Gaelic Origins Irish Dance — Local services in O'Fallon

I decided to try an Irish dance class more or less on a whim after passing Gaelic Origins the day I moved into the area. I hoped it would be a fun way to get some exercise and maybe make a friend or two in a new town. I never expected this studio to become such an important part of my life. In addition to a fun and exercise, I've found a real sense of belonging, and I count my dance friends among some of the best friends I've had. I can't imagine life here in O'Fallon without the community I've built through Gaelic Origins.

Fiona is an incredibly flexible teacher; you can get a punch card and just come when you feel like it (what I started with) or go all the way up to an unlimited plan and come to as many classes a week as are offered for your age and skill level (I'm currently at four). Regardless of experience or skill level, Fiona treats every dancer like they're capable of achieving anything they're willing to put in the work for. She's very patient as a teacher and willing to keep repeatedly showing dancers the steps as long as they still need help learning them. She's also fostered a supportive environment where dancers of all ages are willing to hop in and help a classmate out if she's busy and they see someone struggling. I've found her to be especially understanding with her adult class, recognizing that we all have jobs and lives to attend to and meeting us where we are when dance takes a backseat.

Nobody is expected or pressured to perform or compete, but these are options provided to anyone who wants them. I was first given the opportunity to perform at a public event during St. Patrick's Day season last year, about a month and a half after I started class. I barely knew what I was doing but was excited to be included. This led to feeling confident enough to start competing last summer, and now I even opt to travel and have competed in other cities beyond just St. Louis. Irish dance offers competitions specifically for dancers who started as adults, and it's been so cool becoming a part of the adult Irish dance community at large, building camaraderie with dancers from other studios, and being able to compete without being intimidated by people who have been doing this since they were six. The fact that Fiona is equally excited about her adult dancers as she is about her kid dancers is icing...

There are no words to express how deeply this studio has impacted my child. We moved to the area five years ago, and at the time, my daughter struggled with low self-confidence, crippling anxiety, and difficulty making friends at school. We tried various activities… basketball, gymnastics, soccer, softball, and other dance classes but nothing seemed to be the right fit.

When this studio opened, my daughter joined Ms. Fiona’s class. Over time, I watched her confidence grow. Though initially nervous to compete at a feis, she felt supported by her teacher and decided to give it a try. Through both her successes and setbacks, she has learned invaluable life lessons that have made her stronger, both in and outside the studio. My youngest daughter has also recently joined the studio and started competing and I am seeing the same thing with the growth in confidence.

Her anxiety has significantly diminished, her confidence has soared, and she’s thriving at school. This studio has given her a sense of belonging in the community and a purpose that has enriched her life in so many ways. The strength and self-assurance she has gained here have empowered her to succeed in everyday life, and for that, I will always be grateful to Ms. Fiona and...

I recently moved to Illinois and knew I wanted to get back into Irish Dancing (which I haven’t done since I was 12 years old) once I got here. I found Gaelic Origins on Google and was so excited to see they were offering adult dance classes. I haven’t been able to go as frequently as I would like due to the holidays and illness, but every time I’m able to make it, I leave with a huge smile on my face! Mrs Fiona is so friendly, personable, funny, and welcoming. She paces teaching the sequences well and is very supportive as I learn, fumble, and succeed! I plan on continuing to be part of this wonderful...