Somerset City, Ohio, might sit firmly in the American Midwest, but its Irish dance community has deep roots. For decades, local studios have kept Celtic traditions alive—teaching everything from the precise footwork of a reel to the synchronized power of ceili team dancing. Whether you're a parent looking for a structured after-school activity, an adult beginner searching for a new fitness routine, or a competitive teen aiming for the Oireachtas circuit, Somerset City's Irish dance schools offer programs worth exploring.
This guide breaks down what sets four established studios apart, including who they serve, what they cost, and how to get started.
The Emerald Isle Academy
Best for: Competitive dancers and serious recreational students
Location: 142 East Main Street, downtown Somerset City
Founded: 2008
Ages served: 4 through adult
The Emerald Isle Academy is the most competition-focused program in Somerset City. Founder Siobhan Kelly, a T.C.R.G.-certified teacher and former Riverdance chorus member, built the school around a two-track system: recreational classes for students who want solid technique without the travel commitment, and a competitive track for those pursuing regional and national titles.
The competitive results back up the reputation. In 2023, the academy's under-12 girls' ceili team won first place at the Midwest Oireachtas, and several solo dancers qualified for the North American Nationals. Recreational classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings; competitive dancers train multiple weekdays plus Saturday mornings. Trial classes run $20; monthly tuition starts at $95 for one weekly class.
"We're not just drilling steps," Kelly says. "We're building the stamina and stage presence that competitive Irish dance demands."
Celtic Spirit Dance Studio
Best for: Adult beginners, social dancers, and families seeking a relaxed atmosphere
Location: Somerset City Arts District, near the corner of Maple and 3rd
Founded: 2015
Ages served: 5 through adult; adult beginner sessions especially popular
If the word "competition" makes you nervous, Celtic Spirit Dance Studio offers a lower-pressure entry point. Co-directors Aiden and Fiona Murphy emphasize community over medals. The studio teaches both traditional set dances and contemporary Irish fusion pieces, with multiple performance opportunities throughout the year that don't require qualifying through feisanna.
Their annual St. Patrick's Day showcase sells out the Somerset City Community Theater—a rarity for a youth and adult recital in a town this size. Social ceili nights, held monthly, are open to the public and draw dancers from across Perry County.
Classes run Monday and Wednesday evenings, with a dedicated adult beginner session at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Drop-in rates are $18; monthly memberships start at $75. The Murphys also offer a "family bundle" discount for households with multiple dancers.
Claddagh Dance Company
Best for: Students who want cultural and historical context alongside technique
Location: Old Mill District, Somerset City
Founded: 1999
Ages served: 6 through 18; alumni program for adult former dancers
Claddagh Dance Company takes a heritage-first approach. Every class includes instruction on the history behind the dances: the social function of the sean-nós tradition, the evolution of step dancing during the Gaelic Revival, and the regional styles that shaped modern competition.
Executive director Cormac O'Brien, who trained in Galway before relocating to Ohio, leads the company's touring ensemble. That group has performed at venues including the Ohio State Fair, the Columbus Irish Festival, and a 2022 showcase at the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio. In 2024, the ensemble is scheduled to perform at the Somerset City International Folk Festival in September.
Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and early evenings. The company does not emphasize feis competition, though several advanced students compete independently. Monthly tuition is $85. O'Brien also runs a free quarterly lecture series open to the public, covering topics from Irish music history to costume design.
Loughrea School of Irish Dance
Best for: Technique-obsessed students and those with long-term competitive goals
Location: Suburban Somerset City, Westbrook Plaza
Founded: 2012
Ages served: 5 through 21
The Loughrea School of Irish Dance, named after founder Maeve Donovan's hometown in County Galway, is known for rigorous training and meticulous attention to body mechanics. Donovan, a certified T.C.R.G. and A.D.C.R.G. adjudicator, has produced multiple Mid-America Region championship dancers and two All-Ireland qualifiers.
The school's approach is disciplined but not cold. Classes are structured in levels rather than age groups, which means advancement depends on mastery rather than birthday.
