The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance

Step into the vibrant world of traditional Irish dance at The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance, a premier institution with a strong presence in the Webster, Texas area. For over two decades, this esteemed academy has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the intricate art of Irish step dancing, bringing the excitement of jigs, reels, and high-energy choreography to the greater Houston region. More than just a place to learn steps, The Cass-Barrington Academy is a community where passion for Irish culture thrives, discipline is nurtured, and students of all ages can connect with their heritage, develop physical fitness, and forge lasting friendships. Whether you're a curious beginner, a child eager to try something new, or an adult looking to rediscover a passion, this academy offers an enriching and exhilarating experience right here in the Lone Star State.

The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance operates with a mission to offer the highest standard in competitive and performance Irish step dance instruction. They strive to be a premier Irish dance school in the Southern Region of the United States, providing every student with the knowledge to become the best dancer they can be. This commitment is underpinned by core values of family, integrity, respect, and excellence. They believe in fostering an environment where hard work and fun go hand-in-hand, supporting students in setting and achieving personal goals, demonstrating self-discipline, and cultivating a strong sense of self-confidence that extends beyond the dance floor. Their instructors, many of whom hold prestigious certifications from An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha (the international governing body for Irish dancing), bring decades of combined teaching experience, including producing champions at local, regional, national, and even World levels.

The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance has a conveniently located studio at 355 E Nasa Rd 1 Unit 355, Webster, TX 77598, USA. This accessible address places the academy in a prime spot within reach for families across Webster, Clear Lake, League City, and other surrounding communities in the greater Houston area. Situated on a major thoroughfare, the studio is straightforward to find, with typically ample parking available for parents dropping off and picking up their dancers. Its strategic location near NASA Parkway minimizes travel time, making it a practical choice for consistent attendance at classes and rehearsals.

In addition to the Webster location, The Cass-Barrington Academy also has studios in other key Houston areas, including The Heights, Katy, and The Woodlands/Spring, demonstrating their commitment to serving a wide range of communities across the region. This network of locations further enhances accessibility for Texans keen to immerse themselves in Irish dance. We invite prospective students and their families to visit the Webster studio to experience its dedicated facilities and welcoming atmosphere firsthand.

The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance offers a comprehensive range of classes and opportunities designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and aspirations within the traditional Irish step dancing genre.

• Irish Step Dance Classes: Core instruction in traditional Irish step dancing, focusing on intricate footwork, posture, and rhythm. Classes are structured for:
  • Beginners: For those new to Irish dance, focusing on fundamental steps and techniques.
  • Progressive Levels: Dancers move up through various levels as they master challenging techniques and exciting choreography.
  • Classes for Kids (Ages 5+): Tailored programs to introduce younger dancers to the art form.
  • Adult Classes: Designed for adult learners, whether they are beginners or returning to dance.
• Competitive Irish Dancing (Feis Preparation):
  • Training for Irish Dance competitions, known as a "Feis" (pronounced "fesh"), held globally.
  • Preparation for both solo and team (Céilí) competitions.
  • Guidance for qualifying at Regional, National, and World levels.
  • While competition is encouraged, it is not required for all students.
  • Training is structured as if all students are competing, ensuring a high standard of execution.
• Performance Opportunities (Show Dancing):
  • Exciting opportunities for dancers to perform in choreographed numbers for various events and audiences.
  • Most performances are open to every dancer, providing valuable stage presence and display of progress without competitive pressure.
  • Shows are encouraged but not required for all students.
• Certified Instruction: All teaching staff hold professional T.C.R.G. and A.D.C.R.G. certifications issued by An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha, the international governing body for Irish dancing. This ensures adherence to global standards of teaching and judging.
• Introduction to Irish Culture: Beyond just steps, the academy provides an avenue for students to connect with their Irish heritage and appreciate the cultural aspects of the dance form.

The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance boasts several outstanding features that contribute to its strong reputation and the success of its dancers, making it a distinguished choice for Irish dance education in Texas.

• World-Class Instructors and Leadership: The academy is led by highly certified instructors (T.C.R.G. and A.D.C.R.G.) with over 30 years of combined teaching experience. Notably, co-founder Owen Barrington is a 2008 World Champion and former Riverdance performer, bringing an unparalleled level of expertise and insight to the students.
• Proven Competitive Success: The academy has a remarkable track record of producing champion and podium-placing dancers at local, Regional, National, and World levels. This demonstrates their effective training methods and dedication to competitive excellence.
• Comprehensive Training Philosophy: They do not distinguish between competitive and non-competitive training from an execution perspective, meaning all students receive rigorous, high-quality instruction. This ensures that every dancer develops strong technique and discipline.
• Emphasis on Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the academy focuses on life-changing lessons, teaching students to set and achieve goals, be supportive team players, demonstrate self-discipline, and build self-confidence that translates into all aspects of their lives.
• Strong Sense of Community and Family: The academy emphasizes the development of lifelong friendships, viewing itself as a supportive "family" that encourages and supports each other's individual and collective goals. They actively promote integrity, respect, and discourage bullying.
• Dual Focus on Competition and Performance: Students have flexible options to engage in competitive feiseanna (competitions) or to participate in numerous performing opportunities (show dancing), allowing them to gain stage presence without the pressure of competition.
• Accessibility for All Ages and Levels: With classes for kids (ages 5+) and adults, and accommodating complete beginners as well as experienced dancers, the academy ensures that Irish dance is accessible to a wide audience.
• Multiple Locations: In addition to Webster, the academy operates studios in The Heights, Katy, and The Woodlands/Spring, providing convenient access for a broad segment of the Houston metropolitan area.
• Connection to Irish Heritage: The academy provides a valuable avenue for individuals to get in touch with their Irish heritage, celebrating the cultural richness embedded in the dance form.

Ready to take your first jig or perfect your reel at The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance? Here’s how you can connect with them:

Address: 355 E Nasa Rd 1 Unit 355, Webster, TX 77598, USA

Phone: (832) 680-5447

Mobile Phone: +1 832-680-5447

We encourage you to visit their official website or call them directly during business hours for the most current information on class schedules, registration, tuition, and upcoming competitive or performance opportunities. Their team will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect program for your Irish dance journey.

For residents of Webster, Texas, and the broader Houston metropolitan area, The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the dynamic and culturally rich art form of Irish step dancing. Its suitability for locals is underscored by its commitment to providing "the highest standard of instruction," a promise backed by instructors with professional certifications and even World Championship titles. This ensures that local students receive top-tier training, whether their goal is recreational enjoyment or competitive success on a global stage.

Beyond the technical prowess, the academy fosters a strong sense of "family" and community. For children, it's an exciting extracurricular activity that develops physical fitness, self-discipline, and lifelong friendships. For adults, it's a unique way to connect with culture, stay active, and be part of a supportive group. The flexible options for both competitive "feis" participation and public "performance" opportunities mean that every dancer can find their niche and showcase their progress. Furthermore, with the Webster location, alongside other studios across Houston, accessibility is a significant advantage for busy Texas families. In a state that values heritage and spirited expression, The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance provides a vibrant and enriching cultural experience that empowers individuals to "shine like a star both on and off the stage," making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to embrace the captivating world of Irish dance.

The Cass-Barrington Academy of Irish Dance

355 E Nasa Rd 1 Unit 355, Webster, TX 77598, USA