Munster Academy of Dance

Carmel established Munster Academy of Irish Dance (the Academy) in Limerick on 4th February 1997. The Academy aims to:
• Provide an appreciation of Irish dance and culture.
• Emphasise enjoyment through social interaction, embracing inclusivity, and the creation of a sense of community.
• Promote positive mental and physical health.
• Boost participants’ self-confidence and self-efficacy through participation in dance.

The Academy endorses the CARA Sport Inclusion Ireland (https://caracentre.ie/) Disability Charter. It is affiliated with Cumann Rince Dea Mheasa (CRDM), an association of professional Irish dance teachers whose stated aim is to “unite and support its members and promote and preserve Irish dancing” (www.crdm.ie). The Academy is also an associate member of the Social Sciences ConneXions Research Institute at TUS (www.tus.ie).

The Academy embraces innovation and creativity in Irish dance while simultaneously remaining true to the tradition’s roots, particularly in relation to its inclusive and community aspects. Programmes offered by the Academy therefore aim to provide opportunities for all to participate regardless of experience levels, age, genders, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and physical or intellectual ability.

The Academy provides classes for all ages, levels and abilities and specialises in co-developed ‘first-of-a-kind’ bespoke participatory adaptive Irish céilí dance programmes in which the needs of participants are prioritised. Examples include:
• ‘Céilí Recall’ © for those aged 55 and over.
• ‘Some Dance to Remember’ © for people living with dementia and their care partners.
• ‘Reels on Wheels’ © for wheelchair users and their care partners.
• ‘T-Why Dance’ © for transition year and international English language students.