By Gemma Chriss
Aspiring dancers from all over the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and Kent, Ohio areas regularly flock to MacConmara Academy of Irish Dance in order to take advantage of everything this reputable dance studio has available. Though this Akron, Ohio-based establishment has a long tradition of teaching the fundamentals of traditional Irish dance to local children, they’ve since expanded their course offerings to include both youth and adult dance classes. With many students going on to perform at various Irish festivals throughout the state, as well as competitions across the globe, it’s clear that the talented dance instructors at MacConmara are doing something right!
For those who are interested in exploring the art of Irish dance themselves, MacConmara Academy of Irish Dance has a wide range of courses from which to choose. Adult dance classes will begin on June 6th at 8:30pm and June 8th at 6:30pm. The price for this 8-week session is $80, and will give adults the opportunity to learn basic movements in a laid-back environment. Sign-ups for youth dance classes are also being accepted this summer, with toddler classes (2 ½ – 3 years) scheduled for Wednesdays at
5pm and pre-beginner classes (4-5 years) scheduled for Wednesdays at 4:30pm. Introductory classes will be held on Mondays at 6:30pm for the Stow location and Wednesdays at 5:30pm for the Green location.
Families that aren’t able to commit to a 6-week session can sign their children up for one of the dance studio’s 4-day summer camps. These youth dance classes will take place on July 18th-21st and August 9th-12th. Not only do these brief sessions allow participants to meet the dance instructors and see if Irish dance is a good fit, but watch as advanced students prepare for upcoming events.
On Saturday, June 11th, the students of MacConmara Academy of Irish Dance will be performing at the Riverfront Irish Festival in Cuyahoga Falls. First-year through championship-level students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they’ve 
learned from MacConmara’s dance instructors during this fun cultural event. Residents throughout the Kent and Akron areas are encouraged to attend as the Celtic Storm team will undoubtedly be putting on another fantastic show. Plus, spectators will even be able to come up on stage and try out Irish dance for themselves!
Though it may seem as though this local dance studio has a busy season planned, there’s even more to come! Next week, MacConmara Academy of Irish Dance will welcome a guest instructor from Dublin, Ireland. Marcus Maloney will be teaching a 1-week workshop that includes drilling, practicing new steps, and taking dancers to the next level. Having performed and choreographed in a number of shows over his impressive career, Maloney is an excellent role model for those who plan on continuing their Irish dance training.
To learn more about this local dance studio, visit their website at www.macconmaraacademy.com. Along with a schedule of the youth and adult dance classes they have available, MacConmara’s website also includes information on their dance instructors as well as advanced students who will be participating in the national and/or world championships this yea
r! For those who simply wish to see MacConmara’s students perform at one of the upcoming Irish festivals this season, the event calendar is updated on a regular basis. Parents throughout the Kent, Ohio and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio areas who are interested in enrolling their children in Irish dance classes can give MacConmara Academy of Irish Dance a call at 330.608.6959.
MacConmara Academy of Irish Dance
Ph: 330.608.6959
www.macconmaraacademy.com
2760 S Arlington Rd
Akron, Ohio 44312
3038 Graham Rd
Stow, Ohio 44224