance stands out for its commitment to both the fundamentals of Irish dance and the joy of participation. Their philosophy centers around providing a challenging yet enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring that every dancer, from the youngest beginner to the aspiring champion, feels welcome and supported. They believe that Irish dancing is an incredible and unique form of dance, and their number one goal is for dancers to feel a deep love and passion for what they do. This approach fosters not just skilled dancers, but also confident and resilient individuals.

As a certified school through An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (The Irish Dance Commission) and IDTANA (The Irish Dance Teacher's Association of North America), Scott-Ellis adheres to the highest standards of Irish dance instruction. Their instructors—Wendy Windsor, Casey Schools-Clarke, and Claire Shirey—are all TCRG (Teagascóir Coimisiúin le Rincí Gaelacha) certified, meaning they are fully vetted and qualified, including being SafeSport certified for child protection. This ensures that students receive authentic, safe, and professional training. Whether your goal is to learn a new skill, perform at local community events, or compete at regional, national, or even world levels, the Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance provides the pathway to achieve your dreams right here in Nashville.

The Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance is conveniently located at 805 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA. This address places the school in the heart of East Nashville, a vibrant and increasingly popular area known for its unique blend of historic charm, artistic community, and family-friendly atmosphere. This prime location makes it easily accessible for families residing throughout Nashville and the wider Middle Tennessee region.

East Nashville's well-established infrastructure and proximity to downtown Nashville contribute to the school's accessibility. For those traveling by car, there is typically convenient parking available in the vicinity of the studio. The neighborhood is also served by Nashville's public transportation network, offering bus routes that can bring students and families close to the Woodland Street location. This ensures that whether you're coming from Inglewood, Germantown, or even further afield, the journey to the Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance is manageable.

Furthermore, the school also offers classes in Lebanon, TN, extending its reach and accessibility to communities east of Nashville. This multi-location approach demonstrates their commitment to making Irish dance education available to a broader segment of the Tennessee population. The choice of welcoming neighborhoods like East Nashville for their primary studio helps create a comfortable and engaging environment for dancers and their families, reinforcing its suitability as a local point of interest for those interested in Irish dance.

Services Offered:

• Beginner Irish Dance Classes: Focus on fundamentals, basic footwork, choreography, and timing for core dances (Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig, Hornpipe, Treble Jig).
• Soft Shoe Training: Initial instruction for all dancers to develop strength and understanding before moving to hard shoe.
• Hard Shoe Training: Offered once dancers have developed sufficient soft shoe technique and strength.
• Adult Irish Dance Classes: Review of basic fundamental footwork, choreography, and timing, with opportunities to learn ceili dancing (choreographed group dancing).
• Classes for All Ages: Instruction available for children and adults.
• Performance Opportunities: Dancers have the chance to perform at various community events and establishments around Nashville throughout the year (e.g., festivals, schools, churches, nursing homes).
• Competitive Training: For dancers interested in competing, the school trains students for regional, national, and world-level competitions.
• Free Trial Class: New beginners can sign up for a complimentary first class at any time during the year.
• Certified and Vetted Instructors: All instructors (Wendy Windsor, Casey Schools-Clarke, Claire Shirey) are TCRG certified by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha and vetted by SafeSport for child protection.
• Registration with IDTANA: The school is registered with The Irish Dance Teacher's Association of North America.

Features / Highlights:

• Dual Focus on Fun and Fundamentals: The Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance prioritizes creating an enjoyable and encouraging atmosphere while simultaneously ensuring dancers learn the essential techniques and footwork of Irish dance. This balance helps foster a genuine love for the art form.
• Certified and Highly Qualified Instructors: The school boasts instructors (Wendy Windsor, Casey Schools-Clarke, Claire Shirey) who are not only passionate but also TCRG certified by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (The Irish Dance Commission) and SafeSport vetted. This guarantees professional, high-standard instruction and a safe environment.
• Pathways for All Aspirations: Whether a dancer wants to learn for pure enjoyment, participate in local performances, or pursue competitive goals at regional, national, or even world championships, the school provides the training and opportunities to support all levels of ambition.
• Inclusive for All Ages: Scott-Ellis welcomes both children and adults, offering classes tailored to different age groups and experience levels. This inclusivity fosters a diverse and supportive learning community where everyone can participate.
• Community Performance Opportunities: Beyond studio training, dancers have numerous opportunities to showcase their skills at various community events across Nashville. This provides valuable stage experience and allows them to share the joy of Irish dance with a wider audience.
• Strong Competitive Track Record: For those inclined towards competition, the school has a proven track record of producing Championship dancers and training students who compete successfully at high levels. Testimonials confirm their ability to "produce Championship dancers."
• Emphasis on Holistic Development: The school's philosophy extends beyond just dance steps, aiming to teach "important life lessons of setting goals, working hard, struggling through difficulty, learning from failures, building resiliency from disappointments, and celebrating success."
• Free Trial Class: Offering a free trial class allows prospective students and their families to experience the school's environment and teaching style firsthand, making it easy to decide if Irish dance is the right fit.
• Commitment to Safety and Ethics: Being registered with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha and IDTANA, and having instructors vetted by SafeSport, highlights a strong commitment to child protection and ethical practices within the dance community.

Contact Information:

Address: 805 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA

Phone: (615) 300-4388

For individuals and families across Tennessee looking to immerse themselves in the rich culture and vibrant energy of Irish dance, the Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance in Nashville is an outstanding local choice. Its core philosophy, which perfectly balances fun with fundamental instruction, creates an incredibly welcoming and effective learning environment for dancers of all ages and aspirations. Whether you're a child taking your very first steps, an adult seeking a new hobby, or an ambitious dancer aiming for championship titles, Scott-Ellis provides the expert guidance and supportive community needed to succeed.

The dedication of their highly certified and vetted instructors ensures professional, safe, and authentic training rooted in the traditions of Irish dance. The numerous opportunities for both performance at local events and competition at various levels mean that every dancer can find their place and achieve their goals. Conveniently located in East Nashville with an additional presence in Lebanon, the school makes it easy for many Tennesseans to access this unique art form. The Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance isn't just teaching dance; it's fostering a passion for Irish culture, building character, and creating a joyful community right here in our state.

Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance

805 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA