Business Details
21 Years
experience
Premier Irish Dance School in Saint Paul, MN
O'Shea Irish Dance was founded in 2005 by Cormac O'Shea, a certified instructor with An Coimisin Le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG) and former Riverdance lead performer. Our school trains dancers aged three to adult in traditional Irish step dance, emphasizing technical precision, physical conditioning, and performance artistry. With 16 Regional Solo Championship titles and multiple world championship placements, we prepare students for competitive success while fostering cultural appreciation. Our curriculum integrates strength training, flexibility development, and musicality education. The studio produces two annual professional theatrical shows and maintains affiliations with global Irish dance organizations.Our instructors combine decades of performance experience with pedagogical expertise to cultivate well-rounded artists. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, we serve the Twin Cities metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Our facility at The Celtic Junction arts center hosts rehearsals, workshops, and cultural events. We offer classes for all skill levels from preschool introduction through championship preparation. Our alumni have achieved regional, national, and international recognition in Irish dance competitions.
Services
Irish Dance Classes
Competitive Training
Performance Workshops
Championship Preparation
Adult Dance Classes
Preschool Introduction
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Director Cormac O'Shea brings 6 years of Riverdance touring experience and 2000+ professional performances
- CLRG-certified instructors required for official competition eligibility
- 16 Regional Solo Championship titles and 8 World Championship top-ten placements
- Holistic training approach combining technical skill with physical conditioning and performance artistry
- Annual professional theatrical productions at Twin Cities venues including Fitzgerald Theater and Chanhassen Dinner Theater
Associations and certifications
- An Coimisin Le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG)
What people say
World-class instruction
Championship preparation
Professional shows
Cultural preservation
Experienced instructors
Services
Irish Dance Classes
Structured Irish step dance training for ages 3+ with progressive curriculum. Classes focus on technical precision, musicality, and performance artistry. Instructors combine Riverdance experience with pedagogical expertise to develop dancers from preschool through championship levels.
Competitive Training
Specialized coaching for competition success. Includes technical refinement, routine development, and performance strategy. Students train 2-3 times weekly with additional core strengthening classes. Program has produced 16 regional champions and multiple world championship qualifiers.
Performance Workshops
Theatrical performance preparation for annual productions. Combines dance technique with stagecraft, lighting, and ensemble coordination. Participants perform in professional venues like Fitzgerald Theater and Chanhassen Dinner Theater as part of our two annual shows.
Championship Preparation
Advanced technical coaching for championship-level dancers. Focus on complex steps, speed development, and competition strategy. Requires mandatory barre/core classes and minimum 2-3 weekly training sessions. Program has achieved multiple national and international placements.
Adult Dance Classes
Irish dance instruction for adult learners. Focuses on cultural appreciation, physical fitness, and social engagement. Classes accommodate varying experience levels from beginners to returning dancers. Taught by instructors with professional performance backgrounds.
People
Cormac O'Shea
Director
Former Riverdance lead performer with 6 years touring experience and 2000+ shows. T.C.R.G. certified instructor since 2006. Founded O'Shea Irish Dance in 2005 and established The Celtic Junction arts center. 30 years of teaching experience.
Natalie O'Shea
Co-Founder
Executive Director of Celtic Junction Arts Center. Co-founder with extensive theater and dance background. Holds theater degree from St. Olaf College. Former scenic designer for Minnesota Opera and Guthrie Theater. Teaches dance and creative movement.
Sarah Ann Weaver
Instructor
Licensed science teacher with decade of dance instruction experience. Trained in ballet, modern, and Irish dance. Former Oregon Festival Ballet member. Combines educational expertise with technical dance training. Teaches ballet and creative movement.
Becky Bollinger
Instructor
Certified instructor with competitive Irish dance background. Preliminary Championship competitor. Director of Compliance for group home company. Teaches beginner and adult classes. Additional training in traditional Irish music instruments.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children starting at age 3 through adult learners. Our curriculum includes preschool introduction, beginner through championship levels, and adult recreational classes.
Do I need Irish heritage to participate?
No Irish heritage is required. Our students come from diverse backgrounds. We welcome anyone interested in learning traditional Irish dance forms and cultural arts.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in two annual professional productions at Twin Cities venues. We also compete in regional, national, and international competitions with a strong track record of success.
Are your instructors certified?
Yes, all instructors are certified by An Coimisin Le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG), the international governing body for Irish dance. Director Cormac O'Shea is a T.C.R.G. certified instructor.
How do you prepare for competitions?
Our structured curriculum includes technical training, strength conditioning, and performance practice. Championship-level students receive specialized coaching and participate in required barre/core strengthening classes.
