Flying Irish Studio

- Flying Irish Studio, MA-119, Ashby, MA 01431

Flying Irish Studio stands as a dedicated and respected cultural and athletic institution in the North Central region of Massachusetts, offering a rich curriculum centered primarily around authentic Irish Dance. Situated conveniently off Route 119 in Ashby, this dance school provides a vital hub for individuals across the state, and particularly those near the New Hampshire border, who are passionate about Celtic traditions, movement, and performance. Established in 1997 by the highly qualified Mary-Sarah O'Hanlon, TCRG, ADCRG, the studio brings a high level of expertise to its instruction, ensuring that students receive training rooted in proper technique and tradition.

More than just a location for weekly classes, the Flying Irish Studio is a vibrant community where youth and adults can develop physical fitness, discipline, and a deep connection to Irish culture. The school proudly identifies as a women-owned business, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and encouraging environment that is well-suited for students of all ages, including children, as indicated in its profile. While specialized in Irish Dance—a physically demanding art form encompassing both hard and soft shoe styles—the studio has broadened its offerings to include modern fitness and movement classes like Aerial Yoga, demonstrating a commitment to holistic student development.

The reputation of the Flying Irish Studio is built on its blend of authentic instruction and its focus on both recreational enjoyment and competitive excellence. Dancers from the studio, known as the Flying Irish Dance Troupe, have demonstrated their talent not only in local Massachusetts performances but also in regional, national, and international competitions, reflecting the rigorous and effective coaching provided. Whether a Massachusetts resident is looking for a unique form of exercise, a performance opportunity, or the chance to compete on the global stage, Flying Irish Studio offers a comprehensive program to meet those goals. The studio is a cornerstone of the regional Irish-American community, offering educational programs and performance training that enrich the cultural life of Massachusetts.

The Flying Irish Studio is strategically located along MA-119 in the quaint town of Ashby, MA 01431, USA. This location is particularly advantageous for residents in the northern parts of Massachusetts, including towns in Middlesex and Worcester counties, and those who commute from southern New Hampshire, thanks to the studio's proximity to the state line. Its placement on Route 119, a main state highway, ensures good vehicular access for families across the area.

For the convenience of local users, the facility offers onsite services and is equipped with necessary features to ensure smooth visitation. A significant feature noted in the facility's profile is the presence of a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This commitment to accessibility ensures that the studio is approachable for families and students with diverse mobility needs. While the studio is located on a state route, its exact physical building location should be confirmed with the school prior to a first visit, especially as the address listed is a general location on MA-119.

Parking is made easier by the designated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and the ability to accept both in-person and virtual students extends the studio's reach far beyond the immediate Ashby area, accommodating the diverse scheduling and geographical needs of students across Massachusetts. The dual access for onsite and virtual classes is a modern convenience highly valued by busy families today.

Flying Irish Studio offers an expansive list of services that cater to dancers of all levels, ages, and interests, far beyond traditional youth classes. The offerings are structured to accommodate students pursuing a casual hobby up to those aiming for competitive or professional performance careers.

The specialized and diverse range of services includes:

• Irish Dance Classes: Core programs covering all aspects of Irish Dance for various skill levels.
• Beginner's, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes: Structured progression for all ages, from foundational steps to complex reels and jigs, including specialized technique for both soft and hard shoe dances.
• Youth Classes and Child's Class: Age-appropriate programs that introduce young students to dance in a fun and encouraging setting, often featuring 60-minute class sessions.
• Adult Lessons: Dedicated classes designed specifically for adults who are new to Irish Dance or seeking to resume training, providing a welcoming social and physical outlet.
• Private Lessons and Private Classes: One-on-one instruction tailored for personalized goals, technique refinement, competition preparation (Solo Dance), or choreography development.
• Group Classes and Master Classes: Opportunities for collective learning, skill refinement, and instruction from senior or visiting experts.
• Aerial Yoga and Exercise Classes: Modern fitness programs that offer complementary training in flexibility, core strength, and balance, enhancing overall athletic ability.
• Performance Training and Dance Choreography: Focused instruction for dancers involved in the Flying Irish Dance Troupe, preparing them for public appearances and competitions.
• Online Classes / Virtual Classes and Online Training: Remote instruction options that provide flexibility and accessibility to students across a wider geographical area in Massachusetts and beyond.
• Educational Programs, Summer Classes, and Summer Sessions: Specialized sessions, camps, and workshops offered during school breaks for intensive or focused learning.
• Private Events and Special Programs: Opportunities to book the troupe for local events or customized training sessions.
• Home Tutoring: A flexible, personalized option for focused dance instruction outside of the studio.

Flying Irish Studio possesses several distinguishing features and highlights that solidify its status as a top-tier specialty dance school in Massachusetts.

• Highly Qualified Leadership: The school is led by Mary-Sarah O'Hanlon, who holds the credentials of TCRG (Teacher) and ADCRG (Adjudicator), signifying that she is certified both to teach and to judge Irish Dance competitions, a guarantee of authentic and world-class instruction.
• Competitive and Performance Excellence: The studio actively participates in regional, national, and international Irish Dance competitions, offering serious students a clear and challenging path for competitive growth and achievement.
• Women-Owned Business Identity: The studio proudly identifies as a women-owned enterprise, contributing to a culture of female leadership, mentorship, and empowerment within the local community.
• Holistic Program Variety: The inclusion of complementary services like Aerial Yoga and general Exercise Classes shows a modern, comprehensive approach to training that supports the dancer's overall physical wellness and injury prevention.
• Accessibility and Flexibility: The availability of both in-person and online classes, alongside the provision for special programming like Home Tutoring, demonstrates a high degree of flexibility and accommodation for busy Massachusetts families and adult learners.
• Strong Community and Troupe Presence: The Flying Irish Dance Troupe provides valuable performance training and a visible presence at local and regional events, giving students practical experience and a sense of shared purpose.

For all registration inquiries, class schedules, or to book the dance troupe for an event in Massachusetts, interested parties can utilize the following contact details:

Contact Information:

• Address: Flying Irish Studio, MA-119, Ashby, MA 01431, USA
• Phone: (978) 386-2325
• Mobile Phone: +1 978-386-2325

It is recommended that new students call or email the studio to confirm class times, registration process, and to get the specific physical address details off MA-119, ensuring a smooth first visit.

For Massachusetts residents seeking excellence in Irish Dance, Flying Irish Studio is the superior choice primarily because of its exceptional, certified leadership and its comprehensive approach to instruction. Choosing a school led by an ADCRG like Mary-Sarah O'Hanlon means that students receive training vetted by the highest standards in the international Irish Dance world, which is crucial whether the goal is competitive success or simply authentic mastery of the art form. The studio doesn't just teach steps; it offers a pathway to competitive achievement and cultural immersion.

Furthermore, the extensive flexibility, including separate adult lessons and advanced online training options, ensures that the studio can cater to the modern schedule of any Massachusetts adult or family. For parents, knowing the business is women-owned and provides a supportive, "good for kids" environment—backed by the option of competitive training and performance opportunities—offers unparalleled value. The inclusion of complementary Aerial Yoga is a thoughtful addition, promoting the overall health and athletic longevity of the dancers. For an authentic, high-quality, and community-focused Irish Dance experience on the North Central Massachusetts border, Flying Irish Studio is undeniably the best destination.

Flying Irish Studio

Flying Irish Studio, MA-119, Ashby, MA 01431, USA