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13 Years
experience
Premier Irish Dance Studio in Washington, DC
District Irish Dance was founded with a mission to promote individuality in Irish dance while fostering a vibrant community where dancers of all ages can thrive. Located in Tenleytown, Washington, DC, our studio combines traditional Irish dance techniques with innovative instruction to create a unique and engaging experience. Our team of world-class instructors includes former cast members of renowned productions like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, bringing decades of professional expertise to every class. We offer personalized training for dancers at all levels, from beginners discovering the joy of movement to advanced students pursuing competitive excellence. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our accreditation by An Coimisiin Le Rinc Gaelacha and adherence to rigorous safety and child protection standards.

Students benefit from a supportive environment that emphasizes teamwork, confidence-building, and artistic expression. We take pride in preparing dancers for regional and national championships while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for recreational learners. Our boutique studio provides state-of-the-art facilities and exclusive membership perks through our Studio Pass program. With flexible class options including youth programs, adult classes, and private lessons, we make Irish dance accessible to everyone. Our community extends beyond the studio through performance opportunities, special events, and partnerships with global dance organizations.
Services
Adult Classes Youth Classes Private Lessons Drop-In Classes Studio Pass Membership Performance Training Championship Preparation Parent & Child Classes Workshops Studio Rentals
Details
  • Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
  • Our instructors include former Riverdance and Lord of the Dance cast members
  • We provide personalized training in a boutique studio environment
  • Our students have achieved regional and national championship titles
  • We offer flexible programs for recreational, competitive, and professional tracks
  • Our studio follows rigorous child protection and safety certification standards
Associations and certifications
  • An Coimisiin Le Rinc Gaelacha
What people say
Loves it Professional yet caring So much she's learned Activity she enjoys Found an activity
Services
Adult Classes
Our adult Irish dance classes welcome beginners and experienced dancers in a supportive environment. Participants develop technical skills while enjoying the physical and social benefits of Irish dance. Classes focus on proper form, rhythm, and performance techniques tailored to adult learners' needs.
Youth Classes
Structured youth programs build foundational dance skills through age-appropriate instruction. Students progress through recreational, performance, and competitive tracks with individualized attention. Classes emphasize technical development, teamwork, and confidence-building in a fun environment.
Private Lessons
Personalized instruction offers focused feedback for dancers seeking technical refinement. Sessions target specific goals like competition preparation or performance enhancement. Our certified instructors provide customized training plans to accelerate progress and address individual needs.
Studio Pass Membership
Tiered membership program grants unlimited class access and exclusive benefits. Members enjoy discounted merchandise, priority scheduling, and special events. Flexible bronze, silver, and gold tiers accommodate different training intensity requirements for youth and adult dancers.
Championship Training
Advanced training program prepares dancers for regional and national competitions. Expert coaches develop performance quality, technical precision, and stage presence. Students receive choreography instruction and competition strategy guidance from championship-winning instructors.
People
Joe Duffey
Founder, Owner & Creative Director
Professional dancer with Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, TCRG-certified instructor, and Washington, DC native. Holds NASM fitness certifications and SafeSport training. Performs regularly at high-profile events including White House functions.
Bernadette Devereaux
Head of Programs & Lead Instructor
Former lead dancer in Lord of the Dance on Broadway and London's West End. TCRG-certified instructor with extensive experience in curriculum development and student mentorship for competitive and recreational dance programs.
Stephen Brennan
Certified Instructor
Riverdance veteran with expertise in workshop choreography and performance training. Brings professional stage experience to classroom instruction, focusing on technical precision and performance quality for competitive dancers.
Moira Ragen
Certified Instructor
Dance educator with BA in Dance, specializing in beginner program development. Creates engaging curriculum for new dancers while maintaining technical standards. Focuses on making Irish dance accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Elyse Transon
Certified Instructor
Experienced instructor and workshop choreographer who also operates Milwaukee Irish Dance. Provides expertise in both technical instruction and program management, connecting students to broader Irish dance networks.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children as young as 2 in our District Tots program, youth classes, adult classes, and private lessons for all ages.
Do I need prior dance experience?
No prior experience is required. Our progressive class structure accommodates complete beginners while offering advanced training for experienced dancers.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We offer regular showcases, studio performances, and competitive opportunities at regional and national championships for interested students.
What should I wear to class?
Students need black t-shirt, black shorts, and poodle socks. Studio uniforms are available through our online shop for purchase.
Can adults learn Irish dance?
Absolutely! Our adult classes welcome all experience levels in a fun, supportive environment focused on technical development and physical fitness.
How do I register for classes?
Visit our website to register for the 2025-26 season. Choose from our core programs, drop-in classes, or Studio Pass membership options.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Catharine Parnell
Mar 05, 2021 Report
Attentive, enthusiastic, and professional Irish dance and fitness instruction led by kind, thoughtful, welcoming people who have your dancers best interests at heart. Challenging and supportive instruction for adult dancers. Highly recommended.
Caitlin Fitzpatrick
Jan 03, 2021 Report
I have been taking classes at District Irish Dance for a little over a year now and have absolutely loved it. Joe and Bern are both amazing teachers and make classes so enjoyable. So glad I signed up with DIDA!
Ashley Wessel
Nov 08, 2020 Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
Joe and Bern are true professionals! They are quick to respond to emails and I love how encouraging Bern has been while teaching classes. They come to class prepared to teach and are patient with the kids. Im very happy to have my daughter be part of their program.
Abs Duq
Oct 19, 2018 Report
I was just visiting my sister in DC and came across signs for this dance school. I have been interested in trying out Irish dance for a while now, so I thought I would give a class a try (they offer a first class for free!). The class I took was Celtic Fit which is combo Irish step dance with fitness moves. I was blown away by how much fun I had! In addition to being a great workout (wow those steps are challenging!), it was so much fun and the instructor (his name is Joe, supposedly he used to tour with Riverdance) made the entire class experience lively and engaging. I wish District Irish Dance