Yeates Academy of Irish Dance

Located in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, the Yeates Academy of Irish Dance stands as a cornerstone of Irish culture and a beacon for aspiring dancers. Established in 1985, it holds the distinction of being Oregon’s longest-running accredited Irish dance school, a testament to its enduring commitment to the art form and the community. The Academy is dedicated to providing comprehensive Irish dance instruction for students of all ages and skill levels, from their very first steps to achieving world-class competitive success.

At the heart of Yeates Academy's philosophy is a dual commitment: to develop not only excellent dancers but also exceptional human beings. As one grateful parent shared, "Yeates Academy has lovingly nurtured both he and me on every step of this journey, and for their care and kindness, I will forever be grateful. The entire Yeates staff is not only committed to developing excellent dancers, but also exceptional human beings who display compassion, respect, and resiliency." This ethos underscores the school's dedication to holistic growth, fostering life skills like teamwork, commitment, and self-esteem alongside technical proficiency.

The Academy is led by a team of experienced and accredited instructors, including owners and directors Sinéad Yeates, TCRG, and Breda Yeates, along with Meaghan Feeback, TCRG, and Meghan Bjerke, TCRG. This wealth of knowledge and passion ensures a high standard of education. Sinéad Yeates, notably, was awarded a global Irish Dancing Teacher Award from Irish Dancing Magazine in 2021, recognizing her excellence in teaching, inclusive style, and ability to connect with students of all ages and cultures.

For over three decades, Yeates Academy has been a driving force for Irish culture and dance in the Portland area, connecting families to their heritage in meaningful ways. Their long history and positive community feedback highlight their role as a trusted institution for dance education and cultural enrichment in Oregon.

Yeates Academy of Irish Dance is conveniently located at 4231 N Interstate Ave UNIT B, Portland, OR 97217, USA. This North Portland address places the Academy in a well-connected and easily accessible part of the city, serving dancers from various neighborhoods across Portland and surrounding communities in Oregon. N Interstate Avenue is a major thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation by car for parents and students.

The location on N Interstate Avenue also benefits from excellent public transportation access. TriMet bus lines frequently run along this corridor, and the MAX Yellow Line light rail has multiple stops in close proximity, making it a highly convenient option for students who use public transit. This accessibility is a significant advantage for families seeking dance instruction, reducing commute times and logistical challenges.

The studio's presence in North Portland means it is situated within a diverse and active community, often close to other local amenities and businesses. Adequate parking options are typically available, further enhancing the convenience for those driving to classes. The strategic placement of Yeates Academy ensures that high-quality Irish dance education is readily available to a wide segment of the Oregon population.

• Traditional Irish Step Dance Classes: The core offering, with a specially designed syllabus that ensures students learn and master foundational techniques and progress through increasingly complex steps. Classes are available for ages 5 through adult.

• Beginner Programs:

  • Tiny Toes (Ages 3-5): Introduces foundational positions, techniques, and timing through fun, Irish dance-themed games and activities, focusing on coordination, balance, and gentle strength/flexibility.

  • Introduction Classes (Intro A & B): For new beginners aged 5 and up, teaching essential light shoe techniques, building strength, and progressing to hard shoe techniques as students are ready.

• Progressive Levels: Dancers advance through six levels (Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Novice/Prizewinner, Preliminary, Open Champion), adding more complex traditional dances, jumps, intricate footwork, and rhythms to their repertoire.

• Soft Shoe and Hard Shoe Instruction: Comprehensive training in both soft shoe dances (Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig, Single Jig) and hard shoe dances for rhythmic percussive footwork.

• Ceili (Group) Classes: Regularly offered classes focused on learning traditional Irish group dances, fostering teamwork and social connection. A Ceili Class is typically available on specific Fridays for eligible dancers.

• Competitive Training: For students interested in competition, the Academy provides intensive training for local feiseanna (competitions), as well as regional (Western Regional Oireachtas), national (North American Nationals), and international (World Championships) events. Participation is encouraged but not required.

• Private & Semi-Private Lessons: Available for currently enrolled students to provide individualized attention and accelerate progress on specific techniques or goals.

• Workshops: Supplemental workshops are offered throughout the year for various competitive levels, often featuring renowned choreographers like Michael Smith, to help dancers build confidence and learn new techniques.

• Summer Camps: Popular themed camps such as "Jigs for Kids™" for new beginners (ages 5+) and "Yeates Beginner/Novice Studio Workshops" offer immersive learning experiences during the summer, combining dance with Irish culture, arts, and crafts.

• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous chances to perform throughout the year, especially during St. Patrick's Day celebrations, as well as an annual recital. A dedicated Performance Troupe allows dancers to showcase their skills at community events.

• Longest-Running Accredited School in Oregon: Established in 1985, Yeates Academy has a long history and deep roots in the Portland community, being the oldest accredited Irish dance school in the state.

• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Consistently highlighted in testimonials, the Academy prides itself on fostering a compassionate, respectful, and resilient community. Instructors are committed to providing equal attention to all students, regardless of skill level.

• Highly Qualified Instructors: The school is led by a team of experienced and accredited instructors (TCRG certified), including Sinéad Yeates, who received a global award for excellence in teaching from Irish Dancing Magazine.

• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Ages: Offers a well-structured progression from early childhood creative dance (Tiny Toes) to adult classes and advanced championship training, ensuring a suitable path for every dancer.

• Strong Competitive Program: While competition is not mandatory, the Academy has a strong track record of success, producing World Qualifiers and providing ample opportunities for dancers to compete at regional, national, and international levels.

• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond technical dance skills, the Academy emphasizes the development of critical life skills such as teamwork, commitment, compassion, respect, and resiliency.

• Rich Performance Opportunities: Students can showcase their talents through regular performances, including St. Patrick's Day events, an annual recital, and a dedicated Performance Troupe for community engagements.

• Cultural Connection: The Academy plays a significant role in connecting students and their families to Irish culture and community, fostering a deeper appreciation for heritage.

Address: 4231 N Interstate Ave UNIT B, Portland, OR 97217, USA

Phone: (503) 249-9009

Mobile Phone: +1 503-249-9009

For families and individuals across Portland and the wider Oregon region, the Yeates Academy of Irish Dance stands out as an exceptional choice for engaging with the vibrant world of Irish dance. Its long-standing history as Oregon's longest-running accredited Irish dance school speaks volumes about its stability, experience, and deep roots within the community.

One of the most compelling reasons for local Oregonians to choose Yeates Academy is its commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment. As highlighted by multiple testimonials, the school focuses not just on developing excellent dancers but also on fostering qualities like compassion, respect, and resilience. This holistic approach means that children and adults alike will find a place where they feel cared for, encouraged, and truly part of a family. For parents, this translates into peace of mind, knowing their child is in an environment that prioritizes their overall well-being alongside their dance education.

The high caliber of instruction, led by a team of accredited and award-winning teachers, ensures that students receive top-tier training, whether they are new to Irish dance or aspiring to competitive greatness. The comprehensive curriculum, designed for all ages from tiny dancers to adults, provides a clear pathway for progression, allowing individuals to grow with the Academy over many years. Furthermore, the numerous performance opportunities, particularly around St. Patrick's Day and through their annual recital, offer valuable stage experience and a chance to share their passion with the local community.

Lastly, the convenient North Portland location, easily accessible by both car and public transit, makes attendance practical for busy Oregon families. For anyone in the Portland area seeking an enriching cultural activity that builds discipline, confidence, and a sense of belonging, Yeates Academy of Irish Dance offers a unique and highly recommended experience, deeply woven into the fabric of Oregon's arts and cultural scene.

Yeates Academy of Irish Dance

4231 N Interstate Ave UNIT B, Portland, OR 97217, USA