Bracken School of Irish Dance

Bracken School of Irish Dance offers Irish Dance classes for children ages 4+ and adults in Mesa and Tucson, Arizona. From dancers taking their very first class to experienced competitors, Bracken provides a supportive environment where strong technique, confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love of Irish Dance are encouraged.

Established in Ireland in 1980 by Thomas P. Bracken, ADCRG, the Bracken School has a long tradition of excellence in Irish Dance. Over the decades, Bracken dancers have achieved World, National and Regional Championship titles, while the school's céilí teams have earned Top 10 finishes at the World Championships. Former students have also gone on to perform professionally with productions including Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.

Today, the academy is owned and directed by Maggie Lopez, TCRG, who began her own Irish Dance journey as a Bracken student. Maggie competed extensively before earning her TCRG qualification in 2017 and took ownership of the Bracken School in 2023, continuing the tradition established by Thomas Bracken more than four decades ago.

Classes are offered for recreational and competitive dancers, with opportunities to progress from beginner through championship-level Irish Dance. Students can develop their solo and team dancing, participate in performances and cultural events, and pursue competition for those who choose that path. The Tucson program also offers an adult céilí class, providing adults with an opportunity to experience the social and team traditions of Irish Dance.

With more than four decades of history, Bracken School combines a strong competitive tradition with an emphasis on proper technique, goal setting, teamwork, performance and enjoyment of Irish Dance and culture.