McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy (McGL) is known throughout Chelmsford for its exceptional Contemporary Dance events. With a solid reputation that spans over 8 years across Europe, McGL has established itself as a top-notch dance academy, offering classes for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Through its affiliation with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, one of the governing bodies of Irish dance, McGL has proven its commitment to quality and excellence.
As a dance academy that extends its reach beyond Chelmsford, McGL now boasts multiple locations across SE England and Europe. From Essex to Kent, North and SE London, Oxford, Prague, and Warsaw, McGL makes sure that dancers have access to their exceptional instruction and guidance. The teachers at McGL are not only experienced, but they are also passionate about nurturing their students' talents and helping them achieve their dance goals.
What sets McGL apart is its commitment to inclusivity and support for all dancers, regardless of their aspirations. Whether you dream of competing at the World level or simply enjoy dancing as a hobby, McGL has a class specifically tailored to your level. Additionally, the academy offers support through its 'Friends of McGahan Lees' program, making it a priority to ensure that financial constraints don't hinder any talented dancer. Furthermore, McGL actively engages in charity donations, giving back to the community.
Joining the McGL family means becoming a part of a tight-knit and supportive community. McGL goes beyond being just a dance academy; it fosters a love for the art-form, challenges dancers to push their limits, and creates opportunities for dancers to travel and make lifelong memories.
For those interested in starting their dance journey, McGL offers beginner classes that provide a fun and non-competitive environment. In these classes, dancers learn the basics of Irish dance and are grouped according to their age. Initially, dancers only need to wear comfortable sports attire and plimsolls or pumps, with the requirement of tied-back hair. There's no need to purchase formal costumes or shoes at this stage. The beginner's classes are affordable, with dancers only needing to pay an annual registration fee, which includes McGL branded attire such as a t-shirt or shoe bag.
As dancers progress, they may consider investing in a pair of Irish Dance pumps for soft shoe dancing. Heavy shoes are reserved for advanced dancers, and the academy always has second-hand ones available. Beginner dancers are encouraged to participate in the academy's two annual class competitions, held during the summer and at Christmas. These competitions are joyful events that welcome the whole family to attend and even participate. Parents can witness their child's development, and dancers have the opportunity to showcase their progress.
If you're interested in finding a local Contemporary Dance class near you or viewing the class schedule, McGL's website provides all the necessary information. For those who are ready to take the next step and compete locally, McGL also offers competition classes.
