Irish Links

Atlanta Irish Dance Schools

Atlanta Irish Step Dance For Ages 4 to 74 ... Irish Step Dancing, popularized in the last decade by Riverdance, is alive and well in Atlanta.    Hundreds of dancers, ages four years to seventy years, attend weekly classes at one of Atlanta's four certified Irish Dance schools and their various branches.   Beginner step dancers often start at the age of four, but many adults enter beginning classes also. Most schools offer adult beginner classes.   Not only can aficionados perform, but they can compete as well. National groups (IDTNA, NAFC) oversee these competitions, held throughout the country. A competition is referred to as a feis (pronounced fesh). There are at least a half dozen in Georgia every year and dozens more throughout the southeast. Some of the larger events can involve over 1,000 dancers on multiple stages over a span of two or three days.   At a normal feis, several hundred dancers compete in age and skill specific categories. Medals and trophies are awarded and it is not unusual to see awards of Irish crystal. Winners of these competitions can compete in regional and national contests with the best of those attending the annual World Championships held in the British Isles.   Irish Dance is a great family activity and certainly is good exercise. For more information follow the links to the certified schools listed, call the teacher and follow up with a visit to a class.   http://www.creganobrien.com Cregan O'Brien School of Irish Dance Lisa Cregan TCRG 3050 Windward Plaza  Suites C & D Alpharetta, GA 30005    770-475-4442    http://www.drakedance.com  Drake School of Irish Dance Karl Drake TCRG Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Alabama Athens, Decatur, Flowery Branch, Norcross, Stockbridge 6025 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross    404-524-6986   http://www.kingosullivan.com   King O'Sullivan School of Irish Dance Jacinta O'Sullivan TCRG 4620 Karl's Gate Drive Marietta, GA 30068    404-431-9845   http://www.mulliganschool.com   Mulligan School of Irish Step Dance Eileen Mulligan Evans, TCRG   4355 Shallowford Industrial Park Road Marietta, GA 30066   678-591-6975