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The McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy
Jessica, Frances, Charlotte and Cecily with 2006 U19 World Champion, Stephen Brennan
The McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy is based in Chelmsford, England, and holds classes in Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford, Basildon, Brentwood and Billericay (all Essex), and Gravesend and Stone (Kent). The Academy is run by Frances McGahan, A.D.C.R.G., an experienced and qualified teacher and adjudicator registered with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha -- one of the governing bodies of Irish dance.
The Academy was born in 1996 when Frances gave up her job in London to launch herself into the less certain world of Irish dance teaching. Frances is assisted whenever possible by husband Guy, who has a full-time day job of his own.
From small beginnings, Frances has built up a thriving and successful school. Although the Academy is one of the younger Irish dance schools, Frances now has regular championship winners, a number of regional champions, and a host of dancers who compete at international level. Frances achieved a major goal in 2004, when she took her adjudicator's examination. She passed with flying colours, changing from Frances McGahan T.C.R.G. to Frances McGahan A.D.C.R.G.
2006 U13 World Champion, Caroline Gray, celebrates on the podium
In April 2005, Academy solo dancers won no fewer than nine individual World medals in Ennis, Ireland, and topped that in 2006 with two solo world champions -- Caroline Gray (U13) and Stephen Brennan (U19).
But more than that, the Academy has become a real community with its own ethos and social life. The dancers have a strong sense of identity and support each other in competition and training -- but don't underestimate that competitive edge, evident at the annual Class Feis!
Click the photographs to see larger versions.
For further details of the Academy itself, and for up-to-date locations and times of classes, contact Frances McGahan. Tel: 01245 451081. Mobile: 07775 528712. Email: mccoiglees@aol.com
