Bennett School of Irish Dancing

The Bennett School of Irish Dance is a family run group. The 3 Bennett sisters have been training Johnstown and Navan students of dance for several years and are committed and very passionate about the dancing.

We spoke with Sandra Bennett to find out more:

Tell us about your dancing school.

"Irish dancing is a great way to give children confidence, to learn how to work as a team, make great friends and it also gets them super fit. All three sisters are qualified as both Teachers (ODCRN) and Adjudicators (ADCRN). We focus on Solo and Figure Dancing including both Freestyle and Drama compositions.

We bring every child to the best of their ability in an enjoyable environment."

You’ve been very busy lately?

"In the run up to the May competitions we’ve devoted all or spare time to the students.Yes we had the Irish Open Championship at City West, Dublin over the last 2 weeks of April. We had a fantastic time with many wins in both teams and solos competitions.

It’s not over yet and we’re competing at the World Championship in Glen Eagles Hotel, Killarney in June."

As you would expect the dancers have colourful and varied outfits from the formal solo and team outfits to the more dramatic freestyle.

"We are so proud of each of our students since they all danced their hearts out."

Why did you set up a school for dance?

"It seamed the next step really, we loved it and I started up the school from scratch. I got my sisters involved a few years later and before long we'd all qualified as Teachers and then Adjudicators."

When do the classes take place?

"Each Monday and Wednesday from 6pm and we teach boys and girls from age 3."

Unfortunately the competition rules regarding parental consent as well as flash photography means we can't show any images or videos of the actual dancers on stage but you can see example clips here to give you an idea of what Irish Dancing involves.

Albeit not the Bennett School or in the Feis dress styles these groups give you an idea with a current backing track.

If you wanted to see more or if you've children who might enjoy dancing then contact the Bennett School or perhaps enter their prize draw for a free first lesson with the option to bring a friend along too.