on MISH-nock SHIN-ock DOWSE-uh
Translated from Irish, our academy name means
"The Courage of a Dancing Fox."
Our Academy
MSD Irish Dance Academy trains competitive and non-competitive Irish Dance in Spokane Valley, WA. We are committed to ...
Our Instructors
Our attitude is serious in our play, which is embodied in the fox or in Irish the "sionnach."
Our Academy
MSD Irish Dance Academy was founded by Natasha Hart and Rebecca Lonam in 2016. The Spokane studio opened its doors around St. Patrick’s Day of 2017. In 2025 the academy found a new home in the City of Millwood.MSD Irish Dance Academy trains competitive and non-competitive Irish Dance. We partner with our community to nurture dancers, not simply offer dance classes. We enhance physical development, create emotional balance and stability, and inspire self-expression. Our attitude is serious in our play, which is embodied in the fox or in Irish the "sionnach."
Mission
Provide an exemplary dance academy for competitive and noncompetitive Irish dancing.
Vision
To provide two forms of Irish dance. Our service of quality for competitive and noncompetitive Irish step dancing remains focused and true to our home market in the Inland North West with potential to expand to other areas. We provide athletic physical training emphasizing injury prevention and personal development. We accomplish this vision by promoting our core values and fulfilling our mission.
Values
IRISH: Beimid cad a deirimid.
English: Actions speak louder than words - we will do what we say.IRISH: Beidh ár gcuid gníomhaíochtaí a chuimsiú an duine ar fad.
English: People need to stay active, engaged, and stimulated - our activities will encompass the whole person.IRISH: Beimid ag iarraidh aire a thabhairt dár bpobal.
English: [Our] home is our Earth - we will strive to take care of our community.IRISH: Beimid ag imirt ag an obair agus taitneamh a chruthú.
English: Work hard, play hard - we will play at work and create enjoyment.When our academy lives its core values, the results are an athletic environment providing courage, hope, and spirit with an emphasis on quality. An Misneach Sionnach Damhsa, Irish Dance Academy, is committed to communicating and manifesting these values. We will partner with our community to nurture dancers, not simply offer dance classes. We will enhance physical development, create emotional balance and stability, and inspire self-expression. Our attitude will be serious in our play which is embodied in the following quote regarding a fox or in Irish, the sionnach.M.C. Escher: "My work is a game. A very serious game."
Our Instructors
Natasha is a certified Irish dance instructor, TCRG, who works with a professional team of dancers to provide a fun, safe, and effective curriculum. They focused on injury prevention, as well as healthy relationships with food and body image in a sport that is aesthetically and physically demanding. Each have extensive experience competing and performing Irish dance. Combined, their experience and certifications equip them to maintain a balanced dance environment.
Natasha Hart
TCRG
Founder
After watching the production of Riverdance as a child, Natasha was eager to demystify the beauty she saw on stage. Natasha began Irish dance in the summer of 2000. After a few years of competing, She decided she had a passion for teaching. Natasha attained her TCRG, a foundational certification in Irish dance in 2016.
Michaela Meek
Dance Director
Instructor
Michaela started dancing at the age of five and after seeing Riverdance that same year, fell in love with the sport and art of Irish dance. She is a champion level dancer who is dedicated to sharing her love of dance with her students. Emphasizing technique, grace, and healthy practices, Michaela seeks to see students fall in love with a sport that they can do for a lifetime.
Brenna Majeski
Dance Coach
A love of Ireland as a child brought Brenna to Irish Dance when she was 12, and the sense of self she found on stage has never failed to feed her soul. Coupled with a passion for teaching, Brenna brings more than 20 years of dance and coaching experience to MSD Irish Dance Academy emphasizing confidence, technique, and creativity in her students.
Mari Heaton
Dance Coach
Mari started Irish dancing at the age of four and is currently a champion level competitive Irish dancer. Their commitment to Irish dance includes working toward their Irish dance teaching certification (TCRG). They have eight years of coaching experience in both group and private settings. Mari is also a member of Fusion Fighters, an international Irish dance performing group.
Contact
We celebrate whole body health through the joy of dance. Dancers and athletes of all shapes, ages, and skill levels are warmly invited to join us. Whether you are an adult dancer, competing or not, we encourage you to come and share your courage, hope, and spirit with us.We feel honored to support the wonderful communities of Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. Come be a part of our vibrant community of athletes and artists. We look forward to dancing with you!
