Shannon Irish Dance Academy

This is a great dance studio, the family that runs it truly breath Irish dance, they are welcoming, warm and very very good at what they do.
The classes are excellent, the teachers are certified and committed, my daughter started when she was 7 and has been going for about a year, she has gained strength and technique and simply loves her classes, I observed one class and it was all I needed to know, they have knowledge and high expectations being kind and friendly at the same time, which can be a hard to find combination.
I'm truly glad they did a performance on my girl's school when she was in K and that she loved it so much that kept asking for lessons for over a year until I finally signed her up, it brings her so much joy!
Last, it's super accommodating in that the dancer can do classes from 1-3 days a week (for begginers) with the same monthly payment and the kids can do company (performances), competitions (feis) or just take the lessons, it can be as professional or as chill as every family needs it. Just wonderful!

My grandaughter has been dancing at Shannon Irish Dance Academy for over 3 years, and we couldn't be happier with our experience! The owner Sophia excels at understanding and meeting the individual needs of each dancer, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.

The studio offers a fantastic performance company that is not only fun but also provides opportunities to learn new dances and participate in exciting local events, including performances at the Renaissance Festival and even the Detroit Tigers games. Each dancer is given a chance to shine, regardless of their skill level, which truly highlights their unique talents.

One of the standout features of the academy is their original production, the Irish Nutcracker. This event is of exceptional quality and is always a joy for both dancers and audiences alike. In addition to performance opportunities, they also offer competitive dancing, including solo and team (ceili) competitions, ensuring a well-rounded experience for every student.

What I appreciate most is the safe and encouraging space they create for young dancers. My daughter has not only developed her skills but has also learned valuable lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship. The academy fosters graciousness in both winning and losing, helping to build character in every dancer.

We are truly grateful for the wonderful experiences and growth that Shannon Irish Dance Academy has provided. Highly recommend this studio to anyone looking for a top-notch Irish dance experience!

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!

Great studio. Very family oriented.

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!

This place has gave my life long friends, more confidence, and to take on the world. I have been a dancer for almost 6 there. I have many friends that I would never have without dance. I will keep on trying to get better everyday. Dance friends= life long friends. I teach Advanced beginner and I enjoy the experience. It will help me in the future. My favorite part is the nutcracker every year. Dancing at the Shannon Irish dance Academy has given my more experience then more people at my age (12). Thank you miss Sophia for all you have done.

My girls have danced here for three years and we have found a supportive group of teachers and friends. Everyone is there for each other, and we have travelled the US (some the world) participating in Irish dancing. Many people do not understand how hard it is to run a small business and the owners do their best! We appreciate the time and dedication of all of the staff and the other dancers.

The students, their families, and the guest instructors brought over from Scotland, Ireland, and England are the best attributes of this Irish dance studio. Unfortunately, it's a constant revolving door at Shannon Irish Dance Academy, and all three of these things leave -- sooner than later. In comparison to all other studios in and around Metro Detroit, this studio grossly overcharges and intentionally locks families into mandatory practices, performances, and camps strictly as a money grab. Dancers and their families are expected to adhere to an exhausting and controlling 19 page contract of policies. I do not take great joy in posting this review, as I previously had high hopes for a lasting and positive experience for our family.

This is the place for a positive, professional learning experience from a certified instructor and a place to form lifelong friends. I have been afforded the ability to return to dancing after 36 years off on a competitive level, dance in performance company and in a professional production. Sophia and Stephen have been supportive and have become a second family along with the other families at S.I.D.A.There are rules, procedures and policies of course. They are set forth to protect all