Business Details
Premier Irish Dance School in Eastchester, NY
Founded over a decade ago, McGough Academy has established itself as a premier dance institution in the Northeast, dedicated to nurturing confident, accomplished children through Irish dance, cheer, and gymnastics. Our mission centers on fostering individual growth, community engagement, and a lifelong love for dance. With small class sizes and personalized coaching, we cater to students aged 4+ through competitive, performance, and recreational programs. Our certified instructors, including TCRGs and registered nurses, prioritize safety and holistic wellness, integrating fitness and stretching into every class. During the pandemic, our team innovated an online platform, Trad Wars, ensuring continuity in learning while maintaining tradition.Beyond dance, we emphasize leadership development and community service, having raised over $20,000 for charities and organized performances at senior homes. Our state-of-the-art studios in Eastchester, NY, and West Chester, PA, offer flexible spaces for social distancing, equipped with professional dance floors and tools. Recognized for excellence, we have produced International, National, and Regional Champions while maintaining a family-oriented environment. Our director, Meagan McGough, ADCRG, ensures every student receives individualized attention to reach their full potential. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to innovation, McGough Academy remains a trusted choice for families seeking top-tier dance education.
Services
Irish Dance
Cheer
Gymnastics
Competitive Programs
Performance Programs
Recreational Programs
Private Lessons
Fitness Classes
Ballet
Online Learning
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of experience in Irish dance instruction with certified TCRG instructors.
- Our small class sizes ensure personalized coaching tailored to individual learning styles.
- We integrate fitness and wellness into every class with certified personal trainers.
- Our pandemic-era online platform, Trad Wars, demonstrates innovative teaching adaptability.
- We prioritize community service, having raised $20,000+ for local and national charities.
Associations and certifications
- T.C.R.G.
- A.D.C.R.G.
- CLRG
What people say
Wonderful dance family
Supportive teachers
State of the art techniques
Leadership development
Amazing opportunities
Services
Irish Dance
Our Irish dance program teaches traditional steps like Reels and Jigs while emphasizing posture, rhythm, and cultural heritage. Certified instructors guide students from beginner to championship levels through structured curricula. Classes incorporate fitness components and creative choreography to develop technical skill and artistic expression.
Competitive Programs
We prepare dancers for regional, national, and international competitions with specialized coaching and performance training. Our award-winning team has produced multiple champions while focusing on sportsmanship and personal growth. Travel opportunities provide unique life experiences beyond traditional classroom learning.
Online Learning
Our Trad Wars platform offers interactive virtual instruction with real-time feedback and peer collaboration. Designed during the pandemic, this system maintains dance continuity through structured lessons and team-building activities. It combines traditional techniques with modern technology for flexible learning.
Fitness Classes
Each session includes stretching, strength training, and conditioning tailored to dancers' needs. Certified personal trainers integrate wellness education with physical preparation. This holistic approach improves performance while preventing injuries through proper body mechanics.
Community Performances
Students participate in community events like St. Patrick's Day senior home performances and charity fundraisers. These activities build empathy and social responsibility while showcasing dance talents. The program has raised over $20,000 for causes like autism awareness and breast cancer research.
People
Meagan McGough
Founder and Director
ADCRG-certified director with over a decade of experience developing award-winning dance programs. Combines nursing expertise with dance instruction to prioritize student safety and wellness. Created innovative teaching methods during the pandemic while maintaining traditional Irish dance values.
James McCutcheon
Workshop Teacher
World-renowned instructor with SDCRG certification who has trained multiple championship teams. Brings cutting-edge choreography techniques while maintaining traditional Irish dance foundations. Recognized leader in developing competitive dancers at international levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach besides Irish dance?
We offer cheer, gymnastics, ballet, and various Irish dance forms including Set Dance and Céilí.
Are there age requirements for enrollment?
Our programs accept students aged 4+ with classes tailored to different skill and experience levels.
Do you offer non-competitive dance options?
Yes, we provide recreational programs focusing on cultural appreciation and personal growth without competition requirements.
How do you ensure student safety during classes?
Our certified instructors include registered nurses who implement strict safety protocols and wellness-focused teaching methods.
What community involvement opportunities exist?
Students participate in charity fundraisers, senior home performances, and our buddy system for peer mentorship.
Can I try a class before committing?
We offer free trial classes to help families experience our programs before enrollment.
Reviews (4)
Jen Dannon
Nov 20, 2020
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My daughter dances for Meagan and shes enjoyed every moment! From the studio, to zoom classes to now a hybrid offering, our daughter feels loved and supported. We see great value as the school incorporates leadership opportunities from advanced beginner classes through championship. You feel like youre one big family when you come to McGough and we love our group! Highly recommended for building up confidence and teamwork in your child!
On The Move Dance
Nov 16, 2020
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As well as being a place for Irish Dancing excellence the McGough Academy installs an incredibly nurturing and caring environment for each and every one of its members. I love the McGough Academy!
Donna Marie Caro
Aug 21, 2020
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My four children have danced here for the last 7 years. We love Meagan and all of the teachers. They get to know each dancer and bring out the best in that child. Their dedication to the kids is second to none. We couldn’t imagine dancing for another school.
Cultural Arts Chair
Jul 16, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My four children have danced at The McGough Academy for the last 7 years. We love Meagan and all of the teachers. They get to know each dancer individually and bring out the best in that child. Their dedication to the kids is second to none. We couldnt imagine dancing for another school.
My four children have danced at The McGough Academy for the last 7 years. We love Meagan and all of the teachers. They get to know each dancer individually and bring out the best in that child. Their dedication to the kids is second to none. We couldnt imagine dancing for another school.
