At McNamara McCarthy, we focus on individualized instruction to keep students engaged and learning, and we champion teamwork so our dancers learn from and inspire their classmates. We model and instill self-confidence, poise, and collaboration skills, setting each MM dancer up for lifelong success, on and off the stage.
McNamara McCarthy School of Irish Dance
11757 W. North Ave.
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
MM Minis is a great introduction to Irish dance and classroom learning. Students will learn about balance, coordination, and body awareness through a range of exercises and basic Irish dance steps. Minis will have the opportunity to show off their skills by performing in local festivals and parades during their first year.
*Cost is divided into twelve equal payments on the first of each month Sept - Aug. These costs are based on last year but will be similar for the upcoming year. We'll have our exact tuition cost once we finish our calendar for the year. Annual Family Registration Fee: $80 (charged on September 1st).
Our Beginner class is for children who are new to Irish dance. Like our Minis, we focus on developing balance, coordination, and body awareness. Beginners will learn Irish dance footwork, like the Irish jig and reel.
For dancers ready to take the next “step,” Beginners will have options to perform at community events, such as local festivals and parades, in their first year of classes.
Beginners will also have an opportunity to compete. There are several Irish dance competitions in the Milwaukee area throughout the year. MM dancers compete locally as Beginners, and as they gain experience, they will have the option to travel for competitions.
*Cost is divided into twelve equal payments on the first of each month Sept - Aug. These costs are based on last year but will be similar for the upcoming year. We'll have our exact tuition cost once we finish our calendar for the year. Annual Family Registration Fee: $80 (charged on September 1st).
September 14th - The first week of classes
October - The first parents night/observation
December - Dancer costumes are ordered
March - St. Patrick's Day performances and parade for Minis and Beginners
May - The first competition for Beginners
June 15th-18th - MM Summer Camp (Daytime)
Note: All events outside of weekly classes are optional
Does my dancer have to compete and perform?
They do not have to, but most do! You don't have to make any decisions about competitions or performances until your dancer has been dancing for a few months.
When/how does my dancer get shoes?
Irish dance soft shoes (ghillies) are the shoes our Mini and Beginner level dancers wear. We have used shoes that our families sell within the school that usually range from $15-$35. A new pair is around $70. We will have an opportunity for you to purchase shoes early in the fall.
How much do costumes cost?
If a dancer wants to perform and/or compete they are required to wear a costume. We will have a costume sale in December and dancers will be fitted for a used costume or measured for a new one if we don't have a used one that fits. Minis costumes cost around $100. Beginner costumes cost $250 and dancers wear them for all performances and competitions for at least two years.
What if my dancer decides after a few months that he/she is not interested?
You are not committed to the full year's payment if your dancer decides to stop. We require a 30 day written notice for withdrawing from the school. You would be responsible for any tuition payment that falls within that 30 day window, after which payments will stop.