The Griffith Academy
Irish dancing school with ballet, tap, and jazz for ages 3 to adult
The Griffith Academy, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's top Irish dancing schools with a long tradition of producing champion dancers and international performers.
Photo: The Griffith Academy via Google
Before your first class
The Academy welcomes students from age 3 to adult and teaches all levels, including those new to dance.
About this studio
The Griffith Academy, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's top Irish dancing schools with a long tradition of producing champion dancers and international performers. The school has built its reputation over more than fifty years, and today it remains known for developing competitive Irish dancers and performers at the highest level.
Beyond Irish dance, the Academy offers classes in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz to all levels, ages 3 to adult. The school also runs an all-boys class. Classes are available at three locations: Old Wethersfield (where the school is based at 275 Main Street), Manchester, and Glastonbury, Connecticut.
The teaching staff is notably accomplished — most began as dancers at the Academy themselves and are professionals outside their teaching roles. This breadth of experience shapes how they mentor and teach. The school emphasises rigorous dance education paired with building a supportive, meaningful community. Friendships formed at the Academy often last a lifetime.
Every year, the Academy produces a recital that is widely attended beyond the school community and acclaimed for its professionalism. The school welcomes both competitive dancers and those who wish to study Irish dance without pursuing it at competitive level.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes run year-round across three Connecticut locations. The Academy works with all ages from 3 to adult and all levels. In-person registration for the 2026–27 dance school year takes place at 275 Main Street on Wednesday, August 19 (5–7 pm), Saturday, August 22 (10 am–12 pm), and Wednesday, September 2 (5–7 pm).
Instructors
Who teaches here
The teaching staff includes Miss MaryBeth (director), Miss Colleen, Miss Sheila, Miss Eireann, Miss Brenda, Miss Keara, Miss Mary, Miss Kate, Miss Kaitlin, Miss Mairead, Miss Erin, Miss Jaime, Miss Caitlin, Miss Nora, and Miss Deirdre. Most staff began as dancers at the Academy and are accomplished professionals outside their teaching roles.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The Academy welcomes students from age 3 to adult and teaches all levels, including those new to dance.
Studio history
Founded in 1954, the Griffith Academy has spent more than fifty years building a tradition of producing top competitive Irish dancers and international performers. The school's staff largely grew up within its community — most began as dancers at the Academy themselves.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
The Griffith Academyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own The Griffith Academy, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about The Griffith Academy
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does The Griffith Academy teach?
The Griffith Academy teaches Irish Dance, Irish dance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is The Griffith Academy located?
The Griffith Academy is located in Wethersfield, CT. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does The Griffith Academy offer private lessons?
Contact The Griffith Academy directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does The Griffith Academy teach kids and adults?
The Griffith Academy welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at The Griffith Academy?
The fastest path is to visit The Griffith Academy via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.