Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing 9 Hyde Street, Stamford, CT 06907

"I hired this academy to do a flash mob at my wedding, and boy did they deliver. They were the talk of the night! The ladies are incredibly talented, and the dances are very well choreographed. This is a high quality school, and when my new husband and I have children they will attend."

"My daughter has been dancing at Pender Keady for 10 years. The teachers are incredible! They love teaching and adore their students. My daughter has made amazing friendships with dancers from the school. If you want your child to have fun and learn irish dancing, Pender Keady is the way to go."

"Growing up an Irish Dancer, I always wanted my children to be able to learn a couple of the basic steps for family events and weddings. When my oldest was 5, I researched local Irish Dance schools and came across Pender-Keady Academy. I picked up the phone and left a message asking if 5 years old was too young and when could she begin. One of the owners, Kathleen, called me back and I signed my daughter up. Almost 9 years later, I not only have one but two daughters dancing with Pender-Keady. They not only learned to Irish Dance but they've learned to take risks, get on a stage in front of hundreds of strangers, celebrate the wins but learn from the disappointments. These are things that I know they will take beyond the world of Irish Dancing. The teachers are dedicated. They are honest. They are passionate and they truly love the dancers. The school is truly family. My children have made lifelong friends and so have their parents. The older dancers are true role models that the younger dancers look up to. And now as my oldest is turning 15, I see her taking on that 'older dancer' role model and as a parent it's very rewarding. If you have a child interested in learning some Irish Dancing, Pender-Keady Academy is the place to contact."

"Both my girls are Irish Dancers at HPK - one for 8 years, one for 6. I can still remember going to my first PKA recital years ago - and being blown away, not just what my daughter had learned, but how incredible the older girls were. It was like seeing professional dancers, but none were above high school age. And, I have not been disappointed since. Both my girls have grown and developed as dancers, under the tutelage of the most remarkable teachers - both of whom were professional Irish Dancers themselves. It's a wonderful place - fellow dancers have become my daughters' best friends, they are happiest at the studio. Irish Dance has helped them develop focus, athleticism, amazing strength and musicality. They have also learned poise, tenacity, and resilience that goes beyond dance - they have been able to get up in front of an audience of 80+ adults and speak, sing, dance, or perform. Because, Kathleen and Erin have taught them how to square their shoulders, take a deep breath and be brave, no matter what they are asked to do. I know my girls are well prepared, not just for dance, but for life, because of what they've learned here."

"This studio is so special because the kids have such a spirit of camaraderie--they are working together to make each other better. The teachers are so accomplished--world-class dancers--but they make the lessons fun. And you would be astonished--astonished--to see what the kids can learn in such a short amount of time. I love that the older high school students mentor and teach the younger--the reverie the little girls have for them is heart-warming. My girls are also athletes and the dance makes them better athletes, as they have learned focus, attention to detail, and have developed incredible stamina. We have thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the culture of Irish dance at HPK!"