Trinity Academy of Irish Dance

Specialties

Trinity Academy has a unique approach for our Irish dancers called the Trinity Passport Program. Dancers receive passports which are stamped by their teachers as they figuratively «travel» through the rivers, counties and provinces of Ireland. This balanced, streamlined curriculum puts the focus on the journey of each individual dancer. Along the way, challenging skills are added and levels of athleticism are increased. With a Trinity Passport in front of them, dancers are able to visualize the exciting and challenging levels ahead, fueling motivation, hard work and self-​esteem.

Visit our trin​i​tyirish​dancers​.com to see why Trinity might be the right choice for you. You can also find us on Facebook!

LOCATIONS: Lakeview and the NW side in Chicago, Western Springs, Downers Grove, Elmhurst and Palatine in Illinois; Milwaukee, Verona, Madison, Appleton, Kenosha, Waukesha, Grafton, and Wauwatosa in Wisconsin.

History

Established in 1982.

For nearly 30 years, Trinity has thrilled audiences with their inspiring showmanship. From humble beginnings in church basements to recent engagements as U.S. ambassadors on international stages, Trinity dancers deliver a unique energy and passion for Irish dance and culture. Trinity’s program gives dancers the power of choice in their journey with lessons of commitment, hard work and team building. As the most widely recognized Irish dance school in the world, Trinity offers unique opportunities including a top notch teaching staff, monthly visits from athletic trainers, international consultants and exceptional performance opportunities. Trinity teachers shape the lives of their students by passing down not only impeccable dance technique, but also lessons in gracious sportsmanship and how to act with dignity and integrity. Trinity was founded on these principles and is unwavering in its dedication to the next generation of Irish dancers and their communities.

Meet the Business Owner

Mark H.

Business Owner

Using Irish dance as both an instrument and metaphor, Mark Howard has crossed dance and cultural boundaries. This Emmy Award-​winning choreographer has synthesized forms and transcended craft into art, creating something that is forward-​looking and new. His work maintains integrity, while it simultaneously goes beyond the framework of ethnicity to carve new traditions.

Born in Yorkshire, England, and raised in Chicago, Howard began his dancing career at age nine. A North American Champion Irish dancer himself, he launched the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance at age 17. Intent on preserving the legacy of Irish dance and providing a creative outlet and professional livelihood for dancers, Howard later formed the Trinity Irish Dance Company.

Howard’s work has been showcased on National programs such as The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Live with Regis, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America and The Martha Stewart Show.