Lexington’s community-based Irish dance school, Bluegrass Ceili Academy, has again been awarded a community arts development grant by LexArts. The grant will provide scholarships to dancers for the 2019-2020 class year.
“It’s an absolute honor for us to be supported by LexArts, through its Fund for the Arts, which is funded in part by the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government,” said Academy director Megan Moloney. “As a community-based program, our partners — including LexArts and Lexington Parks and Recreation — make what we do possible.”
“With this grant, we’ll be able make Irish dance an option for more students in our community, including both children and adults,” Moloney said.
This is the second year Bluegrass Ceili Academy has been awarded a grant. Last year’s grant helped provide six merit and need-based scholarships. Students benefitting from the grant not only gained classroom experience, but have participated in community events, competitions and performances, including the Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, the Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival, and free community performances.
According to LexArts’ website, since its inception, the organization has raised millions of dollars in support of the local arts through its annual Fund for the Arts. In turn, LexArts underwrites general operating expenses for a variety of arts organizations and offers competitive Community Arts Grants for arts projects and programs. Awards are given annually and applications are reviewed each spring.
Weekly Irish dance classes are held at Artworks at the Carver School in partnership with Lexington Parks and Recreation. Students also perform throughout the Central Kentucky community at schools, festivals and community events. There are also opportunities for students to compete on teams at local and regional events.
Bluegrass Ceili Academy is more than just a dance school.
Perspective. Experience. Community. Mission. It’s what matters.
What does that mean?
It’s the way we look at things, the experience we bring to the classroom, it’s building and giving back to our community, and living our mission by providing a supportive learning environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels.
Find out more about Bluegrass Ceili Academy at our August or September open house events at Artworks.