Keepers of the Steps

Keepers of the Steps Celebrating 150 years of Irish Dance in the San Francisco Bay Area! There most certainly was green among the gold in the hills of California in the mid-1800s.

Don’t miss this special exhibit exploring the roots, rhythms, and rituals of one of the most enduring traditions of our Irish heritage. The prospect of striking it rich during the Gold Rush was the hook needed to drive people to the west coast of a young nation—including the Irish! With their hopes of fortune, they brought their culture too. The centuries-old oral traditions of Irish music and dan

ce made their way to California and took root in growing communities. Irish dancing is a centuries-old tradition that continues to capture the hearts of dancers and onlookers alike. Long before gold was found in the hills of California—a couple of centuries to be precise—the Dancing Masters of Ireland were promoting the rich tradition of Irish Dance by traveling around Ireland, teaching their steps, and sharing their stories. This critical piece of our Irish heritage and history has evolved over the years into local dance schools in various regions around Ireland—and eventually around the world. Casual dance-offs or competitions at the crossroads of Ireland in the days of yore gave way to feisanna (Irish dance competitions). The entertainment industry has broadened the reach of the art form through massive stage shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance as well as through film and music. Our special exhibit aims to explore the people, places, and things that have sustained Irish dancing in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are ever grateful to the modern Dancing Masters who brought Irish Dancing to San Francisco and the Bay Area more than 150 years ago and created a rich legacy that thrives today through dance classes, competition, and cultural opportunities. To all the dancers who share in the joy of Irish Dancing, know that you are part of a long and storied tradition. And not unlike those Dancing Masters in 16th century Ireland you, along with your dance teacher, are the “Keepers of the Steps.”

We love seeing our local dancers out at various city festivals! Great job today! 
06/07/2026

We love seeing our local dancers out at various city festivals! Great job today! 

06/03/2026

Introducing one Uachtarán to another. 💫

CLRG Uachtarán, Marie Duffy Pask, teachers, and dancers from .official were delighted to perform for an tUachtarán na hÉireann (), Catherine Connolly, at the in London recently.

What a huge opportunity to represent Irish culture abroad! 💚

We love a good Irish dance story! What’s your shoe story? 
05/23/2026

We love a good Irish dance story! What’s your shoe story? 

If your SHOES coud talk.. What would they day?

Tell us the story behind your Irish dance shoes. It can be funny, emotional, inspiring, or unforgettable — from breaking them in, to major wins, travel memories, friendships, or the pair you just can’t let go of. This you chance to be published!

📖 Max 500 words
📧 Send to: [email protected]
📝 Subject: SHORT STORY
Include: Name, Age, School & Email
⏰ Deadline: Wednesday, May 27

We Inspire. We Educate. We Motivate. WeAreIDM

05/20/2026

An immersive experience!

What an incredible weekend at the 2026 Céilí on the Lake Championships at the Marin Irish Festival! Congratulations to t...
05/19/2026

What an incredible weekend at the 2026 Céilí on the Lake Championships at the Marin Irish Festival! Congratulations to the Jackie Flynn Academy of Irish Dance for organizing such a wonderful feis, with Jackie Flynn and Cara Justice leading an outstanding event filled with talent, sportsmanship, tradition, and community spirit.

A heartfelt congratulations and thank you to all the dancers, dance schools, teachers, families, adjudicators, musicians, volunteers, and supporters who made the weekend so special. From beginner dancers taking the stage for the first time to championship competitors competing for Champion of Champions honors, the level of dancing, dedication, and camaraderie on display was truly inspiring.

Special thanks to adjudicators Bernadette Dillon-Gavin, Laura Cass-Barrington, Bill Maple, Lexa Hickey, Marnie Maple, and Julie Showalter Marshall, along with musicians Roen Fraser and Eric Crone, for helping create such a memorable championship weekend.

We are so grateful to everyone who traveled near and far to celebrate Irish dance, music, and culture together on the shores of the lake. Already looking forward to next year! ☘️🏆💃

We love a great dress reunion! A couple former dancers who had donated their dresses stopped by the UICC tent at the Mar...
05/19/2026

We love a great dress reunion! A couple former dancers who had donated their dresses stopped by the UICC tent at the Marin Irish Festival & Ceili on the Lake Championships to visit their old dance costume! What a thrill to witness!

Do you have an old dance costume to donate?
Visit our page and complete the donation form.
 https://irishcentersf.org/programs/keepers-of-the-steps/


Congratulations to Jackie Flynn Irish Dance Academy on a great Day 1 for the 2026 Ceili on the Lake Championship!Great d...
05/17/2026

Congratulations to Jackie Flynn Irish Dance Academy on a great Day 1 for the 2026 Ceili on the Lake Championship!

Great dancing, beautiful festival environment, and lovely display of Irish culture all around!

Right across the grass from the feis stages—Keepers of the Steps in the United Irish Cultural Center tent—come say hello!

📣 Let’s hear it for all the Irish Dance Moms and grandmas, aunties, godmothers, and all the special women who support ou...
05/10/2026

📣 Let’s hear it for all the Irish Dance Moms and grandmas, aunties, godmothers, and all the special women who support our dancers out there!

Absolutely, hands down, you are all KEEPERS! ☘️💚☘️ Have a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Address

2700 45th Avenue
San Francisco, CA
94116

Telephone

+14156612700

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Keepers of the Steps posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Keepers of the Steps:

Shortcuts

Share

Category