Shoe the Donkey
☘️ At McGovern Irish Dance, every step tells a story—and Shoe the Donkey is one of our favorites. This lively, partner-style ceili dance brings together music, movement, and a bit of Irish humor, all rooted in traditional life and the journey from Ireland to America. As dancers laugh, interact, and move together across the floor, they’re not just learning choreography—they’re experiencing the joy, connection, and culture that make Irish dance so special. 💕
Summer 2026 Irish Dance Camps Are Here!
Join us for Summer 2026 Irish Dance Camps—where dancers build skills, confidence, and friendships in a fun, welcoming environment. Perfect for beginners and current students alike!
Green Season Performance Schedule – Now Booking & Still Growing
Follow McGovern Irish Dance as our dancers perform throughout the community this March. View our Green Season performance schedule and learn how to book an Irish dance performance for your event.
What the “Cost of Irish Dance” Debate Misses About Open-Platform Systems
As conversations grow around the rising cost of Irish dance, it’s worth clarifying an important truth: the image-driven version often discussed has never been the foundation of open-platform organizations. This post explores how systems like CRN continue to prioritize skill, accessibility, and training—keeping Irish dance centered on the dance itself.
🎄 The MID Christmas Break Practice Challenge Is Here!
The holiday season is the perfect time to recharge — and to keep those dancing feet moving! Our annual MID Christmas Break Practice Challenge (Dec. 21–Jan. 5) encourages dancers of all levels to stay active, build strong practice habits, and head into 2026 feeling confident and prepared. With fun ways to earn points, bonus challenges, and prizes for the most dedicated dancer, this challenge is especially helpful for those preparing for CRN North American Nationals in February. Download your practice log, join the fun, and let’s dance our way through the holidays!
CRN North America West Regionals Coming to Dayton, Ohio This October
✨ The CRN North America West Region Regional Championships are coming to Dayton, Ohio on October 11–12, 2025!
Dancers from across the region will gather for a thrilling weekend of solos, teams, and traditional sets—plus the lively Wright Flyer Féile.
From graceful reels to powerful hard shoe rhythms, this event is a celebration of Irish culture, artistry, and community. Volunteers and sponsors are welcome—if you’d like to support the event by sponsoring a special trophy or competition, please contact Shelagh McGovern for details.
👉 Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the biggest Irish dance weekends of the year!
Dancing Across Cultures: Sharing Irish Dance at Cedarville College
✨ “Irish dance filled the classroom with laughter, music, and community as Cedarville students dove into reels and jigs for the very first time. With the incredible Eloise Campbell alongside me, we shared not just steps—but the tradition, artistry, and joy that Irish dance brings.” ✨
Prep Week: Ten Days, Countless Steps, and One Perfect Showcase
Ten days. Countless steps. Endless laughter. ✨
Our dancers—from the littlest five-year-olds to our dedicated adult class—gave their all during CRN Regional Prep Week. They worked on footwork, posture, stamina, and new choreography, then capped it all off with a magical showcase under perfect summer skies. Parents mingled, dancers shone, and even the food was championship-worthy (we’re looking at you, guac and Caprese skewers!).
It was a week of hard work, community, and celebration, and we couldn’t be prouder. 💚
Where Fort Wayne Dances Irish
Discover the Joy of Irish Dance in Fort Wayne!
At McGovern Irish Dance – Fort Wayne, we’re more than just a dance studio — we’re a vibrant community where dancers of all ages come to build confidence, friendships, and a love for Irish culture through movement and music. Whether your dancer dreams of performing on stage, competing at feiseanna, or just wants to have fun and stay active, we offer something for everyone — from toddlers in our Jump’n Jig program to teens and adults at every level.
Our 2025/26 season is gearing up to be our best yet, and we’re thrilled to welcome new families to our growing Fort Wayne location. Join us at our upcoming Open House to meet our instructors, try a class, and see how Irish dance can light up your dancer’s world.
🌼 Shamrocks, Steps & Springtime: McGovern’s Spring Recap
From nonstop St. Patrick’s Day performances to welcoming new dancers at our Free Irish Dance Days, McGovern Irish Dance had a spring season full of rhythm, fun, and community spirit! Check out our full Spring Term recap—including festival highlights, special events, and exciting news about 2025/26 registration!
☀️Summer Vibes + Irish Dance = The Perfect Combo!☘️
Ready to dance into summer? 🌞
Our Irish Dance Summer Camps are the perfect mix of fun, music, and movement—great for first-time dancers and current beginners alike! Whether you’re looking to try something new or sharpen your skills before the season starts, there’s a spot for you! ☘️
McGovern Irish Dance Soars at the First Annual Birdy Open Feis!
McGovern Irish Dance soared to new heights at the first annual Birdy Open Feis in Northville, MI! With 18 dancers representing all four studio locations, our team brought home over 81 awards and celebrated 8 incredible level-ups. From Beginners to Open Champs, it was a weekend full of talent, teamwork, and triumph. Read on to see the highlights, celebrate our dancers, and join us in thanking the amazing organizers and supporters who made it all possible! 🐦💚🖤
McGovern Irish Dance: Wrapping Up Our Green Season!
McGovern Irish Dance! Our Green Season Tour brought energy, joy, and tradition to audiences across Dayton, Lafayette, Fort Wayne, and Troy. From lively pub performances to heartwarming community events, our dancers shined at every stop. We also welcomed new dancers through our Free Irish Dance Days and are gearing up for competition season at the Birdy Open Feis! Want to join the fun? Our Intro to Irish Dance classes and Summer Camps are open for registration. Read more about our incredible March journey and what’s next!
Celebrating Our Amazing Dancers at the CRN North American National Championships!
📣 Better Late Than Never! 📣
We know we're a little behind in sharing our St. Louis Nationals recap... but when Nationals rolls straight into St. Patrick's Month, things get a wee bit hectic! ☘️💃🕺
🎉 We're so proud of our incredible dancers for their hard work, dedication, and amazing results at the CRN North American National Championships! Special shout-out to Judi Risler, our Lafayette instructor and now Craobh Grad Champion—what an amazing achievement! 🏆👏
Kicking Off Green Season: Dance, Friendship, and the Magic of Community
The Green Season has officially begun, and our first performances at Carroll High School and the Ancient Order of Hibernians' annual party were nothing short of magical! From incredible dancing to reconnecting with friends, the day was filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of Irish dance. But the best part? Seeing not just my own friendships rekindle, but watching our dance family grow closer, creating bonds that make this community so special. Read on for a heartfelt recap of a day that reminded me why we do what we do! 💚✨
McGovern Irish Dance Shines at the Central Illinois Open Championships!
We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of our McGovern Irish Dance competitors at the Central Illinois Open Championships, hosted by the Shamrock Academy of Irish Dance
