Michael Patrick Gallagher School of Irish Dance
The Michael Patrick Gallagher School of Irish Dance is a competitive Irish dance school located in Phoenix, Arizona, providing world class instruction to students of all ages.
Opened by owner Michael Patrick Gallagher in 2004, the school includes students of all levels, from beginner to the World Championships, from tiny tots to adults. Students have the opportunity to travel and compete locally, nationally, and around the world. Our students are also invited to perform at a variety of venues around the state and delight audiences wherever they go! Students can connect with the rich cultural tradition of Irish dancing, while pursuing their competitive goals and having fun!
Our school is a warm and welcoming community, and many of our students end up developing long-lasting friendships through their shared love of Irish dance and the wonderful adventures and experiences that happen because of it! Come join the MPG family!
Michael Patrick Gallagher is an award-winning professional Irish dancer, holding All-Ireland and World Championship titles, as well as having performed as the male lead dancer in Riverdance for 8 consecutive years.
Michael Pat was 8 years old when he started dancing in his hometown of Donegal, Ireland. Within two years he had won his first World Championship. He had continued success, including seven Ulster (regional) titles, five All-Ireland Championships, and a second World title.
Michael Pat spent 8 years as the principal male dancer in Riverdance. In all, he danced over 1200 lead performances! He was also invited to perform as a special guest on Dancing with the Stars in 2008! In addition to teaching full-time, Michael Pat is also a sought-after choreographer and conducts workshops in Irish dance all over the world.
Michael Pat holds the qualifications of both TCRG and ADCRG.
Ann Paitel also teaches at the Michael Patrick Gallagher School of Irish Dance. She began Irish Dancing in 1993 when her mother stumbled on a summer school class taught by Heather McElligott. No one expected the summer mother-daughter activity to become a life-long passion. After completing the 6-week course, Ann begged her parents to let her continue classes with the newly founded McElligott School of Irish Dance, and Irish Dancing quickly became a central part of her life. In 2002 Ann was one of the first dancers from the McElligott School to compete at the World Championships.
While attending Arizona State University for a B.A. in English, Ann was one of the founding members and dance captain of a local Irish Dance performance troupe called Gaelic Thunder, performing at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, and other events from 2002 through 2005.
