About
Rince na Chroi School of Irish Dance offers Irish dance instruction that includes traditional Irish dance steps, training and conditioning, performance-based Irish dance, and learning new choreography. Dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome, with classes available for beginners as young as three up through advanced students, and the school also teaches adults. Rince na Chroi is a performance and team-based Irish dance school where dancers are constantly learning new choreography and focus on teamwork.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes are held Tuesday–Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings and afternoons, depending on the level
Rince na Chroi was established in 2003 and has grown from about 15 dancers to over 200 under the direction of founder and owner Katie Stephens-Spangler. Rince na Chroi's stated purpose is to provide a positive, fun learning atmosphere for all students to learn Irish dance. The school offers year-round classes and encourages open communication between dancers, parents, and teaching staff. The teachers are described by the program as the heart of Rince na Chroi, taking time to get to know each dancer personally and teaching life skills like confidence, teamwork, and professionalism through dance.
Founder Katie Stephens Spangler began dancing in Milwaukee in 1987 with the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, performed and competed all over the world for 11 years, and finished her competitive career at the Championship level in 1998. She assisted with teaching classes at Trinity, taught for four years with the St. Paul Irish Dancers while attending the University of St. Thomas, and graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. The St. Paul St. Pat’s Association named Katie Stephens-Spangler their “Distinguished Irish Woman” of the year in 2022.
Rince na Chroi dancers perform at fundraisers, weddings, private parties, corporate events, festivals, and school and parish activities, and they have performed all over the Twin Cities and the Midwest at events such as the Irish Fair of Minnesota, the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival, Grand Old Day, and Milwaukee Irish Fest. In recent years, dancers have performed an average of 100 times each year in venues such as the Minnesota Zoo and the Landmark Center and with musicians such as the Two Tap Trio, the Wild Colonial Bhoys, We Banjo 3, and Gaelic Storm. Katie Stephens-Spangler has served on the Board of Directors for the Irish Music and Dance Association and on the Board of Directors for the Irish Fair of Minnesota, including roles as Board Secretary and Marketing Committee Chair.
Parent and community testimonials describe long-term involvement with the school, including dancers who have been with Rince na Chroi for many years, adult students who value the social and fitness aspects of classes, and families who highlight organization, communication with parents, and accommodation for dancers starting as teenagers. Testimonials from musicians and event organizers describe Rince na Chroi as professional, energetic, and family-centered, and note ongoing collaborations at events such as the Irish Fair of Minnesota and performances with the Two Tap Trio Dance Band.
Last updated June 28, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes are held Tuesday–Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings and afternoons, depending on the level
Rince na Chroi was established in 2003 and has grown from about 15 dancers to over 200 under the direction of founder and owner Katie Stephens-Spangler. Rince na Chroi's stated purpose is to provide a positive, fun learning atmosphere for all students to learn Irish dance. The school offers year-round classes and encourages open communication between dancers, parents, and teaching staff. The teachers are described by the program as the heart of Rince na Chroi, taking time to get to know each dancer personally and teaching life skills like confidence, teamwork, and professionalism through dance.
Founder Katie Stephens Spangler began dancing in Milwaukee in 1987 with the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, performed and competed all over the world for 11 years, and finished her competitive career at the Championship level in 1998. She assisted with teaching classes at Trinity, taught for four years with the St. Paul Irish Dancers while attending the University of St. Thomas, and graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. The St. Paul St. Pat’s Association named Katie Stephens-Spangler their “Distinguished Irish Woman” of the year in 2022.
Rince na Chroi dancers perform at fundraisers, weddings, private parties, corporate events, festivals, and school and parish activities, and they have performed all over the Twin Cities and the Midwest at events such as the Irish Fair of Minnesota, the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival, Grand Old Day, and Milwaukee Irish Fest. In recent years, dancers have performed an average of 100 times each year in venues such as the Minnesota Zoo and the Landmark Center and with musicians such as the Two Tap Trio, the Wild Colonial Bhoys, We Banjo 3, and Gaelic Storm. Katie Stephens-Spangler has served on the Board of Directors for the Irish Music and Dance Association and on the Board of Directors for the Irish Fair of Minnesota, including roles as Board Secretary and Marketing Committee Chair.
Parent and community testimonials describe long-term involvement with the school, including dancers who have been with Rince na Chroi for many years, adult students who value the social and fitness aspects of classes, and families who highlight organization, communication with parents, and accommodation for dancers starting as teenagers. Testimonials from musicians and event organizers describe Rince na Chroi as professional, energetic, and family-centered, and note ongoing collaborations at events such as the Irish Fair of Minnesota and performances with the Two Tap Trio Dance Band.
Last updated June 28, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.