Upper Exeter City may not appear on every map, but its Irish dance community is as real and spirited as any in the mid-Atlantic region. For decades, this riverside city has nurtured a tight-knit network of dance schools, fueled by generations of Irish-American families and newcomers drawn to the art form's precision and joy. Whether you're lacing up your first pair of ghillies or returning to the stage after years away, three studios stand out for their distinct philosophies, welcoming atmospheres, and deep roots in local tradition.
A Brief History of Irish Dance Here
Irish dance arrived in Upper Exeter City in the early 1960s, when the McElligott family opened a small ceili hall in the St. Brendan's parish basement. What began as Saturday social gatherings evolved into formal instruction by the 1980s, and today the city supports five active studios, an annual Feis hosted at the Exeter Convention Center, and a St. Patrick's Day parade that draws dancers from three counties.
The local scene blends fierce inter-studio rivalry with genuine camaraderie. Dancers who compete against one another on Sunday often share the same stage at charity benefits on Wednesday. That duality—competitive excellence paired with community obligation—defines Upper Exeter City's approach to the tradition.
Studio Profiles: What Sets Each Apart
Celtic Spirit Studio
Neighborhood: Riverfront District, near the Exeter tram line
Best for: Competitive dancers ages 8–18; contemporary choreography enthusiasts
Standout detail: The studio's competition team has qualified for the World Irish Dance Championships in 12 of the last 15 years.
Celtic Spirit Studio occupies a converted 1890s warehouse with 16-foot ceilings and three sprung-wood floors. Founder and TCRG-certified instructor Maeve O'Donnell emphasizes what she calls "tradition with torque"—a curriculum that grounds students in soft-shoe and hard-shoe fundamentals before introducing theatrical staging and non-traditional music. Classes run six days a week, with advanced students logging 8–12 hours of practice. The atmosphere is demanding but not cold: older dancers mentor beginners through a structured "big-little" pairing system.
Class formats: Beginner soft shoe, hard shoe technique, championship prep, solo choreography, adult fitness reel
Emerald Isle Academy
Neighborhood: Maplewood, two blocks from St. Brendan's Church
Best for: Families, multi-age siblings, adult beginners seeking a low-pressure entry
Standout detail: The annual spring showcase is held at the historic Exeter Opera House, with live accompaniment from a local four-piece trad band.
Walk into Emerald Isle Academy on a Saturday morning and you'll likely find a grandmother learning her first jig alongside her seven-year-old granddaughter. Director Siobhan Kelly built the academy around the principle that Irish dance belongs to every age and body type. The studio's signature color—County Kerry green—covers the walls and the sprung floor, and beginners often start their first reel to the sound of a live accordion player rather than a recording. Kelly's own mother, now in her seventies, still takes the adult beginner class on Thursday evenings.
Class formats: Parent-and-tot movement, youth soft shoe, teen/adult mixed-level ceili, senior balance and rhythm, summer intensive
Liffey Steps Dance Center
Neighborhood: Westside Arts Corridor
Best for: Technique purists, students considering collegiate or professional dance, community-minded families
Standout detail: Liffey Steps runs a free outreach program in six local public schools, introducing approximately 400 children annually to Irish dance at no cost.
Housed in a former textile mill, Liffey Steps Dance Center feels more conservatory than rec center. Director Colin Byrne, a former Riverdance touring member, structures the syllabus around biomechanical efficiency and musical phrasing. Dancers here spend their first two years mastering posture and timing before competing. The studio also maintains the city's most extensive library of Irish dance history, available to students for research projects and independent study.
Beyond the studio walls, Liffey Steps' school outreach program brings instructors into classrooms with portable floors and loaner shoes. Several current championship dancers first discovered the art form through these assemblies.
Class formats: Foundation technique (ages 4–6), graded syllabus, pre-professional track, ceili team, music theory for dancers, open studio nights
How to Choose the Right Fit
| If you want... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Intensive competition training and contemporary performance | Celtic Spirit Studio |
| A family-friendly environment with live music and multi-age classes | Emerald Isle Academy |
| Rigorous technique, historical depth, and strong community outreach | Liffey Steps Dance Center |
Most studios in Upper Exeter City offer a free trial class or an open house in late August and early January. Visiting in person matters: the right floor, the right instructor voice
