Watters School of Irish Dancing
Watters School of Irish Dancing is an Irish dance school in Gainesville, Florida, offering classes for beginners through advanced dancers.
Irish dance classes for kids and adults in Gainesville, FL. Beginner to advanced levels, private lessons, and performances.
Updated August 2026
- Location
- Gainesville, FL
- Categories
- Irish, Belly Dance
Watters School of Irish Dancing teaches traditional Irish dance at 16 NW 7th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601. The school offers classes for beginner through advanced dancers of various ages, including children and adults. Beginner group classes meet Wednesdays at 4:45pm, with 45-minute sessions. The school also offers solo and group performances, and students participate in local events and competitions. Instructors include Myra Watters, a World champion team dancer and World medalist solo dancer who toured internationally with Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames, and Megan Novak, who attained open champion level in solo dancing and competed on teams that placed first at world, national and regional competitions. Both are accredited with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG). Students describe the teaching as compassionate and the new studio as welcoming. Adult beginner dancers have reported learning soft shoe and hard shoe techniques, while parents note children look forward to classes. The school offers performances for the community and maintains CLRG child protection vetting and certification.
What dancers say · Florida Dancers review summary
Reviewers consistently praise the teaching quality and welcoming atmosphere. Students report that instructors are kind, compassionate, and effective at building technique. Adult beginners describe learning soft shoe and hard shoe techniques they did not expect to achieve. Parents note children look forward to classes, and long-term students report enjoying performances and community involvement. The new studio facility is highlighted positively.
Review highlights from Google
Farrah M
I absolutely love this place! Jennifer Kaiden's belly dance class is such a blast, its fun, energizing and makes you feel amazing!
Katie Feeley Aseltyne
Allison Hogan is a premier teacher who also happens to be a very nice person. My daughter absolutely enjoys taking lessons from her. We are very fortunate to have Allison and the Hogan School in Gainesville!
Amanda Kramme
Allison at Hogan School of Irish Dance is a wonderful teacher! I started Irish dance as a fun way to add fitness into my daily routine and have been hooked on it ever since. With Allison's teaching, it has become so much more than a way to keep fit. I have learned technique and soft shoe and hard sh…
Les Furmanski
Our little daughter has been attending for nearly a year now and despite having to drive a long way she looks forward to each class. Allison really takes to the children and vice versa. She seems to have quite a lot of older students as well which keep coming back - we know WE will. Nice new studio …
Danielle Acevedo
Hogan School of Irish Dance is excellent! I have been dancing with Allison for 3 years and love every minute. I enjoy the many performances we are able to do for the community.
Sourced from Google reviews.
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Frequently asked questions
What age groups does Watters School of Irish Dancing teach?
The school teaches children and adults, from beginner to advanced levels.
When do beginner classes meet in Gainesville?
Beginner group classes meet Wednesdays at 4:45pm, with 45-minute sessions starting August 19th.
Who are the instructors?
Instructors include Myra Watters, a World champion dancer who toured internationally with Lord of the Dance, and Megan Novak, an open champion solo dancer certified with CLRG.
Does the school offer performances?
Yes, students participate in solo and group performances for the community and in local competitions.
What is the studio address?
Watters School of Irish Dancing is located at 16 NW 7th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601.