Welcome to Foley Academy of Irish Dance!

Foley Academy provides a positive, encouraging, and inspiring atmosphere for dancers to learn Irish Dance, while defining goals, experiencing growth and success, and establishing long-lasting friendships. Our mission is for our dancers to build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and excel in their mastery of the technique and style that is unique to Irish Dance.

Irish Dancing is an exciting and challenging activity for both children and adults, and dancers benefit from both a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle. Foley Academy is committed to helping all of our dancers reach their goals. We will be by your side for every step along your journey!

Our dancers have been recognized for excellence within their community, as well as for their solo and Ceili dancing at the Regional and National Irish Dance competitions. Read more about their achievements here.

Portrait of the Foley Academy U12 Girls Ceili 8-hand team with their first-place trophy at the 2022 Southern Region Oireachtas
Portrait of Foley Academy Champion Dancers at the 2022 fall recital

Why Join Foley Academy?

Foley Academy is a community of dancers and their families who share in wonderful experiences and opportunities that motivate and encourage our dancers to continuously improve, refine their technique and skills, and perform confidently at shows and competitions.

Our dancers perform around Reston and Herndon, and dance in many St. Patrick’s Day parades, as well as the popular Reston Holiday Parade and Herndon Homecoming Parade. In addition, we host two recitals each year for all of our dancers to showcase their talents for their friends and family.

As a certified Irish Dance school, Foley Academy dancers from Beginner to Champion are able to participate in competitions as soloists and together on teams. Dancers compete locally around the east coast, as well as at the Regional and National Championships.

Our History

Shannon Foley, a Certified Irish Dance Teacher (TCRG) with the An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG) in Dublin, Ireland, and member of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) and the IDTANA – Southern Region, opened Foley Academy of Irish Dance in 2017.

Ms. Shannon selected Reston, VA to be Foley Academy’s home because of the town’s strong sense of community and dedication to diversity, as well as the opportunities that the dancers have to bring joy to their community through their dancing. Since opening, Foley Academy has expanded its performance and competition opportunities so that dancers are fully engaged in all of the experiences that are available.

For more about Ms. Shannon, or to book a performance, take a look at About Us

Shannon Foley, TCRG

Enroll in our 2023 Winter Session!