HISTORY

The Harney Crawford Academy of Irish Dancing was founded in 1990 by Liam Harney, a two-time World Champion and accredited teacher and adjudicator with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha in Ireland. For over 35 years, our academy has provided students and families with the opportunity to experience the rich traditions and heritage of Irish dance and music. Today, the academy is proudly owned by Allison Crawford, a longtime dancer, teacher, and choreographer who trained under Liam and Sally Harney. With more than 20 years of experience within the studio, Allison continues to uphold the academy’s legacy while supporting dancers through disciplined instruction rooted in traditional Irish dance. Allison achieved her TCRG in 2022 from An Coimisiú Le Rincí Gaelecha

LOCATION

With over 4000 sq. feet and a facility on Main St. in downtown Walpole, MA, the Harney-Crawford Academy offers weekly Irish dance classes for boys and girls ages three and up including adults. Here, students are introduced to a wonderful curriculum of soft shoe, hard shoe and figure dances as well as traditional Ceili and Set pieces.

EVENTS

Throughout the school year, students are encouraged to participate in a variety of academy activities including pep rallies, fundraisers, holiday performances, and our annual year-end recital. These events provide dancers with valuable performance experience while fostering a strong sense of teamwork and school spirit among students of all ages and levels. In addition to performances and events, informative newsletters are distributed monthly to keep students and parents up to date on upcoming events, important announcements, academy achievements, competition results, and helpful reminders. These communications help ensure families feel informed, connected, and supported as part of the Harney Crawford Academy community.

COMPETITION

Students have the opportunity to attend local and state step dancing competitions and, if qualified, are given opportunities to attend Regional, National, and World competitions. During the summer months, performing arts workshops and step dancing classes are offered to maintain skills developed during the school year. Our ties to both the local and Irish communities also afford students the opportunity to perform in and around Massachusetts.