The McLane School of Irish Dance

For Texans in Richardson and the wider North Texas area looking to connect with the vibrant world of Irish dance, The McLane School of Irish Dance stands as a premier destination. More than just a place to learn steps, this school is a thriving community where the art form is cherished, friendships are forged, and dancers of all ages and abilities are welcomed into a warm, supportive "family" environment. If you've ever been captivated by the intricate footwork and graceful movements of Irish step dancing, or if you're seeking a unique and engaging activity for your child, The McLane School offers an exceptional opportunity right here in our local community.

The McLane School of Irish Dance is renowned for its dedication to both the tradition and the future of Irish dance. Led by the highly respected Andy McLane, a certified T.C.R.G. (Teasgicoir Choimisiuin Le Rinci Gaelacha - a certified instructor within the An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha), the school prides itself on "offering a dance education built on the respect and admiration of the traditional while looking to the future with creativity and innovation." This philosophy resonates deeply with students and parents alike. As one review passionately states, "McLane school is the best Irish dancing school in the area. Andy takes care of all his students, and the students love Andy! Everyone is family at McLane!" This commitment to individual care, combined with top-tier instruction, ensures that whether a student aims for the competition stage or simply dances for enjoyment and fitness, they receive unparalleled support and guidance.

The McLane School of Irish Dance is conveniently located at 2080 N Collins Blvd, Richardson, TX 75080, USA. This accessible address makes it an ideal spot for families throughout Richardson and the broader North Texas region, including Dallas, Plano, Garland, and Allen. Situated on North Collins Boulevard, the studio is typically easy to reach from major roads and local thoroughfares, simplifying the commute for busy Texas parents and students. Ample parking is generally available, contributing to a hassle-free experience for drop-offs and pick-ups. The strategic location ensures that the enriching experience of Irish dance is readily available to a wide segment of the North Texas community, making it a true local asset.

The McLane School of Irish Dance offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to cater to dancers from absolute beginners to nationally and world-ranked competitors, and spanning ages from young children to adults. Their curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in traditional Irish step dance while also offering opportunities for creative exploration and performance.

Services Offered:

• Traditional Irish Step Dance Classes: These are the core of the academy's training, with classes structured into various levels following a specially designed syllabus.
  • Tiny Toes (Ages 3-5): For beginning students, focusing on foundational positions, techniques, coordination, balance, and timing through fun, Irish dance-themed games.
  • Introductory Classes (Intro A & Intro B): Designed for new students to Irish dance, covering essential foundational techniques for light shoe (soft shoe) and beginning hard shoe techniques, preparing them for leveled classes.
  • Leveled Classes (Levels 1-6): As students progress, they move through six levels, adding more complex traditional dances, powerful jumps, intricate footwork, and exciting rhythms to their repertoire. These levels roughly correspond to competitive ranks from Beginner to Open Champion.
• Competitive Training: The school actively participates in local, national, and international feiseanna (Irish dance competitions). They are home to "several nationally-ranked and world-qualifying dancers" and offer training for solo and team competitions. While competition is encouraged, it is not mandatory.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous chances to showcase their skills through performances throughout the DFW area.
  • Celtic Legacy/Celtic Christmas Performance Rehearsals: Academy students can participate in bi-annual stage productions, learning and rehearsing custom choreography for these full-length shows.
  • Fusion Classes: This exciting class fuses traditional Irish dance steps with other dance styles, creating energetic choreography to modern music, culminating in performances at Company productions.
• Adult Classes: The McLane School welcomes adult dancers of all backgrounds, whether for fitness, fun, or performance.
• Beginner-Friendly Programs: They accept dancers "of any background who are welcome to participate with us in any capacity; be it competition, performance, or just for fun."
• Safety and Child Protection: The school emphasizes child protection and safety, adhering to all guidelines set forth by the CLRG (An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha), including their Child Protection Policy and Vetting Policy.

The McLane School of Irish Dance distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a cherished institution in the North Texas dance community.

Features / Highlights:

• Exceptional Leadership and Instruction: The consistent praise for "Andy McLane, T.C.R.G." (a certified instructor) is a major highlight. Reviews like "Andy takes care of all his students, and the students love Andy!" underscore his dedication and the positive impact he has on dancers.
• Strong Sense of Family and Community: The repeated sentiment that "Everyone is family at McLane!" truly sets this school apart. This nurturing and inclusive environment helps students feel welcome, supported, and confident.
• Dual Focus on Performance and Competition: The McLane School successfully balances training for both "competitions (local, national, and world) and performances throughout the DFW area." This versatility allows students to pursue their individual goals, whether that's winning a championship or captivating an audience.
• Proven Track Record of Success: Being "home to several nationally-ranked and world-qualifying dancers" speaks to the high caliber of training and technique provided, attracting serious dancers who aim for top achievements.
• Comprehensive Curriculum from Beginner to Advanced: With structured levels from "Tiny Toes" to "Open Champion" and clear progression pathways, the school ensures that dancers of all ages and experience levels receive appropriate and challenging instruction.
• Respect for Tradition with Innovation: The school prides itself on "offering a dance education built on the respect and admiration of the traditional while looking to the future with creativity and innovation," which includes classes like "Fusion" that blend styles.
• Inclusivity for All Ages and Backgrounds: The McLane School welcomes students from "as young as 5, to adults" and accepts "dancers of any background," fostering a diverse and open learning environment.
• Emphasis on Holistic Development: Beyond just dance steps, the school aims to "nurture and encourage our dancers to grow their love for Irish Dance," implying a focus on confidence, discipline, and passion.

For those ready to join the vibrant community at The McLane School of Irish Dance, here is their contact information:

Address: 2080 N Collins Blvd, Richardson, TX 75080, USA

Phone: (469) 855-5435

In conclusion, for Texans in Richardson and across the North Texas region, The McLane School of Irish Dance is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to embrace the art of Irish dance. Its profound commitment to creating a "family" atmosphere, combined with the expert instruction of Andy McLane and his team, provides a truly unique and enriching experience. Whether your child is just taking their first steps, you're an adult looking to learn a new skill, or an experienced dancer aiming for national and world competitions, The McLane School offers a supportive and high-quality environment. The strong sense of community, the proven track record of success, and the dedication to both traditional and innovative Irish dance make this school perfectly suited for locals. It's a place where passion is nurtured, skills are honed, and lasting friendships are formed, right here in the heart of Texas.

The McLane School of Irish Dance

2080 N Collins Blvd, Richardson, TX 75080, USA