About McBride School of Irish Dance

Founded by Ann McBride in 1967 to promote Irish culture through dance, the McBride School of Irish Dance is proud of the accomplishments of its three generations of dancers.

McBride Irish Dancers in Competition

McBride solo dancers have represented the school throughout the Western U.S. region and have won medals at the World Irish Dancing Championships and North American Nationals. The school’s 8-hand céilí teams and 16-hand figure choreography team have medaled in competition regularly, and the 20-member dance drama team won first place at the U.S. Western Region Oireachtas in 2008.

Competition Is Not Required

Dancers are not required to compete, however, and many dance simply for the pleasure of it—for recreation, fitness, and fun. The friendship that comes from shared activities and interests is among the school’s goals for dancers.

A Thriving Dance School

Originally started in a church basement with just a few students, the McBride School of Irish Dance has grown to include more than 100 active families. The McBride School of Irish Dance is co-directed by Ann McBride, ADCRG, TCRG and Eileen McBride Parker, TCRG. Classes are available around the East Bay Area of San Francisco, including Oakland, Concord, Vallejo, San Rafael, and Dublin, California.