Finnuala Irwin, founder of the Irwin School of Irish Dancing, first began her dance career under the instruction of renowned teacher Ted Kavanagh in London, England. Upon immigrating to Canada, Finnuala taught Irish dancing in Saskatoon for a number of years before moving to Calgary. This is where the Irwin School of Irish Dancing was established in 1985. It has since become one of Calgary’s most experienced and established Irish Dancing schools. The school has since expanded to include three more certified teachers (TCRGs), including daughters Andrea and Sarah, and former student Kelly McCabe. This dancing academy has produced many World and National championship level dancers, including two National Solo Champions who have both won the title twice. The school has also had top 3 podium placings at the World Championships in the solo categories and numerous National Ceili Champions. Many of their students have also gone on to perform in some of the internationally acclaimed shows such as “Riverdance”, “Lord of the Dance” and “Trinity”.
With the primary dance studio located in south east Calgary, classes are held for children ages 5 and up. Students of the Irwin School will learn both hard and soft shoe dances, solo and ceili team dances. The children will train to dance for both competitions and performances. Dancers will typically attend one to three lessons a week, depending upon their experience level. The Irwin School dancers are frequently booked to perform shows that have, in the past, included everything from weddings to the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The Irwin school dancers can be booked for shows by clicking HERE.
