2010 Publication2 - Mullane Healy Godley Irish Dance Academy

FAQs
We are proud to pass along our love of Irish Dancing to your children. In the Mullane
Healy Godley Academy you will find a hardworking— yet fun atmosphere, from both
the teachers and the students. You will observe that Irish Dancing has many
wonderful qualities that motivate children. There are opportunities for performance,
Competitions, and developing life long friendships. For 25 years, the Mullane
Healy Godley Academy has strived to instill in each child a sense of confidence in
themself. From our World Championship decorated dancers, to our young beginners
- each dancer in the Academy receives the attention and instruction that they deserve.
FAQs
When Does the Dance Year run through and
how do I register
The dance year typically runs from September
through June. Registration information is attached.
For further information, please contact us through
our website at www.mullanehealyobrien.com
What are the Fees for a new dancer
The calendar and tuition schedule shows the fees
for the 2010-11 dance year. If a dancer misses a
class, they can make up that class at any of the
other regular scheduled classes.
Can I watch my dancer at class
It is the Academy's policy that all parents wait
outside of the room where lessons are being given.
This is based on many year’s of experience
regarding what works best for both the teachers
and dancers and causes the least class disruption.
There is a waiting area at each of the Academy’s
studios.
We believe that one of our greatest assets is the diversity of the Mullane Healy Godley
teaching staff. Each teacher brings a different perspective and approach to the students, and
each teacher relies on their own strengths to further develop the abilities and talents of the
dancers. The teaching faculty at the Academy is an international fusion of some of the most
highly accomplished and decorated teachers in the world of Irish Dance.
The Academy nurtures each and every students dance career with precision and enthusiasm which
has made the Academy one of the most respected and successful Irish Dance schools, in North
America and throughout the World. From our wee tots and new beginner dancers to our World
Champions, the Mullane Healy Godley students learn to celebrate and indulge in the culture
and heritage of the art form Irish Dance in an enjoyable, constructive, and fun atmosphere.
For nearly 25 years, the Mullane
family has been synonymous with Irish dancing in the Chicago area. First established in
1985, Mike, Mary, Billy, and Peggy, nurtured the Academy into one of the largest and
most decorated dancing schools in the Chicago Area. The Academy, has won numerous
titles and recently won three gold medals and two bronze medals at the 2007 North
American Irish Dance Championships. Michael Mullane is the current President Emeritus
of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America. When not teaching dance,
Mary and Peggy both teach school at a local Catholic grammar school.
In 2002, Gary Healy, began teaching in the
Chicago area and in a very short space of time, his commitment to excellence
transformed dancers onto the international scene winning regional and national team
titles for both solo and team events. At the age of eighteen, Gary moved from
Birmingham, England to Glasgow to study law at the prestigious University of Glasgow
Law School, where he graduated with honors in European Union Law in 1997. Gary is a
licensed attorney. As a dancer, Gary has won the All-Scotland, British National, Great
Britain, All-Ireland and retired from competitive Irish dancing in 1988 after winning the
Senior Men’s World Championship title.
JOHN GODLEY, SHANNON MALONEY, ERIN McCLINTOCK, NORA FOX
The Academy is proud to add another World Champion to our staff. This past April, John
Godley won the 2010 World Championships of Irish Dance in Glasgow, Scotland. John,
who attends DePaul University, will be taking his An Coimisiun teaching exam in Spring,
2011 - offers insight to our competitive dancers that can’t be found in many dance
schools. John joins Shannon Maloney, Erin McClintock, and Nora Fox who have been
with the Academy for a number of years as dancers and teachers. Shannon, Erin, and
Nora are both well decorated dancers winning medals at the All Ireland and World
Championship for team and ceili dancing. Shannon, Erin and Nora have 4 North
American team titles to her credit.
Do I need to compete or buy a costume
No. Dancers are encouraged to set their own
goals. Whether a dancer attends competitive or
recreational classes, instruction will always stress
proper form and technique. Dancers are welcome
to compete at their own pace. We have many
dancers who have never attended a dance
competition, while others are competing
internationally. Both are treated with the same
respect within our Academy.
What does my New Dancer need for class
Beginner and Tot students may start out Irish
dancing by using the soft soled starter ballet shoes
that usually can be found at Target or Wal-Mart.
Dancers may also use the "ghille" Irish dance
shoes that are sold at the Irish Import stores—but
these are not required. Dancers cannot dance in
socks. Dancers should wear shorts and a t-shirt for
all their lessons and Academy wear can be
purchased if interested.
Is there any other fundraising that I or my
dancer must do
No, unlike other Irish dance academies that have
financial fundraising obligations assessed on their
dance families, there are NO fundraising
obligations required of the parents and dancers at
Mullane Healy Godley. Each new family is required
to pay an annual $20 dues to the Academy’s
Booster Club only.
The Academy’s Booster Club is run by parents
within the Academy. For 25 years, parents have
worked in partnership with the teaching staff to
assist on Academy activities.
How do I know what’s going on within the
Academy
Each month the Academy sends out a MHG
newsletter that explains all upcoming events. In
addition the Academy has a website that includes
all the latest information, and a parent forum that
allows parents to ask questions, or get feedback
from other parents on Irish dance related matters.
Further Questions
Feel free to email the Academy or see one of the
teachers.