One Irish dancing academy is changing children's lives, one step at a time. Located in Shorewood, McMenamin Irish Dance Academy is a family-oriented non-profit Irish step dancing studio, the only non-profit Irish dance academy in Milwaukee.
Started in 2005 in the director’s basement, MIDA now has scores of students, ages four through high school. The mission of the school’s owner and instructor, Aine McMenamin-Johnson, TCRG, is to provide a safe and friendly atmosphere that nurtures the dancers as they learn. Starting to dance at the age of four, McMenamin-Johnson went to the World Irish Dancing Championships ten times. She then decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education and is the only instructor in the Midwest to hold such a degree. She later received her TCRG certification. She now devotes all of her time to teaching the dancers at MIDA and raising her twin two-year olds.
Now the McMenamin Irish Dance Academy has students who compete all over the country. The school performs at Milwaukee’s Irish Fest every year, and on St. Patrick’s Day as well. McMenamin Academy is proud to have many dancers from Whitefish Bay and Shorewood, but is also home to dancers from all over Southeastern Wisconsin.
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The dancers are currently preparing for their annual all-school recital and fundraiser. Called Spraoi, which is Gaelic for “celebrate”, this recital will showcase the entire academy, from the beginner dancers to the most accomplished. The show will have both traditional Irish dancing that is identical all around the world, and original choreography unique to MIDA. It will also feature raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, and concessions. The show will be held Sunday, September 29th at 2:30pm at the Dominican High School Theater in Whitefish Bay.
If you are interested in attending, please email aine@mcmenaminacademy.com or call (414) 967-7038. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door for adults, and $7 in advance and $10 at the door for students. Children 4 and younger are free. If you would like to learn more about McMenamin, visit their website at www.mcmenaminacademy.com, or like them on Facebook.
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MIDA is one school with a mission. Led by brilliant teachers and talented students, it is sure to be successful in anything it takes on.
Written by Emma Mitchell
