Choosing the Right Irish Dance School in Bergen County: Early-McLoughlin vs. Ridgewood Irish Dance
photo courtesy of Ridgewood Irish Dance
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, If you’re searching for the perfect Irish dance school in Bergen County, you’ve likely come across two prominent names: the Early-McLoughlin School of Irish Dance and Ridgewood Irish Dance (theJIGfactory).
While both schools share a passion for Irish culture and movement, they offer very different experiences. Choosing the right one depends on your goals—whether you’re looking for long-standing competitive tradition or a contemporary, community-focused approach.
Here is what you need to know to make the best choice for your dancer.
Early-McLoughlin School of Irish Dance: Deep Roots & Tradition
Founded in 1968 by Patricia (Patsy) Early-McLoughlin, this school is a pillar of the New Jersey Irish dance community. With over five decades of history, the school remains a family-run institution featuring Patsy, her brother James Early, and her sister Karen Conway.
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Philosophy: The school balances high-level competitive excellence with a strong family atmosphere. They guide students from their first steps all the way to championship-level competition.
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Affiliation: They are affiliated with CLRG (An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha), the oldest and largest governing body for Irish dance worldwide.
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Where to find them: They operate across various locations in Bergen County, including Dumont and Fair Lawn, as well as several sites in New York.
Ridgewood Irish Dance (theJIGfactory): A Modern Approach
Ridgewood Irish Dance, led by teacher Ashling Daly Stanek, offers a fresh, progressive take on the art form. This studio is designed to be inclusive, catering to dancers who want to compete at a high level and those who simply want to dance for the pure joy of it.
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Philosophy: They focus on creating a positive, welcoming culture. Their program is split into two tracks: “The Academy” for competitive dancers, and “theJIGfactory” for those looking for a non-competitive, recreational experience.
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Affiliation: They are affiliated with CRDM (Comhdháil na Rince Gaelacha), a distinct regulatory organization from CLRG.
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Where to find them: You can find them at their dedicated studio space in Ridgewood, NJ (580 N Maple Ave).
At a Glance: How Do They Compare?
| Feature | Early-McLoughlin School | Ridgewood Irish Dance (theJIGfactory) |
| Established | 1968 | More recent / Contemporary |
| Governing Body | CLRG | CRDM |
| Vibe | Traditional, Family-Centric | Progressive, Inclusive |
| Focus | Competitive & Performance | Competitive (Academy) & Recreational |
Which School Is Right For You?
Because these schools operate under different governing bodies (CLRG vs. CRDM), they generally do not compete against one another at the same feiseanna (competitions).
Our advice? The best way to choose is to schedule a trial class or visit both locations. Pay attention to the teaching style, the class structure, and the overall “fit” for your dancer’s personality. Whether you are chasing a championship trophy or a fun after-school activity, Bergen County is home to two excellent options.
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