CALGARY’S ELITE IRISH DANCE sTUDIoS - BONAVISTA AND CHINOOK

Irwin Irish Dancing in Bonavista, Calgary, is Calgary’s longest-running dance school. Started by Finnuala Irwin in the 80s, the studio has produced many champion dancers, with many medalling at the World Championships and North American Championships.

In 2021, the Irwin School merged with Blakey O’Brien Irish Dance Calgary, creating a powerful team of dancers and instructors across two South Calgary locations.

Led by director Barbara Blakey O’Brien (former Irwin dancer, who is an experienced teacher, adjudicator and studio owner), the Blakey O’Brien teaching team offers a wealth of knowledge and support for pupils.

Whether you want to dance for fun on a recreational basis, or, if you have aspirations to win major championships, Blakey O’Brien teachers are here to support your goals and to make sure your Irish dancing classes are a lot of fun.

We are one big happy family - we invite you to join the Irwin + Blakey O’Brien community of Irish Dancers!

CALGARY’S PREMIER IRISH DANCING STUDIO

CHinOok lOCATION: 5524, 1A STREET SW, BAY #4 (3 blocks from chinook centre)

BONAVISTA LOCATION: 1215 LAKE SYLVAN DRIVE SE (FORMERLY IRWIN IRISH DANCING)

IRISH DANCE CLASSES FOR ALL LEVELS, BEGINNER TO CHAMPIONSHIP, RECREATIONAL AND COMPETITIVE

At Blakey O’Brien Irish Dance, we offer instruction for dancers of all ages and abilities. First class is FREE!

Our focus is on FUN, FITNESS AND FAMILY, with a mix of tradition and innovation in our steps. Our choreography and training programs are world-renowned and each dancer is encouraged to reach their personal best.

We have a recreational program, where dancers can try Irish dancing just for fun and fitness. No pressure no fundraising or costume costs, dancers can participate in optional local performances and social events.

Blakey O’Brien also has a competitive program (local and regional opportunities) and an Elite International training program for Championship dancers. We have had dancers win and medal consistently in the World Championships, The All Ireland Championships, The Great Britain Championships, The North American Irish Dance Championships, The Australian International Open, and Western Canada Regional Qualifiers.

We specialize in classes for youth ages 4 - 24. Our teachers are experienced and professional, and we offer a safe and welcoming environment for dancers of all levels and ages. Our teachers are former champions, educational specialists, and stars of Riverdance.

Centrally located, our main studio is just minutes from Elbow Drive, Macleod Trail, and Downtown. We also have classes at the Winter Club and Altadore Church. We offer preschool and elementary school in-house workshops - get in touch!

TESTIMONIALS

“MY DAUGHTERS HAD SUCH AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE AS STUDENTS AT BLAKEY O’BRIEN. THEY HAVE FORMED SOME WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIPS AND LEARNED HOW TO BE ATHLETES, PERFORMERS AND COMPETITORS. WE ARE SO PLEASED WITH THE COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS AND PARENTS AND THE TOP LEVEL INSTRUCTION AT BLAKEY O’BRIEN. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.”

/  M.W. - BLAKEY O’BRIEN PARENT /

“I had a wonderful time over the eight years I danced for Blakey O'Brien Irish Dance. I highly recommend this school - the friends and experiences I've gained from Blakey are ones I won't forget. If you are interested in either competitive or recreational dance, this is a great choice.”

/  L.O. - ALUMNI /

“This is a great school that lets dancers progress at their own pace. Whether they want to take lessons just for fun or get competitive, this is the school for them. The teachers are amazing too!”

/  J.S. - BLAKEY O’BRIEN PARENT /

“Blakey O'Brien is an amazing dance studio with amazing instructors, they have been so welcoming and supportive. My girls have a strong passion for Irish dance and Blakey O'Brien has helped nurture this for them.”

/  M.S. - BLAKEY O’BRIEN PARENT /

“BEING A PART OF THE B’OB IRISH DANCE COMMUNITY HAS CHANGED MY LIFE IN AMAZING WAYS. I’VE LEARNED THE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP AND A COMMITMENT TO MAKING MY DREAMS COME TRUE. THEY HAVE TAUGHT ME TO KEEP THINKING POSITIVELY WHEN THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED, AND WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH, TO NEVER GIVE UP. I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO BE AT AN AMAZING SCHOOL WHERE THE TEACHERS AND MY DANCE FRIENDS HAVE SUPPORTED AND INSPIRED ME. I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THIS EXPERIENCE”

/  P.S. - BLAKEY O’BRIEN DANCER/