“We teach the basics of Irish dance through championship level,” said owner Mary Laffey. “We teach group dances, forward three, back three, sevens, glides, all the moves to incorporate into steps to learn more and more levels.”
Laffey said Riverdance and Lord of the Dance in the late 1990s generated interest in Irish dance, and helped her school to grow.
Laffey began Irish dancing at age 5. The 1985 graduate of Carroll High School took classes and competed in Irish dance until age 22, when she was offered the opportunity to take over the academy from her teacher, Lorraine Russell. Laffey said that if she didn’t take over the academy, it was going to close its doors.
Her youngest student is age 4, and her oldest is “over 50.” “She won’t tell us her age,” Laffey said. Youth practice three nights a week; adults practice one night a week.
She said people sign up for the classes for a variety of reasons, including culture, exercise, performing and competition, though she emphasized that every student does not have to compete.
Kathleen Dwyer and Lauren Laffey also teach at the academy.
The dancers perform at the Celtic Fest, World Affaire, Oktoberfest, the Springfield Summer Arts Show and throughout the year for private parties, nursing homes and schools.
Last April, her dancers competed in a world competition in Philadelphia, with Connor Eviston, 14, of Beavercreek, placing 17th.
“We like to have a lot of fun,” Laffey said. “We pride ourselves on a family atmosphere. It’s a positive learning environment for our students.”
This August, the academy is offering Summer Sampler Sundays, from 5 to 5:45 p.m. For those who are interested in Irish dance, but not ready to commit, this gives them an opportunity to experience what the classes are like.
New classes begin for youth Sept. 9, and for adults Sept. 14.
The academy is located at 85 Woodman Drive in Riverside. For more information, call (937) 256-6086 or visit www.celticacademy.com.
Contact this reporter at joanneclodfelter@ameritech.net.
About the Author