The McGinley School of Irish Dance offers classes for dancers ages 2 through adult, from first-time beginners through championship-level competitors.

Our dancers progress at their own pace, developing strong Irish dance technique while building confidence, coordination, musicality, discipline, and a love of Irish dance.

Whether your goal is recreational dancing, performing, competing, or reaching the championship level, McGinley offers opportunities for dancers at every stage of their Irish dance journey.

Young Bunghrád | Young Beginners

Ages 2–4

Our Young Bunghrád program introduces our youngest dancers to Irish dancing in a fun, encouraging, and age-appropriate environment.

Classes focus on developing the foundational skills needed for Irish dance while helping young dancers become comfortable in a class setting.

Dancers are introduced to:

• Basic Irish dance footwork

• Rhythm and Irish music

• Counting

• Posture

• Coordination and movement

• Beginning Reel steps

• A basic Céilí (group) dance

• Listening and classroom skills

Lessons incorporate short, manageable activities along with both group and individual instruction to keep our youngest dancers engaged and moving.

No previous dance experience is necessary.

Bunghrád | Beginners

Ages 5+

Our Bunghrád program is designed for dancers beginning Irish dance at age five or older.

Beginner dancers develop the fundamental technique that will provide the foundation for their future Irish dancing. Instruction includes:

• Proper posture and basic footwork

• Rhythm, timing, and musicality

• Reel

• Slip Jig

• Single Jig

• Light Jig

• Traditional and basic Céilí dances

As dancers develop their skills, they may have opportunities to participate in performances, parades, community events, and feiseanna (Irish dance competitions).

Performance and competition participation is optional.

Grades & Competitive Classes

As dancers progress beyond the beginner level, they advance through the CRN grade and championship levels.

Ullmhúchán | Novice

Dancers continue building their technique and expanding their repertoire while working toward more advanced steps and competition goals.

Meanghrád | Prizewinner

At the Meanghrád level, dancers continue developing increasingly advanced technique, strength, stamina, musicality, and performance skills.

Ardghrád | Preliminary Champion

Ardghrád dancers have progressed into championship-level Irish dancing and receive more intensive training focused on technique, choreography, fitness, performance, and competition preparation.

Craobhghrád | Open Champion

Craobhghrád represents our highest competitive level. These dancers participate in advanced training and may compete at major CRN championships, including the Irish Open and World Open Championships.

2026–27 Regular Class Schedule

Monday

7:00–8:00 PM
Adult Irish Dance

Tuesday

5:30–6:00 PM
Young Bunghrád | Young Beginners

5:30–6:15 PM
Bunghrád | Beginners

6:15–7:00 PM
Grades | Bunghrád & Ullmhúchán Lights

6:15–7:45 PM
Grades | Ullmhúchán & Meanghrád Light & Heavies & Ardghrád*

7:45–9:15 PM
Championship | Ardghrád & Craobhghrád

Thursday

Extra Classes*
Times and class groupings vary based on weekly offerings.

Friday & Saturday

Feis, Championship & Performance Practices*
Scheduled as needed throughout the dance year.

Adult Irish Dance

Mondays | 7:00–8:00 PM

Irish dance isn't just for kids!

Our Adult Irish Dance program welcomes adults with a variety of experience levels. Whether you danced years ago, currently compete, or have never Irish danced before, you're welcome to join us.

Adult dancers can participate simply for fun and fitness or take advantage of performance and competition opportunities.

Extra Classes

Extra classes are offered throughout the regular dance year to provide dancers with additional training opportunities.

These classes are offered on a pay-as-you-go basis and require advance registration. Class groupings and times vary depending on dancer sign-ups and upcoming events.

Additional practices may also be scheduled in preparation for feiseanna, championships, performances, parades, and special events.

Current families should refer to the weekly McGinley email for available classes, sign-up information, and scheduled times.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are available to currently enrolled dancers and are scheduled directly with Lena.

Private instruction allows dancers to receive individualized attention on technique, steps, competition preparation, or other specific areas of development.

Availability is limited and lessons must be scheduled in advance.

Teacher Training | ODCRN

Interested in becoming a qualified Irish dance teacher?

Lena McGinley, ADCRN, is an appointed CRN Teacher Trainer in the United States and offers training for individuals interested in pursuing their ODCRN teaching qualification with Cumann Rince Náisiúnta.

Teacher training may include private instruction, online training, workshops, and other scheduled learning opportunities throughout the year.

For information about teacher training or pursuing your ODCRN qualification, please contact Lena McGinley, ADCRN/CRN Teacher Trainer at LMcGinley@mcginleyirishdancers.com.

Ready to Start Dancing?

New dancers are welcome throughout the regular dance year as space permits.

No previous Irish dance experience is necessary, and you do not need to purchase Irish dance shoes or a costume before getting started.

Visit our Enrollment page to learn more and register for the 2026–27 dance year.

Our Studio

McGinley School of Irish Dance
701 Pear Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043

Proudly serving dancers from Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland, Enola, the West Shore, and communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

School closings and schedule changes are communicated directly to enrolled families through email and our school communication channels.

Click Here for directions to the studio.