Common Questions

What's McDonough-Grimes Irish Dance like?

McDonough-Grimes Irish Dance is a warm and welcoming dance studio.

It is our goal to teach dancers to believe in themselves and help them grow into confident performers. We teach them skills that will not only help them in Irish dance, but also for many years to come outside of the studio. We value learning and growth over perfection, supporting our dancers through their journey, whether that journey is performing at events or rising to the top of the competition circuit.

Dancers and parents will make life-long friends at McDonough-Grimes Irish Dance.

What levels of Irish Dance are taught?

We teach all levels, from beginner level dancers all the way to championship level dancers. All are welcome!

When can I register for classes?

We have rolling enrollment! Check out the class info page for class times. Please contact us to get started.

How much do dance classes cost?

Our prices for pre-beginner and beginner classes are similar to other activities in the area. Find the current prices on the class info page. For the cost of higher level classes please contact us.

Do you offer trial classes?

We do offer a free trial class. Please contact us to schedule a date and time to attend a class. .

Will I start or my dancer start in hard/tap shoes?

Dancers do not begin their Irish dance training in hard shoes. Beginner dancers focus on learning the soft shoe dances, building their strength and technique. Once the dancer has learned this foundation, the dancer will be invited to begin training with the hard shoe dances. This usually takes about 1.5 year. Dancers will continue to develop their soft shoe technique as well.

Do I need to be Irish or have Irish heritage to learn Irish Dance?

Irish dance is open to dancers of all backgrounds and ancestry! Irish dance is studied globally! Everyone is welcomed with open arms, just remember to keep them by your sides while dancing!

Are Irish Dance Teachers Certified?

A TCRG/ADCRG is the required certification by An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (The Irish Dancing Commission) in Dublin, Ireland to teach Irish dancing and it allows students to compete. It's a very important credential to have, as CLRG requires that a TCRG must be present at all times during instruction to insure the dance form is learned properly.

All teachers and assistants, regardless of certification are required to be SafeSport Certified. This is the same safety certification required by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.