Business Details
13 Years
experience
Premier Irish Dance Training in Orlando
Central Florida Irish Dance is a premier Irish dance institution established in 2013, renowned for its excellence in teaching traditional and competitive Irish dance. With over 130 students across 10 locations in Central Florida, the academy is led by internationally acclaimed dancer and instructor Sarah Costello, who brings decades of professional performance and teaching experience. The academy specializes in transforming beginners into champions through structured programs that emphasize discipline, cultural heritage, and technical mastery. Its faculty includes certified instructors with global competition experience, and the school has produced multiple National Champions and World Championship qualifiers.Students benefit from flexible class schedules, virtual learning options, and opportunities to perform at major events like the Orlando Magic games and Fusionfest. The academy's commitment to quality is reflected in its 150+ 5-star Google reviews and recognition through awards such as Orlando Magazine's Best of Orlando Performing Arts Group. By integrating Gaelic language and heritage education with dance training, the academy fosters holistic development in children aged 3-18 while maintaining a family-oriented, supportive environment.
Services
Irish Dance Classes
Jump N Jig Preschool Program
Competition Training
Adult Ceili Classes
Professional Performance Group
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with 20+ years of professional dance experience
- 10 convenient locations across Central Florida
- Proven track record producing National Champions and World qualifiers
- Free trial classes available for all students
- 150+ 5-star Google reviews from satisfied families
Associations and certifications
- TCRG
- ADCRG
What people say
Patient teachers
Exceptional instruction
Confidence building
Family atmosphere
Award-winning results
Services
Irish Dance Classes
Professional Irish dance instruction for ages 3-18 across Central Florida. Classes develop technical skill, cultural appreciation, and performance confidence through structured curriculum. Qualified TCRG instructors teach all levels from beginner to championship preparation.
Jump N Jig Program
Specialized Irish dance program for children aged 2-5 years. Focuses on motor skill development, coordination, and social skills through playful dance activities. Only licensed provider in Florida offering this internationally recognized preschool dance curriculum.
Competition Training
Advanced training program for competitive Irish dancers. Includes personalized coaching, performance choreography, and competition strategy. Has produced 11 National Champions and multiple World Championship qualifiers since 2013.
Adult Ceili Classes
Social dance classes for adults focusing on traditional Irish ceili dances. Weekly sessions available in multiple locations. No prior experience required, emphasizing fun and community participation over competition.
Professional Performances
Booking service for Irish dance and music performances at weddings, corporate events, and festivals. Features professional troupe Irish Echoes with experienced performers available statewide for special occasions.
People
Sarah Costello
Founder & Director
Internationally recognized Irish dancer and educator with 20+ years professional experience. Qualified ADCRG/TCRG instructor, Orlando Magazine Best of Orlando award winner, and Irish Echo Top 40 Under 40 honoree. Founded academy in 2013.
Caroline Closs
Associate Teacher
TCRG-certified instructor with 20 years competitive dance experience. Former Senior Ladies Champion and professional performer with Irish Echoes. Florida-certified elementary educator with Masters in Elementary Education from University of New Hampshire.
Kaleigh Killebrew
Assistant Teacher
Georgia-based instructor with 37 years dance experience. Director of Augusta Youth School of Dance's Irish program. Teaches in Evans and Grovetown studios while supporting virtual instruction for SCIDA's Georgia locations.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children aged 2-18, including specialized Jump N Jig preschool programs and adult ceili dance sessions.
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, we provide free trial classes for any student wishing to try kids' Irish dance at any of our locations.
Where are your dance studios located?
We have 10 locations across Central Florida including Celebration, Winter Garden, St. Cloud, Lake Nona, and Winter Park.
Can students compete in Irish dance competitions?
Yes, our students regularly compete regionally and nationally, with 11 National Champions and multiple World Championship qualifiers.
What should students wear to class?
Students need appropriate footwear (dance shoes or sneakers), exercise clothing, and a water bottle for all classes.
Reviews (7)
Sergio E. Tellez
Jan 04, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
I worked with the director Sara Costello during a Celtic Angels tour and I was lucky enough to share the stage with her students, they all did it incredible, it is definitely a very professional academy.
I worked with the director Sara Costello during a Celtic Angels tour and I was lucky enough to share the stage with her students, they all did it incredible, it is definitely a very professional academy.
Cheryl Ann Cassidy
Jan 04, 2022
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Sarah is an amazing talent and has a keen eye for detail. She is passionate and direct and is great teacher and director. I have learned a lot from her and have gained confidence in my dancing and have become much more confident in my overall dance movement and performance because of her.
Sarah is an amazing talent and has a keen eye for detail. She is passionate and direct and is great teacher and director. I have learned a lot from her and have gained confidence in my dancing and have become much more confident in my overall dance movement and performance because of her.
April Fry
Sep 05, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism
Excellent teachers! My child attends classes in Augusta, ga and virtually. She loves the classes.
Excellent teachers! My child attends classes in Augusta, ga and virtually. She loves the classes.
Katie Dance
Jul 26, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Attended as a student in the summer camps. The instructors are all from Ireland and are amazing!!! Best school Ive been too
Attended as a student in the summer camps. The instructors are all from Ireland and are amazing!!! Best school Ive been too
Emma O'Neill
Jun 29, 2021
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Excellent value for money. I really can't think of a better way for my kids to keep fit whilst building their confidence through performing and making lots of new friends too!
Jack Heggi
Apr 26, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Sarah is absolutely lovely and inspires a love of Irish dance and culture in all of her students. I have been taking her adult classes in Celebration for years and I cant say enough about how wonderful the experience has been. I also highly encourage other men to try it out!
Sarah is absolutely lovely and inspires a love of Irish dance and culture in all of her students. I have been taking her adult classes in Celebration for years and I cant say enough about how wonderful the experience has been. I also highly encourage other men to try it out!
Cheryl Ann Cassidy
Mar 07, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I had the pleasure of working with the director Sarah in March 2021 in Celtic Angels. Sarah is well known in the Irish Dance community as an ambassador for Irish culture. She is a talented musician and dancer and her school is amazing.
I had the pleasure of working with the director Sarah in March 2021 in Celtic Angels. Sarah is well known in the Irish Dance community as an ambassador for Irish culture. She is a talented musician and dancer and her school is amazing.
