Joseph Manning, TCRG and Director of the O’Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance in Kansas City, Kansas, describes O’Riada-Manning as a fun environment where students come to learn about Irish heritage. In the process, students will learn hard work and discipline. Joseph explains that they take the traditional art of Irish Dance and combine it with a more modern form, similar to River Dance or Lord of the Dance.
Joseph’s proudest moments as a dance instructor occur when he sees students working hard and fulfilling their goals. Also, being able to see them perform with some amazing bands and places makes him proud. Additionally, watching my students at competition has been a joy to witness.
He believes that the biggest mistakes dancers make is when they think they know everything and think they do not need to listen to their teachers.
His goal for the Academy is to continue to improve their quality and push their abilities. He also plans to continue to grow the performing group.
Joseph did not found the Academy, he purchased it from his teacher when she retired and moved back to Belfast, Northern Ireland. This is what he always wanted to do with his life and feels blessed to be living his dream.
O’Riada-Manning Academy is Kansas City’s original Irish Dance school. They have been teaching for over 25 years and have sent student’s to Regional, National, and World competitions. O’Riada-Manning offers a wide range of classes for both children and adults of all levels. Their teachers, Joseph Manning and Emily McCarty, were both born and raised in Kansas City and are delighted to continue the tradition of Irish dance in this area. O’Riada-Manning is known for producing well-rounded competitors and performers of both traditional and modern Irish dance techniques. They currently have classes in Kansas City Northland, Kansas City, and Lee’s Summi.
They have had the honor of performing for Kansas City’s Major League Baseball Team, The Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City’s Major League Soccer Team, Sporting Kansas City. They have also performed for world renown Irish Bands such as The Elders, Gaelic Storm, Cherish The Ladies, The Chieftains, Eileen Ivers and more.
At the O’Riada-Manning Academy, Homeschooled students aged 5 to 18 years old who have daytime availability learn the basics of Irish dance. Similar to their level 1 evening class, these students are introduced to the basic Irish dance movements, the music and the four light shoe dances. With one instructor and one assistant, this class takes on a steadier pace of lessons. Depending on class openings, O’Riada-Manning offers year round enrollment in this class.
If you would like more information about O’Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance, visit their website at http://www.omirishdance.com, call them at 913-396-3113 or email them at dance@omirishdance.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, connect with them on Instagram and view them on YouTube.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Joseph Manning of O’Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance.
