May 17, 2025
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Northwest Herald

New dance school to open in Barrington

Haley Bruns, 8, a student at Flannery School of Irish Dance, leaps during a recent fundraiser performance for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Flannery plans to open a new school in Barrington. (Photo provided)

BARRINGTON – The Flannery School of Irish Dance announced that it will open a new location in Barrington in June.

Owned and operated by Katie Flannery and Shane Kelly, both former world champion competitors and Riverdance performers, the pair opened their first studio last May in St. Charles.

“I’m originally from St. Charles, and growing up I knew a lot of dancers from that area,” Flannery said. “I’ve always liked Barrington. It’s a great place for families, like St. Charles, so I thought it would be a really nice area to open a new location.”

The school will be located at the Bataille Dance Academy, 120 Lageschulte St. Flannery and Kelly plan to spend Wednesdays and Fridays in Barrington teaching dance, with their remaining days at the St. Charles location.

The two met about 10 years ago in Riverdance.

“He’s an amazing dancer,” Flannery said. “We’ve been best friends ever since. We’ve been teaching together since last May. It’s been working out good.”

Flannery and Kelley train girls and boys ages 4 and up in the art of Irish dance.

“In its first year, Flannery School of Irish Dance has already set records, earning several top awards,” Flannery said. “At the recent Milwaukee Feis, 10 dancers of the new school competed in various levels of competition and walked away from this large event with 16 gold, six silver, and five bronze medals. The school also successfully competed in the recent event held in Lake Geneva, and have two of its competitors traveling to Los Angeles this July for the national championships.”

Flannery said the school will offer a free class to any young dancers who just want to give it a try.

For information, visit www.flanneryirishdance.com or call 312-344-0957.