The Bracken School of Irish Dance
About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
At the Bracken School of Irish Dance, we are committed to teaching the next generation the art of Irish Dance.
Through instruction, perseverance, and competition, we watch our beginner dancers become stronger, focused, and more determined dancers. We promote and encourage all of our dancers to understand and value the importance of determination and hard work. Showing them all things are possible while having fun and building lasting friendships
We currently teach Irish Dance to both children and adults and encourage all of our students to embrace the culture.
We are located in Mesa, AZ, sharing the love of dance and Irish culture.
Our Irish dancers are often booked to provide exceptional entertainment in a variety of venues throughout Arizona; and participate in several charities, cultural and community events.
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If you know a girl or boy with a love for dance and who wants to become a part of our team and learn Irish Dance,
make lasting friendships and become a part of a supportive team and perform with us, contact us now. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram and view our upcoming YouTube videos.
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If you are interested in booking The Bracken School to perform at an event, please contact BrackenIrishDanceAZ@gmail.com
If you are interested in enrolling your child in our program please email the individual location:
Our Story
The Bracken School of Irish Dance was founded in Ireland in 1980 by Thomas Bracken. He is a graduate of University College Dublin and has specialized in education and the arts for the past thirty-seven years. Thomas also holds the accreditation afforded to an Irish dance teacher, which is the equivalent of the Master's Degree.
As a grade Examiner with the Irish Dance Commission in Dublin, Thomas is qualified to conduct grade examinations and evaluations for dance schools throughout the United States. Thomas has conducted workshops and master classes for a number of schools throughout North America for many years. He has also worked on choreographies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, more famously known as LAMDA. Thomas has also taught the Gaelic Roots Summer School at Boston College.
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The Bracken School is proud to have two of its own former students, Kieran Noe T.C.R.G. and Kirsten Hahn T.C.R.G. who are now qualified teachers with the Irish Dance Commission be part of the instructional team. Both of these women are incredibly talented and driven. They not only support and lead our dancers but assist them in identifying and nurturing their talents.
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A seasoned performer, Thomas has performed at such world-renowned venues as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Some of our Bracken alumni students have taken the lead and also have become international performers themselves and have performed throughout mainland Europe, the United States, and Canada. Some, having been featured in a number of television specials, folk dance festivals, and charity events. They have also shared the stage with world- famous acts such as the Chieftains, Frank Patterson, Glen Campbell, Hal Roach, and Cherish the Ladies. Former Bracken students have graced the stage in both Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, and have toured the world extensively.
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The Bracken School is proud to have produced solo dancers who have won World and National titles over the years, and teams that consistently place well at regional and National competitions.
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While the school is very accomplished in competition and performance, it has at its grassroots, the mission to introduce this cultured art form to as wide a group of people as possible, so that they may enjoy it and add it to their cultural experience in life.
We strive to share the joy and discipline of an age-old genre of dance! Learn. Compete. Perform. Belong.
Kieran Noe, Bailee, Delci, Mary Mirasola, Colleen-Kelehan-Pierson, Kirsten Hahn, Thomas Bracken at the Lord of the Dance premier 2018
