McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy

Welcome to McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy (McGL)! The Academy, founded by Frances McGahan in 1996, is registered with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, a governing body of Irish dance based in Dublin, Ireland. Over the past 25 years, McGL has gained a global reputation as a top Irish Dance Academy, guiding dancers from beginners to the prestigious stages of London's West End. With multiple locations across SE England and Europe, including Essex, Kent, North & SE London, Oxford, Prague, and Warsaw, McGL offers classes for all ages and levels.

At McGL, we believe in treating everyone as equals. Our dedicated teachers, who have walked the same journey as our students, provide exceptional instruction and support for their growth. They are experienced and qualified, living for those moments when their students shine in their own experiences.

We take great pride in our ability to support dancers from within through “Friends of McGahan Lees”. We ensure that no student with potential is hindered by financial constraints. Furthermore, we understand our responsibility to give back to the community by donating thousands of pounds to charities every year.

McGL is more than just a Dance Academy. We are a close-knit community that supports one another. When you join McGL, you become a part of a family that challenges you to excel and provides opportunities to develop a deep love for Irish dance. While many dancers simply enjoy the art form, some go on to travel the world, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Embarking on your journey at McGL begins with our beginner's experience. Beginners are grouped by similar ages and participate in a one-hour class. These classes are focused on learning the basics of Irish Dance in a fun and non-competitive environment. All you need is comfortable sports attire (t-shirt, shorts or leggings) and plimsolls or pumps. There's no requirement for formal costumes or shoes at this stage. We want beginners to have a great time discovering Irish Dance!

The only additional cost is an annual registration fee, payable once a year. Each dancer receives McGL branded attire, such as a t-shirt or shoe bag. Taster classes are free, and the registration fee is only due when a dancer returns for their second month. As time goes on, parents may choose to invest in Irish Dance pumps for soft shoe dancing. Second-hand options are often available, and heavy shoes are only necessary as a child progresses.

We actively encourage beginners to participate in our two annual class competitions, one in the summer and the other at Christmas. These competitions are enjoyable for the whole family, offering a chance to see your child's progress. Everyone walks away with something to commemorate the experience.

If you're eager to find a local McGL class near you, please refer to our class schedule. For those ready to take on the challenge of competing, we also offer competition classes.