The Claddagh Association of Adult Irish Dance is a well-established dance club in Manchester, with classes that have been running for over 25 years. This non-profit organisation offers adult Irish dancing classes, providing a fun and friendly atmosphere for dancers of all ages and abilities, including complete beginners.
The classes take place every Monday evening from 7pm – 9pm, except bank holidays. The venue for these classes is Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall, located at 11 Fairfax Road, Prestwich, M25 1AS. The spacious and inviting Parish Hall provides an ideal setting for learning and practising Irish dance.
Under the guidance of Chris Mathewson, a TMRF qualified teacher, dancers at Claddagh Association learn a variety of dance styles, including both light and heavy dances in the iconic Riverdance style, as well as ceili, which involves team dancing. Chris Mathewson's expertise and experience ensure that dancers receive expert instruction and guidance.
The club offers a warm and welcoming environment, encouraging dancers to join simply for the enjoyment and social aspect of dancing. However, for those seeking more competitive opportunities, Claddagh Association has a track record of success in competitions. The group has won the Adult Ceili section of the North West Qualifying three times, as well as the European Championships and the All Ireland championships once.
In addition to dance classes and competitions, Claddagh Association members also enjoy an active social life. The club organises social events such as meals and theatre trips, providing a close-knit community for dancers to connect and build friendships.
New starters are welcome to join the club on the first Monday of every quarter, which falls in January, April, July, and October, unless it is a bank holiday, in which case it will be the following Monday. The minimum age requirement to join Claddagh Association is 18 years old, and complete beginners are encouraged to join.
To join the classes, there is a weekly fee of 5, payable online. Soft and comfortable footwear is recommended for the dance classes.
For more information about Claddagh Association of Adult Irish Dance, interested individuals can visit their website, where they can find more details about the club's constitution, contact information, photo gallery, upcoming events, and useful links. The website also features a video gallery showcasing the club's performances.
With its rich history and commitment to providing quality dance instruction in a welcoming environment, Claddagh Association of Adult Irish Dance continues to be a popular choice for dancers in Manchester and beyond.