Jimmy Early  |
Jimmy began Irish dance lessons at an early age with Peter Smith and went on to win many solo and championship titles throughout the USA and Canada, including 1st place at the New York Oireachtas. In 1968, when his sister Patsy opened an Irish dancing school, Jimmy continued studying dancing. In 1976, he opened his own branch of the school in Riverdale, NY. Jimmy’s daughter Mairead is an accomplished dancer with the school and has competed at all levels including the World Championships in Ennis in 2005 We all know Jimmy, not just as a teacher, but also as a premier Irish musician who, in 1974, became the first American to win the All-Ireland Championship in his age group on the piano accordion. Countless teachers and students from schools throughout the country have used Jimmy Early’s “Music for the Feis” and “More Music for the Feis” as practice tapes both in class and at home. Jimmy is a valued member of the Irish Dancing Teachers’ Association of North America (IDTANA) who has served for several years as Assistant Regional Director of the Mid-Atlantic (formerly Eastern) Region, as well as Chairman of the Oireachtas in 1985 and 1986. Jimmy is our school’s liaison at the NAFC conventions. |
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