Discover Irish Dance: Tradition, Instructors & Culture

20 May, 2025

Can the rhythm of a San Francisco kitchen, echoing with the steps of an Irish immigrant mother, truly give rise to a legacy of preserving culture and inspiring generations? The story of Sheila Murphy Crawford, a woman who embodies the spirit of Irish dance, definitively proves that it can.

From her earliest memories, Sheila's life has been interwoven with the vibrant threads of Irish culture. It began in her childhood, where she learned dance steps within the familiar walls of her family's San Francisco home, guided by her mother, a passionate Irish immigrant who instilled in her a deep appreciation for their heritage. This early training laid the foundation for a lifelong journey, one that would lead her not only to master the art of Irish dance but also to become a dedicated instructor and adjudicator, shaping the lives of countless others.

Sheila's dedication extends far beyond the studio. She is deeply embedded within the Cleveland Irish community, actively participating in organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians and supporting the Irish Cultural Gardens. Her influence is felt through the dancers she trains at the Murphy Irish Arts Center, nurturing their talents and fostering a sense of community.

The Murphy Irish Arts Center, a beacon of Irish culture, was established in 1978 by Sheila Murphy Crawford. This institution is more than just a dance school; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of the Irish people and their rich cultural heritage. The center's mission goes beyond teaching dance steps; it's about preserving the traditions, the music, the language, and the history that make Irish culture so unique.

The academy's commitment extends to providing opportunities for its dancers to excel, participating in feisanna (Irish dance competitions) and major championships. These experiences help dancers develop their skills, build confidence, and connect with others who share their passion. The Murphy Academy has a proven track record of producing accomplished competitive dancers who have achieved success at regional, national, and even world championship levels.

For novice dancers and their families, the Murphy Irish Arts Center provides a supportive environment. Parents of dancers interested in acquiring solo costumes are encouraged to seek guidance from the teachers. The instructors are dedicated to helping each dancer achieve their full potential while ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience.

The academy's program offerings cater to dancers of all ages and abilities. The "Little Jiggers" program is specifically designed for young dancers, providing a fun and engaging introduction to Irish dance. The program focuses on developing gross motor skills while instilling the fundamentals of Irish dance. Furthermore, the Rohan Murphy Irish Dance Academy provides classes for traditional and contemporary styles of Irish dancing, catering to both competitive and non-competitive dancers, ensuring that there's a place for everyone to participate in the rich tradition.

The Murphy Irish Dancers are also a vital part of the community, sharing their talent and enriching the lives of others. They perform at various events, including folk festivals, nursing homes, and organizational gatherings, such as the Cleveland International Tattoo and the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland's annual ball.

The 45th anniversary dinner/dance of the Murphy Irish Arts Center, held at the Irish American Club East Side in Euclid, Ohio, on June 17, 2023, was a testament to the enduring legacy of the organization and its founders.

The center's instructors and adjudicators are experts in their field, dedicated to upholding the highest standards of Irish dance. They provide guidance, support, and inspiration to their students, helping them to excel both on and off the dance floor. The Murphy Irish Arts Center is a true reflection of the Irish spirit: resilient, vibrant, and always ready to share its heritage with the world.

The dedication of the teachers, the support of the parents, and the talent of the dancers have made the Murphy Irish Arts Center a success, bringing the joy of Irish dance to the community.

Category	Details
Full Name	Sheila Murphy Crawford
Occupation	Irish Dance Instructor and Adjudicator
Founder	Murphy Irish Arts Center (1978)
Certifications	Certified Irish Dance Instructor and Adjudicator (An Coimisin le Rinc Gaelacha)
Community Involvement	Active in the Cleveland Irish community, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Cultural Gardens
Dance School Name	Murphy Academy of Irish Dance
School Address	16 Ferry Street Grafton, MA 01560
Related School	Rohan Murphy Irish Dance Academy
Other Dance School	OGrady Quinlan Academy in Pennsylvania
Related School	McBride School
Achievement	Producing accomplished competitive dancers who have qualified at the regional, national, and world championship level
Other School	Greene, Healy, Kennelly, Whelan, and many more
Reference	An Coimisin le Rinc Gaelacha (CLRG)

The Murphy Irish Arts Center ensures the sharing of information is kept under strict control, with respect for the privacy of its dancers and staff. Information is protected to safeguard the interests of the entire community.

In Grafton, Massachusetts, and West Boylston, Massachusetts, the dance tradition lives on, fostered in environments like the Murphy Academy and American Legion Post 204, respectively. These are places where the steps are refined, and the spirit of dance is kept alive, much like at the OGrady Quinlan Academy or with the Rohan Murphy IDA.

For anyone interested in witnessing the magic of Irish dance, the Murphy dancers are available for bookings. They've graced numerous events, including the Cleveland International Tattoo and the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland's annual ball and tea. They are in the midst of the show season and the senior living facilities are where they enrich lives and share the tradition.

The Murphy Irish Arts Center offers classes designed for beginners who want to take the first steps. Its a place where young dancers learn, improve their motor skills, and discover the basics of Irish dance.

And with the success of Murphy's Celtic Legacy, the production merges the energy of Irish dance with contemporary choreographic techniques and a captivating original soundtrack. This spectacular experience, starring world-class dancers and a live band, demonstrates the modern appeal of Irish dance, captivating audiences throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Cyprus, and Ireland.

Whether its learning new steps, competing, or seeing a captivating performance, the Murphy Irish Arts Center remains a place where the culture is celebrated and cherished, honoring Sheila Murphy Crawford's legacy.

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