Fáilte! Welcome!

Fáilte! Welcome!

Whether you beginner or competitive level ready, we have a class for you.

Heart of Ireland School

Discover the Heart of Irish Dance in Central Virginia: Excellence in Every Step

Heart of Ireland School is Central Virginia’s premier Irish dance studio and a member of the World Irish Dance Association. Under the direction of award-winning choreographer and Champion dancer Andrea S. McCarney, TCRG, Heart of Ireland is the choice for Irish dance instruction in Richmond. Located in Midlothian, we offer solo and ceili classes for all ages and abilities. We have an all adult program and a preschool program for our dancers ages 3 to 6. We offer classes through Zoom or in person with smaller class sizes. Whether you are looking for fun, fitness, PE credit, performance, competition, or all of the above, we have a class for you!

Our Irish dancers have performed on a Carnival cruise ship, in Walt Disney World, at the Central Virginia Celtic Festival & Highland Games, at the Virginia Dance Festival and many other local community events. Every year, Heart of Ireland has dancers place in the top 5 of their age group and level at the WIDA US Open Championships, and many dancers qualifying for the WIDA European & World Championships. We have dancers who have performed with the Studio2Stage program, the Riverdance Camp and one of our dancers has gone on to tour. All of our teachers are certified through World Irish Dance Association and we participate in the grades program to help promote Irish dance and culture.

Introducing Jigs and Swigs!

Discover the Art of Dance

It is a workout program where you get to drink at the end of the workout.

Welcome to Jigs & Swigs® at Heart of Ireland Dance School – Where Fitness, Fun, and Irish Dance Come Together!

Jigs & Swigs® offers an exclusive social and fitness experience, tailor-made for our Heart of Ireland Dance School community. Led by certified instructors, each event seamlessly weaves together the iconic elements of Irish dance, focusing on posture and footwork in easy-to-follow patterns that can be modified for all levels of experience.

Welcome to Jigs & Swigs® at Heart of Ireland Dance School – Where Fitness, Fun, and Irish Dance Come Together!

Jigs & Swigs® offers an exclusive social and fitness experience, tailor-made for our Heart of Ireland Dance School community. Led by certified instructors, each event seamlessly weaves together the iconic elements of Irish dance, focusing on posture and footwork in easy-to-follow patterns that can be modified for all levels of experience.

Discover the magic of Jigs & Swigs®:

  • Inclusive Dance Fitness: Our addictive Irish dance-inspired workout is designed for everyone, from brand new beginners to seasoned Irish dancers within the Heart of Ireland Dance School community.
  • Local Business Support: Embrace the joy of our events hosted at local breweries, distilleries, and bars! By participating, you not only prioritize your fitness but also contribute to the support of small businesses right here in our city.
  • Community Building: Conclude your workout with a well-deserved post-exercise pint, sharing laughs and forging new friendships within the Heart of Ireland Dance School community.

Are you ready to step, sweat, and sip with us? Jigs & Swigs® is not just a workout; it’s an experience that transcends borders. We are proud to announce that Jigs & Swigs® is presented all over the United States and beyond, with new dates and additional cities regularly added.

Meet your staff

Passionate About Your Dance Journey.

What Our Dancers Are Saying

Read Our Google Reviews to Hear from Our Thriving Dance Community

Josh ByeJosh Bye
04:45 28 Oct 23
Daniel PendergrassDaniel Pendergrass
02:04 02 Dec 22
Littlebit A1Littlebit A1
13:28 10 Nov 22
Shannon EarleyShannon Earley
23:45 02 Sep 21
Kathy HarrellKathy Harrell
19:34 22 Jan 21
Heart of Irland is a fantastic studio thier owner and staff take time to work with the kids. They are always friendly and helpful.
Katie HooperKatie Hooper
21:49 03 Jan 21
Heart of Ireland is a fantastic studio. My daughter has been a student for 6 years and absolutely loves it. She started when she was just 5 years old. She now loves competing and performing whenever she gets the opportunity. The teachers are wonderful and since we have started there has been no turnover of staff. It truly feels like a family after while. The instructors are always willing to go the extra mile to help the dance students achieve !! We are so happy we chose Heart of Ireland!!
Shannon MShannon M
04:00 31 Dec 20
My 2 daughters have danced for Heart of Ireland for 8+ years now. (And I have even taken an adult class or two.) What I love most about the studio is how family oriented they are. We have made friendships that will last a lifetime. And I know that my children are dancing in a safe environment with a village of teachers and families that truly care for one another.While dancing at Heart of Ireland, my girls have learned important life skills such as presentation, perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and how to win (and loose) with grace. They also recognize the importance of regular exercise, and really miss the physical activity when the studio is closed for holidays.The staff at Heart of Ireland have worked very hard to allow the students to continue to dance safely during the covid pandemic. Classes are offered both in person and on zoom. Class sizes are limited for safety, and the studio is cleaned between each class.
Colleen ParkerColleen Parker
02:13 31 Dec 20
Heart of ireland has great teachers, friendly students and a welcoming environment. My oldest daughter (now a college senior studying dance) loves this school and still keeps in touch with the friends she made here. My youngest started at 5 and now at 13 is a confident young lady who loves dance and doesn't let anything stop her from reaching for her goals.... thanks to her experience at heart of Ireland.
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