Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance

- 2626 12th Ct SW Suite 5, Olympia, WA 98502

The Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance, a highly regarded institution with a deep-rooted history in the Puget Sound, is a beacon of Irish culture right here in Olympia, Washington. With roots dating back to 1996, the school is dedicated to teaching the traditional skills, technique, and rhythms of Irish dance in a supportive and inclusive environment. What makes this school particularly special is its mission to instill in every student not just dance steps, but also a sense of Ireland's rich history and tradition. This comprehensive approach transforms each class into a meaningful cultural experience.

The school, formerly known as Scoil Rince Slieveloughane, has built a reputation for excellence, training dancers from young children to adults, and from beginners to champions. While the dance is rigorous, the atmosphere is consistently described as family-like. Students are encouraged to support one another, with older dancers often taking the responsibility of mentoring and caring for the younger ones. This sense of community and mentorship is a key element of the school's success, creating a safe and positive space where every student can achieve their personal goals in dance. It is a place where passion for Irish dance becomes a lifelong love, fostering friendships that extend far beyond the dance floor.

Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance is conveniently located at 2626 12th Ct SW Suite 5, Olympia, WA 98502, USA. This central location makes the studio easily accessible for families and individuals throughout Olympia and the surrounding communities in Thurston County. The facility is committed to being an inclusive space, which is demonstrated by its wheelchair-accessible car park. This key feature helps to ensure that all members of the community can access the studio with ease, removing a potential barrier to participation in the arts.

The studio's physical address on 12th Court SW provides a dedicated and professional setting for all dance classes, rehearsals, and programs. The ease of access, combined with a consistent and well-equipped environment, allows students and their families to focus on the joy of learning and dancing. The school's presence in Olympia provides a central hub for Irish dance in the region, drawing students from various cities in the Puget Sound area. Its convenient location and commitment to physical accessibility make it a welcoming destination for all who wish to explore Irish dance.

Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance offers a variety of services designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching Irish dance experience.

• Dance Program: The core of the school's offerings is its structured dance program. This includes classes for students of all ages and levels, from beginner to champion. The program focuses on teaching traditional steps and techniques while also instilling a deep appreciation for the cultural roots of Irish dance.
• Dance Camps: The school provides engaging "Dance Camps" during the summer and other breaks. These camps are an excellent way for new students to get a taste of Irish dance or for current students to continue their training in a fun, immersive environment.
• Performances: Students have the opportunity to participate in numerous "Performances Dance" throughout the year. These include local community events, school assemblies, and St. Patrick's Day celebrations, which are a great way for dancers to showcase their skills and share the joy of Irish dance with a wider audience.
• Irish Dance Program: The school offers a specific "Irish Dance Program" that is accredited with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, the largest and most respected Irish Dance organization in the world. This accreditation ensures that the instruction is traditional, proper, and of the highest quality.

Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance is distinguished by a number of key features and highlights that make it a premier choice for Irish dance education in the Washington region.

• Accreditation and World-Class Instruction: The school is fully accredited and registered with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland. This is a significant highlight as it guarantees that students receive traditional and technically sound instruction. The instructors themselves are highly qualified, with some holding prestigious positions within the global Irish dance community.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: The school embraces diversity and inclusion, welcoming dancers and families of all ages and backgrounds. Their core values of integrity, inclusion, respect, and responsibility are a guiding force in everything they do, creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
• Community and Family Atmosphere: As noted in customer reviews, the studio fosters a strong sense of community that "feels like home." The older dancers mentor the younger ones, and the supportive environment gives children confidence and a sense of belonging. The family-friendly culture is a major highlight.
• Path for All Dancers: Whether a student is interested in dance for recreation or for competition, the school supports their goals. While many students choose to compete in feiseanna (competitions), there is no requirement to do so, allowing dancers to pursue their passion on their own terms.
• Cultural Enrichment: Beyond the steps, the school teaches students about Irish history and culture. This holistic approach enriches the dance experience and provides students with a deeper appreciation for the art form.
• Accessibility: The wheelchair-accessible car park is a key feature that makes the studio available to a wider range of community members, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

For those interested in learning more or enrolling in a class, here is the contact information for Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance:

Address: 2626 12th Ct SW Suite 5, Olympia, WA 98502, USA

Phone: There is no publicly available phone number for the school.

For families in the Washington region, choosing the Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance is an exceptional decision for several powerful reasons. The most compelling factor is the school's unique combination of world-class, accredited instruction and a deeply supportive, family-like community. This is not a typical dance studio; it is a cultural institution that has produced dancers who have competed and won at championships all over the world. Yet, despite this high level of excellence, the environment remains warm and welcoming to every student, from the youngest beginner to the most experienced dancer.

The school's commitment to inclusivity, with its values of integrity, respect, and responsibility, ensures that every dancer feels safe, valued, and empowered. The testimonials from families, particularly those who have seen their children's confidence grow and who appreciate the mentorship from older dancers, speak volumes about the positive impact of this environment. The option to pursue dance for either recreation or competition provides flexibility for every family's needs and goals. By choosing this school, you are not only providing your child with a high-quality dance education but also with an enriching cultural experience and a community that will support them for years to come. It's a place where a love for dance and a connection to Irish heritage can flourish, making it a truly worthwhile and special choice for any family in the area.

Haley Prendergast School of Irish Dance

2626 12th Ct SW Suite 5, Olympia, WA 98502, USA