O Neill James School

The O'Neill James School of Irish Dance is a family-run Irish dance school serving the Washington DC area, including northern Virginia and Maryland. Established in Washington DC in 1969, it describes itself as the longest-running Irish dance school in the nation's capital and one of the oldest in the United States. It is led by Laureen O'Neill James, ADCRG TCRG, an Irish Cultural Hall of Fame inductee, and continues the legacy of founder Peggy O'Neill. The school takes boys and girls from age four upward, from beginner through championship level, and offers ceili and step dancing classes for adults as well as private lessons and summer camps. There is no pressure to compete: students may take part in individual and team competitions, performances, non-competitive events or simply weekly classes. The school hosts the Nations Capital Feis, which includes the All American Championships and grade exams, and dances in the Washington DC St Patrick's Day Parade. It follows the CLRG child protection and vetting policy.