O'Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance - Mission, Kansas

DJ Fugazzotto

Our daughter has been dancing here for about three years as of this posting. We've found this to be an incredible school. Joseph Manning, the owner and senior dance teacher bought the school from his dance teacher upon her retirement, and has brought it into its 30th year in 2019. Grace, Joseph's sister, runs the business end of things, and does everything else as well.

The school has become a sort of family, as we spend so much time there. The kids are superb, with the older dancers serving as role models and mentors for the young. While our boys and girls always do well in competition due to Joseph's tutelage, he never lets them forget that first and foremost, Irish Dance should be fun. His infectious attitude spreads across the students and parents alike, and we all genuinely appreciate the atmosphere this creates.

Every year, several of our dancers advance to both National and World Championship competitions, following in Joseph's footsteps when he was dancing competitively. So, the students have an excellent role model.

The school is also active in the local Kansas City Irish community, as well as regularly putting on performances at nursing homes, schools, and of course, during the annual Kansas City Irish Festival (Labor Day weekend) and local St. Patrick's Day parades.

OM usually has Groupon discounts for introductory dance lessons, and overall, the rates are very reasonable. If you're at all interested, please contact them via phone or email, or just come visit and watch a lesson or two. You'll not be disappointed!

running funk

As a parent, one can only hope their kids find a passion. After we tried ballet and gymnastics (unsuccessfully), we watched Irish dance groups at several of the local events. My daughter was captivated and wanted to try it out. After seeing the different schools perform, the decision was easy. OM was more polished and professional and it has shown in my daughter’s instruction. In short, OM has helped her find that passion.

Joseph’s instruction from beginner onwards was really cool to experience. Kids learn solo hard and soft shoe dances, but my daughter probably has the most fun with the performance and group classes.

As kids progress, they can choose to compete, but this school isn’t pushy about it. One thing I find particularly valuable about OM is the wide variety of opportunities outside of the studio. OM performs for retirement communities, has performed at Royals Stadium, at Sporting KC, at Irish festivals, at community events, in parades, and even at huge Sprint Center concerts. These experiences have enhanced my daughter’s confidence and ability, over and above the class instruction.

Over the years, OM has been flexible with us and offered a variety of class times that allow us to work around our family’s sometimes hectic schedule. They understand that kids have school and other activities outside of dance and offer week and weekend classes.

Melody Fugazzotto

We love the OM school and family! We started house and Irish dance school hunting 7 MONTHS before we moved to KC from overseas. Grace quickly answered my questions and I kept her contact info handy for when we actually moved to the area. Deciding on OM was easy at that point... they already had a solid long time history in KC and a great school reputation. We knew we hit the jackpot with the experienced, professional leadership in Joseph and his teaching staff.

Our tiny dancer has now been there for three years and we have all made several cherished lifelong friends. Additionally, the various schedule options allowed her to participate more fully as her dance skills continue to improve. Last but not least, OM and its parent boosters are fantastic!

Fatemeh Karami

I wanted to give it zero stars, but that would have been unfair to the dance instructor that my daughter spent the most time with. However, the management is a different story. Inadequate and poor are good descriptions for management. All dancers go through registration once a year- exactly like a regular school. Grace, who sits in the management chair, does not keep a record of all the people that have not re-registered for the upcoming year, which means the automatic payment will go through even though the parents have not signed any official legal document for new registration. When she is approached and asked to refund the money, she says, "She cannot, but your child can attend the classes." I am a single mother and a full-time student working hard to earn a paycheck. I work in the healthcare field and deal with customers all the time. If a service is not provided, it is only fair for the customer to be refunded, no question asked.
Another issue we had was reschedule classes. If there are problems with the building and the lessons must be canceled, Grace is gracious enough to inform everyone through email that classes have been canceled for the day. However, she never emails regarding make-up days for the missed class, and the parents must push for it. Overall, my experience with the management was very negative. This type of management negatively impacts the company, the employees, and the customers.

Tammy Rhodes

My daughter saw the O’Riada Manning dancers perform when she was 4 1/2 years old and decided then she wanted to be one! She has been Irish dancing with the school ever since and she is now almost 13 years old! We love the school!! They are like family and they have not only been incredible teachers of Irish dance, but on teamwork, determination and hard work as well. I highly recommend them!!

Kathy

I’ve watched my shy child become confident and set her own goals through Irish dancing at O’Riada Manning during the last 5 years. There are many opportunities to perform and compete. Joseph, Grace & Hannah are encouraging and professional with the students as well as the parents!

Suzanne Andrews

We have been completely thrilled with O’Riada-Manning Academy of Irish dance. Joseph Manning is a highly qualified teacher who wants only the best for his students. Grace, the Administrator Extraordinaire is so organized and on top of things, she doesn’t miss even the smallest details. If you’re looking for a top-notch school that treats you like family, this is IT.

Acacia Byerley

We started at this school with a Groupon and never left! My daughter has been dancing here for 6 years with no end in sight! We love the instructors and everyone here is like family. Would recommend this school to anyone interested.