he late Maureen McDade McGrory founded the McDade School of Irish Dance
in 1962. Maureen began step dancing as a teenager. Her father, Jimmy McDade,
was the leader of "The All-Ireland Orchestra," which played at most of the
main Irish events in the Philadelphia area, and Maureen often tagged
along with her father to listen to the band and watch the dancing.
Though a native-born American, Maureen became fascinated with the
dancing and begged her parents for lessons. Her request was granted,
and she began studying with the late Sean Lavery, who was one of the
leading dancers and teachers in the Philadelphia area. After the
death of Sean, Maureen decided to begin a school of her own and
children began coming to her home for lessons. Maureen continued to teach over the next three decades in the Philadelphia area, training many champion dancers. She truly loved the art of Irish Dance.
aureen passed away in 1993 after battling cancer.
Maureen McDade McGrory's legacy lives on through the many Irish Dancing teachers who
learned from her over the thirty years she taught. Maureen McDade McGrory was inducted
into the North American Feis Commission Hall of Fame on January 12, 2003.
he school continues to grow and thrive
and is now directed by Sheila Sweeney TCRG, Bridget O'Connell TCRG, Katherine
Skehan TCRG and Maureen Lisowski. Generations of mothers, daughters, fathers
and sons from across the Philadelphia area have enjoyed the fun and friendships made through their relationship with the McDade School.
he McDade School has had a long and colorful history
of success. Over the years, the McDade dancers have won regional and national titles and
have participated in the World Championships in Ireland.
The dancers travel all over the East Coast to participate in Irish Dancing competitions.
Although competition is very important to many of our dancers, the opportunity to perform
at hospitals, schools, convalescent homes, concerts and festivals all over the Delaware Valley
is also an important part of the school’s tradition. The McDade School of Irish Dance has had
the privilege to entertain President Reagan, President Bush, Senator Bob Dole, President Mary
Robinson of Ireland and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.
he McDade School has won the Walter
Garvin Award for the Outstanding Children's Irish Dance Group in the Philadelphia Saint
Patrick's Day Parade in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and the James F. Cawley Parade Directors Award for Outstanding Cooperating Organization in 2006.
The McDade School has won the Walter Garvin Award for the Outstanding Children's Irish Dance Group in the Philadelphia Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and the James F. Cawley Parade Directors Award for Outstanding Cooperating Organization in 2006 and 2008.
he late Maureen McDade McGrory founded the McDade School of Irish Dance
in 1962. Maureen began step dancing as a teenager. Her father, Jimmy McDade,
was the leader of "The All-Ireland Orchestra," which played at most of the
main Irish events in the Philadelphia area, and Maureen often tagged
along with her father to listen to the band and watch the dancing.
Though a native-born American, Maureen became fascinated with the
dancing and begged her parents for lessons. Her request was granted,
and she began studying with the late Sean Lavery, who was one of the
leading dancers and teachers in the Philadelphia area. After the
death of Sean, Maureen decided to begin a school of her own and
children began coming to her home for lessons. Maureen continued to teach over the next three decades in the Philadelphia area, training many champion dancers. She truly loved the art of Irish Dance.
aureen passed away in 1993 after battling cancer.
Maureen McDade McGrory's legacy lives on through the many Irish Dancing teachers who
learned from her over the thirty years she taught. Maureen McDade McGrory was inducted
into the North American Feis Commission Hall of Fame on January 12, 2003.
