Shannon Irish Dance Academy 1575 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309

"Honest Review from harsh critic: I struggled finding a dance studio that fit my family's needs in 2023. We were simply looking for a Traditional Dance Studio, where they focused on one dance, and where they listen to that specific dances music; (For example: French Ballet should dance to French Music / Salsa Dance should dance to Latin American Music, both as traditional and true to their respective roots) However, we have found that this does not really exist in the year 2023 at ANY dance studio. Shannon's IS TRADITIONAL. If you're looking for the Irish Tap or someone who's just sticking to a dances origin than this is your one stop shop. We were not specifically looking for Irish but just something where our little one didn't have to have a crossbreed mashup which is what every dance studio practices it seems. Seriously... there are very few Classic Dance studios at all anymore given the lack of taste our modern society has acquired. Shannon's Irish Dance hires only the best to teach you how to properly dance the Irish Jig. I used to be so irrated when I had my child in other Dance studios and peeking in on them to find that they spent the last 15 mins of class talking about their day or playing ball... It seems like so many dance studios are doing anything but dancing these days or just trying to find a reason to twist beautifully rooted dances into modern tasteless routines. Why I rated 5 stars: Because Shannon & Stephen stand out amongst all other dance studios we've tried. For the first time my child is truly challenged yet having fun at the same time. But let's be honest, learning to dance is difficult and can be frustrating. Shannon's dance instructors encourage you to keep going and learning and to not give up. Also I found that the owners are genuine (hard to find these days) and that they were people you just enjoy being around. Last thing- being Military, it did make me happy to hear that they are proud and active supporters of Military & First Responders. In fact they even give your family a discount if you are!"

"Joining Shannon Irish Dance Academy came about after encouraging my daughter to try a few different experiences, but after a single class she was hooked on Irish dance with Shannon. In less than a year (started in 2021), she’s had exceptionally amazing growth and development as a dancer, teammate, and in her confidence. There is always hot coffee, tea, water, and cold drinks available. The owners have helped me out more times than I can count - whether it is finding a lost shoe, helping with feis prep, or helping me understand how I can help my daughter in her practice. They even offered to deliver groceries while we were in quarantine. I have definitely found it to be a welcoming/warm culture as a parent and for my kiddo. We are so glad we joined!"

"As an adult who has always loved Irish Dance but had never had the chance to try it growing up, finding the Shannon Irish Dance Academy was such a blessing! They have options for everyone, whether you are looking to compete around the world or just have fun, Shannon Irish Dance Academy is the place to be! The teachers here truly care about you and it's a great atmosphere to learn and grow while having fun!"

"Shannon Irish Dance Academy is the BEST Irish Dance school! No other Irish Dance studio offers what Shannon offers, from competing locally to internationally, to performing, to putting on the amazing production An Irish Nutcracker, to teaching opportunities, to workshops with World Champions - Shannon has it all! Since joining the studio, we have met Michael Flatley, Lauren Early, multiple Fusion Fighters, multiple world champion dancers, and multiple lead dancers from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. The studio has two National Champion dancers and last year at our World Championships, every dancer that went recalled. Miss Sophia runs a phenomenal program with many valuable facets like endurance, strength, confidence, and technique. My daughter is at the top levels of Irish Dance at 10 years old, and her confidence from her dancing experience is just wonderful to watch. She has a home at Shannon, with close friendships with dancers she has danced with for years now! The dance family atmosphere is fantastic as well – we love and support each other like no other group I have ever belonged too. My daughter is so blessed to have experienced this so young. We have been here for over 5 years and we still love it here!"

"The Shannon Irish Dance Academy is a family. When your back is against the wall, and there is no one left to turn to, your family (in this case the studio, their families and most importantly the owners, Sophia and Stephan) are there. To pull you up by your boot straps, with some tough love or a hug and maybe both! With some strong coffee and delicious home made food. To heal those wounds. This world is tough, people are cruel and times are hard. The Shannon Irish Dance Academy is a community, a haven for your families and your kids and for you. I grew up in this dance studio, with Sophia as a mom, a confidant, an advisor, a teach and now most importantly a friend and an equal. The Shannon family has been there as I graduated high school, graduated with my degree, become a mom and a wife and has supported me through every HUGE life transition you can think of. Besides the aspect of family, which to me is the most important part, the actual dancing is world renowned and top notch. I take the dancing for granted, because I have been a dancer my whole life. But If you are looking for a new challenge or something to push your kids harder then you’ve thought possible, this is the space for you. Irish dancing is not only physically challenging, but like any sport, can be emotionally taxing aswell. When you are in an environment like The Shannon Irish Dance Academy you are free to express all of those challenges through tears, sweat and determination. You will watch your kids succeed in new and incredible ways. Find your home away form home, here with us!"