The Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance has been in existence since 1994. It is an organization dedication to the preservation and promotion of Irish culture through the traditional art of Irish step dancing. It began at the Bristol A.O.H. with fifteen students and a lot of energy. The school has grown considerably since then and now has locations in lower, central, and upper Bucks County. It has been exciting to see the resurgence of Irish step dancing in our area and around the country. The popularity of shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance has had a major impact on the interest of the traditional art of Irish step-dancing.
The Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance is an accredited Irish Dance School. Director Maggie Fitzpatrick Guenther has obtained her T.C.R.G. certification. She is a certified teacher with the An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, Dublin, Ireland, The Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America, and the Irish Dance Teachers Association- Mid Altantic Region. Maggie began dancing at the age of 4 with the Carr-Bennett School in Philadelphia and then under the direction of Cyril McNiff in New York. She has studied new techniques under the direction of trained dancer and teacher (TCRG) Father Brian Frain, SSJ. She has also participated in master Irish dance classes with Riverdance star and choreographer, Colin Dunne. The dancers have attended workshops with Father Brian Frain, TCRG and have been taking additional ongoing classes with professional Irish dancer and choreographer Maureen Berry, TCRG, of Baltimore, MD.
Lessons are held in Lower, Central, and Upper Bucks County.
Students range in age from 3 to adults. Student opportunities range from recreational dance to performance troupes to international dance competitions. The focus of our dance school is on the performance aspect of Irish dance. The Fitzpatrick Dancers have performed at the Trenton War Memorial with the Irish Tenors; opened for the band, Blackthorn; performed shows at the Bristol Riverside theatre; performed and held a benefit concert for the arrival of the Jeanie Johnson ship when it docked in Bristol; performed at DisneyWorld, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and Sesame Place. They have also traveled and performed at the Molly Malone's Irish Pub in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. The dancers also have participated in the Philadelphia and Bucks County St. Patrick's Day parades, the Bristol Christmas Parade, and the Doylestown Memorial Day parade. They are featured dancers at many local fairs and festivals. They will be featured at the Wildwood Irish festival this coming September. The students also regularly perform at area schools, retirement homes, nursing homes, and special care facilities. The dancers are dedicated to sharing their talents with all in their communities.
The students love performing!
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