McCafferty Irish Arts Center (McCafferty Irish Dance / McCafferty Irish Feis Foundation)

- 6805 W 12th St, Little Rock, AR 72204

Introduction / Overview

For those in Little Rock and the broader Arkansas community with an interest in Irish culture, the McCafferty Irish Arts Center, which includes McCafferty Irish Dance and the McCafferty Irish Feis Foundation, is a vibrant and welcoming institution. This cultural center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose core mission is to promote Irish Arts, with a primary focus on children. It's a place where tradition meets community, offering a comprehensive and nurturing environment for students of all ages. The instructors at the center are not only highly dedicated professionals but also deeply passionate about their craft, as highlighted by a customer review stating, "They do it because they love it!" This passion is contagious and creates a positive, supportive atmosphere for everyone who walks through their doors. The center is more than just a dance studio; it is a cultural hub that aims to share the richness of Irish heritage with the community. Through classes, performances, and participation in competitions known as "feiseanna," they provide a unique opportunity for people to connect with their Irish roots or simply learn a new and exciting art form. They have a proud history of sending numerous dancers to compete at Regional, National, and even World Championships, a testament to the high quality of their instruction. At the same time, they maintain an inclusive environment where students of all skill levels, including absolute beginners, are welcomed with open arms. The McCafferty Irish Arts Center is a true gem in Central Arkansas, fostering discipline, teamwork, and lifelong friendships through the infectious joy of Irish dance and culture.

Location and Accessibility

The McCafferty Irish Arts Center is conveniently located at 6805 W 12th St in Little Rock, Arkansas. Its position in a well-established area of the city makes it easily accessible for families and individuals from a wide range of neighborhoods. The center's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its thoughtful design and amenities. The facility features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that it is a welcoming and convenient space for all members of the community, regardless of mobility. This focus on accessibility reflects the center’s overall philosophy of being a place where everyone can participate and feel comfortable. The location itself is practical for a quick visit, with a dedicated parking lot that simplifies drop-off and pickup. Being situated on a main road, it is well-connected to other parts of Little Rock, which is a significant advantage for busy families with packed schedules. The ease of access, combined with the a focus on accommodating everyone, makes the McCafferty Irish Arts Center a stress-free and practical choice for anyone interested in exploring Irish dance and culture. The physical location is a testament to the center’s mission to serve and enrich the entire community, providing a professional and accommodating space for cultural education and artistic expression for all who wish to be a part of it.

Services Offered

• Irish dance classes for children as young as 3 years old and for all ages.
• Instruction in traditional Irish step dance, including both soft shoe and hard shoe techniques.
• Classes available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday to accommodate various schedules.
• Opportunities for students to compete in local, regional, national, and world championships.
• Performance opportunities at local events and festivals to showcase skills and spread Irish culture.
• Trial classes for new students, with the first class being free to allow a risk-free introduction to Irish dance.
• Specialized training for competitive dancers to help them achieve their goals on the feis circuit.
• A supportive and nurturing environment that emphasizes teamwork and hard work.
• Programs run by the McCafferty Irish Feis Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Irish arts.
• Classes tailored to individual needs, as exemplified by a review noting an instructor who modified practice for a student with a knee injury.

Features / Highlights

• A dedicated team of Irish dance instructors who are passionate and highly skilled.
• The McCafferty Irish Feis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote Irish arts, primarily to children.
• Proven track record of success with students who have competed at the World Championships.
• A focus on creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere that is "good for kids."
• The instructors are praised for being kind and for listening to their students' needs.
• A welcoming and inclusive environment with a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
• Offers a free first class for new students, providing a no-commitment way to try Irish dance.
• Provides opportunities for dancers to make everlasting friendships and learn valuable life lessons.
• A central location in Little Rock with convenient access and parking.
• The center is a hub for community-based performances, helping to spread Irish culture throughout Arkansas.

Contact Information

Address: 6805 W 12th St, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA

Phone: (501) 628-2063

What is worth choosing

When selecting a dance or arts center, the quality of instruction and the environment are paramount, and the McCafferty Irish Arts Center excels in both. What makes this institution particularly compelling is the dedication of its instructors. A review from a satisfied customer states, "Very dedicated and they do it because they love it!" This passion is a powerful motivator for students and creates a learning environment that is both encouraging and inspiring. The instructors are not only experts in Irish dance but are also known for their kindness and responsiveness, as shown in the review about the teacher who "changed the practice" to accommodate a student's knee injury. This level of personalized care is invaluable and demonstrates a genuine commitment to student well-being. Furthermore, the McCafferty Irish Arts Center is a gateway to a unique and vibrant culture. As the home of the McCafferty Irish Feis Foundation, a non-profit organization, the center’s mission goes beyond mere instruction to the broader goal of promoting Irish arts to the community. This provides students with more than just dance lessons; it gives them an opportunity to be part of a larger cultural movement, whether through local performances or participation in feiseanna. The center’s track record of producing dancers who have competed at the highest levels—Regional, National, and World Championships—is a testament to the quality of its training. However, this competitive success is balanced by a strong focus on community and friendship. The center is also highly accessible, with a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring that everyone has the chance to participate. The offer of a free first class is a great way for prospective students to get a taste of the experience without any commitment. Ultimately, choosing the McCafferty Irish Arts Center means choosing a place that fosters not only technical skill but also a love for the art, a sense of community, and the confidence to perform. It is a place where you can learn to dance, make lifelong friends, and become a part of a beautiful and enduring cultural tradition right here in Little Rock.

McCafferty Irish Arts Center (McCafferty Irish Dance / McCafferty Irish Feis Foundation)

6805 W 12th St, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA