McNAMARA McCARTHY

McNamara McCarthy School of Irish Dance teaches Irish dance to children, welcoming dancers of all levels from age 3. The school focuses on building confidence, friendships and a love of movement, and it has more than 200 dancers. New dancers are welcome with no experience needed, and beginners learn the foundational steps in a beginner class during their first year.

Dancers can compete and perform if they wish, but neither is required, and families don't have to decide until a dancer has been at the school for a few months. Beginner-level dancers wear soft shoes, and performing and competing dancers need a costume, which the school often sources through a used-costume sale in December. The school is at 11727 W. North Ave. in Wauwatosa and draws students from across the Milwaukee area. Withdrawing requires 30 days' written notice.