OUR STORY
Born in Ireland from a blend of tradition and innovation, Irish Dance Pro aims to revolutionize your practice sessions by merging the art of Irish dance with cutting-edge, practical solutions to improve your dance journey.
Shane McAvinchey, Founder
Raised in Tipperary, Ireland, Shane's journey began at the tender age of six. Under the tutelage of Anne Callanan, he quickly ascended the ranks of competitive dance, marking his early years with significant achievements, including a notable 4th place in the world championships. This foundation set the stage for a distinguished career that would take Irish dance to global audiences.
At 16, Shane's professional journey took flight with Riverdance, the globally acclaimed production that brought the vibrancy and spirit of Irish dance to international stages. For four years, Shane toured the world, from the Americas to Australia, showcasing the dynamic art of Irish dance and immersing himself in the global cultural landscape.
Post-Riverdance, Shane's career flourished as he took on principal roles in various productions, including 'The High Kings', 'Dancing Thru the Ages', 'Ragus', and as a featured dancer with the 'Niamh Ní Charra Band'. His talent and dedication to representing Irish culture on the global stage were recognized in 2009 when he was chosen to perform for royalty and dignitaries during a state visit to Luxembourg with Irish President Mary MacAleese.
PERFORMANCE & TEACHING
"STEPS" by Shane McAvinchey has amassed 9 million views on YouTube.
Beyond performing, Shane has contributed significantly to the education and promotion of Irish dance. He choreographed and starred in the online commercial "Steps," which amassed 9 million views on YouTube, demonstrating his ability to engage audiences worldwide. His role as co-director of the Sweeney-McAvinchey Irish Dance School in Germany brought his own students huge success with some achieving world medal status and going on to perform in professional shows themselves. He is a qualified teacher (TCRG) with An Comiusiùin le Rinci Gaelacha and continues to teach workshops around the world and his voluntary iolvement in various boards and committees highlight his commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers and promoting Irish dance internationally.
Along with Paula Goulding, he has co-produced shows and events including Take The Floor, Journey to Ireland, Celtic Dances, The Irish Dance Festival and a Flash Mob video at dublin airport which has had over 6 million views on YouTube to date. Their contributions extend to the American Company of Irish Dance, where as Artistic Directors, they worked to increase awareness and appreciation of Irish dance through innovative productions and educational initiatives. Under their leadership, the company produced "Aisling," a groundbreaking theatrical dance production, further establishing their role as visionaries in the dance community.
IRISH DANCE PRO
The inception of Irish Dance Pro in 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Shane's journey. The idea was simple yet revolutionary: a practice pad for Irish dancers, designed to protect floors and reduce noise, allowing dancers to practice anywhere, anytime. This innovation was inspired by Shane's own experiences as a teacher and his deep understanding of the needs of dancers. Since its launch, Irish Dance Pro has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and a commitment to supporting dancers' practice routines worldwide.
Shane's entrepreneurial journey, highlighted by his recognition in “Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur,” showcases his ability to blend art with business seamlessly. His educational background in business management complements his artistic achievements, providing a unique perspective on promoting Irish dance and culture across the globe.
At Irish Dance Pro, we're dedicated to continuing Shane's legacy of innovation, excellence, and support for the Irish dance community. Our products are designed with dancers in mind, aiming to enhance practice routines and celebrate the rich heritage of Irish dance. Shane McAvinchey's story and the brand of Irish Dance Pro inspire us to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and keep the tradition alive for generations to come.
Our Vendors
We understand that getting our amazing products quickly and efficiently is a challenge. As a small company serving the GLOBAL Irish dance community, we've found a solution to tackle those shipping delays for our US customers!
