I always had a passion for dancing, but was not interested in Tap or Ballet.  Because my Mom was born and raised in Co Mayo, Ireland, I decided to look into Irish Dancing.  I began Irish Dancing lessons at the age of 9 and loved it from the first minute. Later I started lessons with Peggy Thompson, TCRG in Annapolis, MD.  In the early 1980's, I started teaching Ceili, Set and Step dancing to adults in Baltimore.  Over the years, hundreds of people took my classes and had the chance to practice their newly found talents at the Emerald Isle Club monthly Ceili's and local Pubs.  Later I decided to also teach children's step dancing and took my teacher's exam.  . 

My certification was received from An Ciomisiun le Rinci Gaelacha (The Irish Dancing Commission) of Dublin, Ireland.   As a registered instructor, the School is subject to all the rules and regulations set forth by the Irish Dancing Commission. These are applied by The Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America, Southern Region.

I no longer teach Ceili, Set or Adult Step dancing, so that I could place all my energy into children's classes, plus enjoy some family time on the side, I'm married and have three children.  

The McHale School of Irish Dance was founded to offer classes to children 5 years and older.  Classes offer a wide range of levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced. Class are currently taught in Marriotssvile/Randallstown & Lutherville, Baltimore County. 

Students learn all the aspects of Traditional Irish Dancing in a fun loving environment.  Some students opt to compete in a FEIS (competition) while others love the performance opportunities.  No matter what the child's passion maybe we certainly support each student to as the obtain  those goals.         

Our school goal focuses on learning Irish Dance while having fun, no wild costumes or wigs found in this school.  Kids are allowed to be kids........  without all the Feis pressures.

CO-Instructor

Beth Schell Balog    

Beth was introduced to Irish step dancing at the age of  four   after seeing a performance at a local Irish Festival.  She spent the next thirteen years performing and taking part in competitions, enjoying every moment.    When some dancers age out after they finish high school, Beth quickly realized her love of Irish dancing was huge part of her life.  She decided to change the focus to the next generation of young dancers.  Nine years ago Beth started assisting Linda McHale with her classes.  Today Beth is a co-teacher in the Lutherville location, helps with choreography and  takes part in all of our performances.    Her enthusiasm and dedication to the next generation is obvious when you watch her with the students, whom just adore her.   Beth finds teaching enjoyable and  extremely rewarding.  

Student Teachers

  In both locations I have students that will help with the beginners classes, this helps to break-up groups allowing a better pace for individual students.  This allows us to keep those advancing quickly challenged. The youngsters enjoy spending time with the older advanced dancers.  I find they become a role model and encourage the students to strive for learning more.  With the hopes that they too someday will be helping with a beginners class.

              ** I am present at every class, if I'm unavailable class is cancelled. **

MISSION STATEMENT

   Our school mission is to teach Traditional Irish step dancing in a productive environment with focus on students self worth.  Which will become a positive growth experience for the student while taking part in a activity that he/she enjoys.   We support all students in their efforts should they decided to compete, perform, or just dance for recreation.   Our belief is to have a young students remain individuals, enjoying themselves, so we do not  focus on the non important such as hair (some schools require wigs) , make-up and lavish costumes.    We try to make classes and school costumes  affordable as possible.  We have a non-investment policy, where we don't recommend you purchase anything until you're sure this is an activity your child likes and would like to stay involved with.   

  Dance Recital  April 2008                                                          Photo by W. Bishop

Straw Boys stop by for a few laughs