Strong Irish Dance contingent in RTP? (Raleigh, Durham: chapel, schools, move to)

[hokie5]

Hi! We're considering a move to Chapel Hill and we have two little irish dancers whom would want to continue their schooling if we moved. I see there are a couple of dance schools in NC, though not necessarily Chapel Hill (raleigh though, which I imagine is a doable drive!). However their websites don't leave a strong impression that they're very serious about it, my oldest has practice 3 days a week and is a novice level dancer competing in feisanna throughout the year - this is her chosen 'sport' for now. It seemed from the sites that these schools are more 'recreational' than 'competitive' - is that a correct assumption? Is irish dance not a very big deal in the south?

Thanks so much for any help!

[thelark]

Tríonóide Academy of Irish Dance

I've seen these dancers perform at a number of parades, festivals and social events. Not sure how competitive it gets but I'd say they would be the best people to contact. They may direct you towards someone in the Chapel Hill area. I know on meetup.com there is also a Celtic culture grouping located in Chapel Hill that may be able to help.

[MsT89]

Some of the students in my school attend Inis Cairde (www.iniscairde.com) and seem very happy with it. They have classes in Durham, which would be closer to you than Raleigh. The students seem to work hard and take their dancing seriously, but I don't know how that would compare with your daughters' training.