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About the Hagen School of Irish Dance
The Hagen School of
Irish Dance was founded in 1999 by Director Jean Hagen Duffy in
Long Beach, New York. Its goal is to promote Irish heritage
and culture through the medium of dance. From a small group of only
30 students, the school has grown to approximately 300 registered
students in only a few years.
The
dancers at the Hagen School range in age from pre-schoolers through
adults and classes range in level from beginner through championship.
Since the school opened, dancers have competed and won on both the
Regional, National and International Championship level.
The
Hagen School of Irish Dance is a competitive school. Each week we
encourage students to improve their skills, expand their creativity
and increase their strength. This philosophy fosters discipline
and helps dancers achieve their goals. We encourage our dancers to compete
on a weekly basis in feissanna (competitons) all over the tri-state
area.
Throughout
all of the preparation and travel the dancers and their families
develop long-lasting friendships. Students and parents from the
HSID have traveled to Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto, Nashville, San Diego, Ottowa, Ireland, Scotland and England
for the various championships. The dancers have been tremendously
successful at all of these competitions.
When
not competing ,the dancers keep busy performing at various venues
throughout the year. Some of our latest shows include: Inside the NFL on HBO, ESPN Top Ten Highlights, the Army
Half-time show at West Point, Six Flags/Great Adventure Dance Festival,
Aqueduct Racetrack & the Racing Channel, Irish Night at Shea
Stadium and guest performances with Trinity Irish Dance Troupe.
The Hagen School students also take the time to perform at many
benefits and fund-raisers. They have danced for the Long Island
Advocates, The Francis Pope Foundation and at various colleges and
many nursing homes.
Here
at the Hagen School, not only is Irish step dancing learned, friendship
and team spirit is stressed as well. Students are very supportive
and respectful of one another. The dancers work hard and are challenged
to do their best not only by their instructors, but also by their
classmates. All of us at the Hagen School are dedicated to preserving
and expanding the beautiful art form and wonderful tradition of
Irish dance.
The
Hagen School is directed by Jean Hagen Duffy who started the school
out of her love for children and Irish Dance. She has successfully
competed on the Regional, National & World Championship level.
Jean is a T.C.R.G which means she is a certified teacher by the
Irish Dancing Commission in Dublin Ireland. She also holds a Masters
degree in Elementary Education. The combination of her education
and her years of experience in Irish dancing has led to exceptional
levels of success in the schools first few years of existence.
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