Bluegrass Ceili Academy

Bluegrass Ceili Academy teaches Irish ceili dancing—the traditional group dances native to Ireland—to children and adults in Lexington, Kentucky. Founded in 2015, the academy brings decades of Irish dance teaching experience to Central Kentucky. Classes are offered through Artworks at the Carver School and Artworks at Tates Creek, both operated by Lexington Parks & Recreation, keeping costs affordable and accessible.

The academy's curriculum ranges from beginner fundamentals to advanced solo steps. Beginner Irish Dance classes (Wednesdays, 5:30–6:15 p.m. at Artworks at the Carver School) introduce youth with no previous experience and prepare dancers for an end-of-session recital, running in fall and spring sessions at $75 per session. Youth Irish Dance (Mondays, 6–6:55 p.m. at Artworks at Tates Creek) is for students with previous experience and focuses on ceili dances and performance material; annual registration is $150. Adult Irish Dance (Mondays, 7–7:55 p.m. at Artworks at Tates Creek) welcomes all levels and emphasises ceili dances for community performances, with a virtual option available for students outside Central Kentucky; annual registration is $150. Advanced Adult Irish Dance (Tuesdays, 7–7:55 p.m., virtual) focuses on solo steps for performance and competition.

The academy sponsors Youth Teams (Wednesdays, 6:15–7 p.m.) and Adult Teams (Wednesdays, 7–7:55 p.m.) for dancers who register in their respective main classes. Teams compete at local and regional competitions called a "feis" in Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus, as well as the Mid-America Region Oireachtas, the regional championship held the weekend after Thanksgiving each year. Teams perform at winter and spring recitals, the Lexington St. Patrick's Festival and other local events. Beginner competition costumes require a black mock turtleneck leotard, black dance tights and Irish dance shoes (approximately $40 new); Bluegrass Ceili Academy provides a jumper, skirt and shawl. Competition team dresses are provided by the academy. Team selections are by invitation; eligible dancers have taken at least one year of Irish dance.

All classes are taught by certified instructors vetted in accordance with CLRG's Child Protection Policy. The academy is certified under An Coimisuin le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG), the Irish Dance Teachers Association of Mid-America, and is a member of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America Southern Region. The school was named 2024 CommunityVotes Lexington-Fayette dance lessons category winner and is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025.

Beyond classes, Bluegrass Ceili Academy runs Ceili & Co., a travelling social dance series taking place at locally owned taprooms, patios and neighbourhood hubs throughout Lexington under the tagline "Simple Steps. Social Sips. Great Company." Ceili & Co. will be featured at the Lexington Sporting Club International Festival on June 20, 2026.

Classes are taught by certified instructors in dedicated spaces at Artworks at the Carver School and Artworks at Tates Creek. Beginner students learn fundamentals and prepare for an end-of-session recital. All students get the opportunity to perform throughout Lexington during the class year.

Megan Moloney, Academy Director and TMRF, has nearly 25 years of Irish dance experience and two decades of teaching expertise; she learned Irish dance as an adult. Mary Beth Taylor, TCRG Instructor, is a sean-nós dancing teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Courtney Jay, TCRG Instructor, gives workshops in Irish dance choreography around North America. Assistant Instructors Megh Jennings-Posner and Jessica McClure each bring more than 30 years of dance experience.

Beginner Irish Dance classes teach fundamentals with no previous experience required and prepare students for an end-of-session recital.