Bluegrass Ceili Academy is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of fostering a vibrant community through Irish dancing in Lexington. From its humble beginnings with free community classes at McCarthy’s Irish Bar, the academy has grown into a leading program for Irish dance in the region, enriching Lexington’s cultural landscape.
“As Bluegrass Ceili Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, we want to thank our amazing dance community. To past students, thank you for building our foundation. To current students, thank you for your energy and dedication. And to future students, we can’t wait to welcome you,” said academy founder and director Megan Moloney. “For 10 years, we’ve proudly served as Lexington’s community-based Irish dance school, and we are devoted to sharing our love of Irish dance for years to come.”
Building community through Irish dancing in Lexington since 2015
Bluegrass Ceili Academy’s dedication to community has been a cornerstone of its success. In 2016, the academy partnered with Lexington Parks and Recreation to bring Irish dancing in Lexington to the Artworks program at the Carver School, expanding access to this art form for many in the community. This mission has been further recognized through grant funding from LexArts and An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, which has supported outreach programs, including scholarships for students and the popular Céilí Mór Kentucky.
Recent years have brought significant recognition. Bluegrass Ceili’s distinctive “Heart Sings” tartan was selected from 360 entries in Sport Kilt’s 2019 contest, visually represents the school’s heritage and motto, “Do What Makes Your Heart Sing.” In 2021, the academy was voted Lexington Herald-Leader’s Reader’s Choice Best Dance Studio, a testament to its positive impact on the Irish dancing scene in Lexington. That same year, founder and director Megan Moloney received international acclaim with the Irish Dance Magazine Excellence in Teaching Global Award.
Bluegrass Ceili Academy’s dancers have also achieved remarkable competitive success, further establishing the academy as a premier destination for Irish dancing in Lexington. Regional championship wins in both 2022 and 2023 showcased the talent and dedication of its students. In 2024, the academy’s adult mixed four-hand team achieved a landmark victory, becoming North American Irish Dance Champions, highlighting the high caliber of Irish dancing in Lexington.
Further accolades in 2024 included being named a Best of Lex Awards dance studio finalist and recognition from The Scout Guide Lexington as one of their “Ones to Watch.” These honors underscore the academy’s commitment to excellence in Irish dance instruction and its positive impact on the Lexington community, solidifying its place in the world of Irish dancing in Lexington.
“Our 10th anniversary year is an opportunity to celebrate everyone who has contributed to Bluegrass Ceili’s success,” Moloney said. “From our first students at McCarthy’s to the national champions, each individual has played a role in building the vibrant community of Irish dancing in Lexington. We’re excited to continue sharing the joy of Irish dance and encouraging everyone to ‘Do What Makes Your Heart Sing’ in Lexington for many years to come.”
Stay tuned for more information about Bluegrass Ceili Academy’s 10th anniversary events. For those seeking Irish dancing in Lexington, Bluegrass Ceili Academy welcomes dancers of all ages and skill levels.