Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing: A Connecticut Tradition

Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing Introduce

Nestled in the heart of Stamford, the Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing is more than just a dance school; it's a vibrant community where the rich traditions of Irish culture are passed down through the art of dance. Since its founding in 1999, the academy has grown into a leading institution in Connecticut, dedicated to nurturing a love for Irish dance in students of all ages. From tiny tots taking their first steps to advanced competitors aiming for the world stage, Pender-Keady provides a supportive and fun environment that fosters personal growth, discipline, and a deep appreciation for Irish heritage.

The core of the academy’s success lies in its remarkable teachers, co-directors Erin Pender-LeVine and Kathleen Keady. Both are accomplished professional Irish dancers who have achieved regional, national, and even international recognition. Their expertise and passion are a driving force behind the academy's reputation for producing not only exceptional dancers but also resilient and confident young individuals. The testimonials from parents speak volumes, highlighting how the school helps children develop crucial life skills like poise, tenacity, and the ability to perform with confidence. For many, the studio becomes a second home, a place where lasting friendships are formed and where every student is encouraged to be their best.

The Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing is located at 9 Hyde Street in Stamford, CT 06907. This location provides a convenient base for families throughout Stamford and the surrounding Fairfield County area. The academy understands the importance of accessibility for all its students and visitors. To that end, the facility offers a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring a smooth and easy arrival for everyone. The studio itself is a dedicated space designed for the unique demands of Irish dance, with specialized dance flooring that provides the ideal surface for practicing intricate footwork. The location is easily found and offers a dedicated, focused environment for learning and practice.

The academy's commitment to creating a welcoming space extends beyond its physical accessibility. The atmosphere is one of mutual respect and encouragement, where both students and parents feel like a valued part of a larger family. This strong sense of community is a key reason why many dancers stay with the school for years, forming bonds that go far beyond the dance studio. The combination of a convenient location and a supportive atmosphere makes Pender-Keady Academy a true gem for families in Connecticut looking for a high-quality and enriching extracurricular activity.

Pender-Keady Academy offers a comprehensive range of services and programs designed to cater to dancers at every stage of their journey, from their very first class to advanced competitive levels.

Beginner Classes
Child's Class
Class For Children
Dance For Toddlers
Irish Dancing Classes
Summer Camp Program
Dancing Camp
Performance Studio
Studio Rental

Whether a family is looking for a casual and fun introduction to Irish dancing or a more structured path toward competition, the academy has a program to fit their needs. The "Dance for Toddlers" classes introduce the youngest students to rhythm and movement in a playful way, while the Beginner Classes for children provide a solid foundation in the basics of Irish step dancing. The popular summer camp program is a fantastic way for new students to get a taste of Irish dance and for returning dancers to hone their skills over the break. The academy's dedication to performance is also a highlight, with students having the opportunity to participate in recitals and events that showcase their talent and hard work.

The Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing is proud to offer several key features and highlights that distinguish it as a premier dance school in the region.

Expert and passionate instructors who are former professional Irish dancers themselves.
A reputation for excellence, with students achieving top placements in regional, national, and even World Championships.
A supportive and friendly community where students form strong, lasting friendships.
A focus on building life skills such as confidence, resilience, and poise, which go beyond the dance floor.
The school is known to be good for kids, with a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and fun.
Dedicated performance studio and specialized dance flooring to provide the best possible learning experience.
Offering of popular summer camp programs for both new and returning students.
Wheelchair-accessible car park to ensure ease of access for all.

The reviews from satisfied parents powerfully illustrate these highlights. They consistently praise the amazing friendships their children have made, the incredible skills they have developed, and the life lessons learned under the guidance of Kathleen and Erin.

For more information about class schedules, registration, and to get started on your Irish dancing journey, please contact us.

Address: 9 Hyde St, Stamford, CT 06907, USA

Phone: (203) 316-8337

What makes the Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing an exceptional choice for families in Connecticut is its unique blend of professional-level instruction and a deeply supportive, family-like atmosphere. This school is not just about mastering dance steps; it is about character development. The expert teachers, with their own backgrounds as top competitive dancers, are mentors who instill a strong work ethic and a sense of self-belief in their students. The glowing testimonials from parents highlight how their children are not only becoming incredible dancers but are also learning to be strong, confident, and resilient individuals. The older dancers serve as role models for the younger ones, creating a beautiful cycle of mentorship and community.

Choosing Pender-Keady means choosing a place where your child can grow, not just as a dancer, but as a person. The academy provides an environment where hard work is celebrated and where success is achieved through discipline, passion, and the support of a caring community. The incredible opportunities for performance, whether at local recitals or major competitions, give students a stage to shine and showcase their talents. For any family in the Stamford area looking for an activity that combines artistic expression, athletic rigor, and personal development, the Pender-Keady Academy is a truly outstanding and worthwhile choice.

Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing Services

Dance School
Beginner Classes
Child's Class
Class For Children
Dance Flooring
Dance For Toddlers
Dancing Camp
Irish Dancing Classes
Performance Studio
Studio Rental
Summer Camp Program

Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park

Children
Good for kids

Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing Photos

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Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing Location

Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing

Connecticut Western Connecticut Planning Region Stamford Springdale Hyde Street

9 Hyde St, Stamford, CT 06907, USA

Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing Reviews

An average rating of ★5 from 9 user reviews.

irish dancelearned

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Both my girls are Irish Dancers at HPK - one for 8 years, one for 6. I can still remember going to my first PKA recital years ago - and being blown away, not just what my daughter had learned, but how incredible the older girls were. It was like seeing professional dancers, but none were above high school age. And, I have not been disappointed since. Both my girls have grown and developed as dancers, under the tutelage of the most remarkable teachers - both of whom were professional Irish Dancers themselves. It's a wonderful place - fellow dancers have become my daughters' best friends, they are happiest at the studio.Irish Dance has helped them develop focus, athleticism, amazing strength and musicality. They have also learned poise, tenacity, and resilience that goes beyond dance - they have been able to get up in front of an audience of 80+ adults and speak, sing, dance, or perform. Because, Kathleen and Erin have taught them how to square their shoulders, take a deep breath and be brave, no matter what they are asked to do. I know my girls are well prepared, not just for dance, but for life, because of what they've learned here.
June 01 · Jennifer Keating
My daughter has been dancing at Pender Keady for 10 years. The teachers are incredible! They love teaching and adore their students. My daughter has made amazing friendships with dancers from the school. If you want your child to have fun and learn irish dancing, Pender Keady is the way to go.
June 04 · Kristine Gould
Growing up an Irish Dancer, I always wanted my children to be able to learn a couple of the basic steps for family events and weddings. When my oldest was 5, I researched local Irish Dance schools and came across Pender-Keady Academy. I picked up the phone and left a message asking if 5 years old was too young and when could she begin. One of the owners, Kathleen, called me back and I signed my daughter up.Almost 9 years later, I not only have one but two daughters dancing with Pender-Keady. They not only learned to Irish Dance but they've learned to take risks, get on a stage in front of hundreds of strangers, celebrate the wins but learn from the disappointments. These are things that I know they will take beyond the world of Irish Dancing.The teachers are dedicated. They are honest. They are passionate and they truly love the dancers. The school is truly family. My children have made lifelong friends and so have their parents. The older dancers are true role models that the younger dancers look up to. And now as my oldest is turning 15, I see her taking on that 'older dancer' role model and as a parent it's very rewarding. If you have a child interested in learning some Irish Dancing, Pender-Keady Academy is the place to contact.
June 01 · Christina Batton
This studio is so special because the kids have such a spirit of camaraderie--they are working together to make each other better. The teachers are so accomplished--world-class dancers--but they make the lessons fun. And you would be astonished--astonished--to see what the kids can learn in such a short amount of time. I love that the older high school students mentor and teach the younger--the reverie the little girls have for them is heart-warming. My girls are also athletes and the dance makes them better athletes, as they have learned focus, attention to detail, and have developed incredible stamina. We have thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the culture of Irish dance at HPK!
May 31 · Jennifer Clark
I hired this academy to do a flash mob at my wedding, and boy did they deliver. They were the talk of the night! The ladies are incredibly talented, and the dances are very well choreographed. This is a high quality school, and when my new husband and I have children they will attend.
November 04 · Jillian McCaffrey