The Gott-Hughton Irish Dance Academy was founded in 2017 with the purpose of fostering competitive excellence in the Calgary area. We offer a fun, enriching class environment where students build lasting friendships.

Our unique approach includes studio, fitness and classroom sessions. We believe our greatest strength is our team-oriented approach, which brings positive energy, school spirit, and intensity into every lesson. Our talented head instructors are WORLD CHAMPION Ian Gott, TCRG and Elspeth Hughton, TCRG. They have reached the highest levels of competitive and professional dance, and know what it takes to reach your goals and aspirations. Whether you seek to be the next world champion, or just the best Irish dancer you can be, this is the school for you. We seek to share our passion for Irish dance and competitive drive with all our students at every opportunity. With relatively small class sizes, focus on proper technique, as well as unique motivational seminars and fitness programs, we pride ourselves on our dedication to strive to be the very best in all aspects of Irish dance. We provide dance lessons for ages 3+ in the Calgary, AB area.

In our relatively short history, we have already secured Western Canadian Regional Championship titles, multiple Top 10 placements at the North American Championships, and Top 20 placements at the World Championships.

What makes this school different?

Our philosophy is based on creating a fun, but competitive team environment in every class. We win and lose as a team. We want to make your child the very best Irish dancer they can be, and make life long friendships while they're at it! In addition, we focus an incredible amount of effort on proper form, stamina, flexibility and presentation. 

Together

Everyone

Achieves

More

When selecting a school for your child, we believe it is also important to chose an instructor who has been through the competitive process before, and knows how and what it takes to reach the highest of goals. We believe their are no goals we can't achieve through teamwork, hard work, and surrounding yourself in the right environment for success. Join us today and become a champion of tomorrow!

Gott-Hughton Irish Dance Academy is registered with the official governing body of Irish Dance, An Coimisiun le Rince Gaelacha (CLRG).

CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE

Tots (Ages 3-5): Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 6:00pm

Beginner Class (Age 5-9): Mondays 5:45pm to 6:45pm & Wednesdays 6pm-7pm

Novice/Prizewinner Class (Ages 7+): Mondays 6:45-8:15pm & Wednesdays 7pm-8:15pm

Championship: Tuesday & Wednesday from 5:45pm - 9pm & Saturdays 11am to 2pm

Fridays & Sundays: Practice Club, Private Lessons, Fitness Classes

ALL CLASSES HELD AT OUR STUDIO LOCATED AT 407 FORGE RD SE, CALGARY, AB!

Phone

(403) 703-4310

EMAIL:

info@gott-hughton.com

Secondary: iangottacademy@outlook.com

STUDIO Location

407 Forge Rd SE
Calgary, AB T2H 0S9

Class Times

MTWTh 5:45pm–9pm
Sa 9:30am–2pm
Su 10am–2pm

See full class schedule listed below for the 2023/24 Dance Year.

Social Media:

Ian is also an accomplished athlete and leader. He played basketball at an elite level throughout his high school years. As an athlete, Ian had the priviledge of learning from Legendary Coach John Hegwood, a former NBA player, and participating in elite strength & conditioning training with former Olympians. The athleticism, training and focus passed on from these role models were invaluable to Ian’s personal development in dance, sports and all areas of life. These learning experiences from athletics & the basketball court offer a unique insight and approach to Irish dance training that few others can offer.

Ian retired from competition in 2015. A natural performer, he has danced for audiences around the world, fulfilling a life long dream when he was asked to join the cast of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games tour. He was subsequently asked to join the cast of Riverdance in China, but had to turn the opportunity down to pursue his full-time career in Finance. After receiving his T.C.R.G. in 2017, the Ian Gott Irish Dance Academy was launched as an outlet for Ian to share his passion for competitive Irish Dancing to the next generation. After joining forces with Elspeth Hughton in 2019, the academy was re-named Gott-Hughton Irish Dance Academy. With an intense focus on technique, athletic conditioning, smaller class sizes and unique choreography, Ian looks forward to training the champions of the future! Ian is also a CFA Charterholder and works full-time in financial markets as a Director at CIBC Capital Markets.

Elspeth started Irish dancing recreationally at the age of 6 and began her competitive career at the age of 8 at the Regent Academy of Irish Dance with Claire Regent. She quickly progressed to championship level by the age of 10 and started competing nationally and internationally across North America, Ireland, and the UK. At 15, Elspeth began dancing with the Irwin School of Irish Dancing under the exceptional instruction of Finnuala, Andrea, and Sarah Irwin, who developed her skills as a championship dancer internationally. She recalled at every World Championship she competed in with the Irwin School, receiving two coveted World Medal placings and a top 10 finish. She has had multiple top 10 placings at the All Ireland and Great Britain Championships as well as top 5 in North America. Elspeth completed her competitive career after winning the Senior Ladies title at the Western Canadian Regional Oireachtas in 2013.

While maintaining these prestigious accomplishments, Elspeth obtained her degree in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary as well as credentialing as a certified personal trainer. After finishing her degree she was awarded her T.C.R.G. qualification in 2015. Shortly afterward, she moved to Scotland to pursue a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy at the Robert Gordon University. Elspeth lived in Aberdeen, Scotland for 3 years completing her MScPT and working as a physiotherapist with a special interest in pediatrics. It was during this time that she met and married her husband Peter. After moving back to Canada at the close of 2018, Elspeth became a teacher and co-director at the Ian Gott Irish Dance Academy. Elspeth brings together her passions for Irish dancing and physiotherapy to inspire and elevate dancers to their highest potential. In 2019, the school was renamed the Gott-Hughton Irish Dance Academy in light of her contributions.

Cassandra Hill began Irish Dancing at the age of twelve years old. Within one year, she was competing in local and provincial competitions, and had progressed to championship level within 3 years. Throughout her dancing career, Cassandra competed in numerous Western Canadian Championships and the North American Championships. Although she loved competing, Cassie’s joy was always shown through performances and choreography. She began to book, manage and perform at a variety of local shows throughout her dancing career. Cassandra continued to both teach and dance competitively while obtaining her Communication and Culture Degree from the University of Calgary. In April 2014, she graduated with her second degree, a Bachelor of Education, and began her full-time career in primary education, She concluded her competitive career at the 2014 Western Canadian Oireachtas. Cassie currently teaches Grade 3 and 4 in a school for children with special needs. In 2017, due to her hard work and effort in all aspects of her life, Cassie was recognized by Shaw as one of the Top 50 Outstanding Canadians. Cassie has many years of experience instructing beginner dancers and young children, and she now plays an instrumental role in developing our new beginner class at the academy.

Justin Fry began Irish dancing at the age of 16 - a late start in the eyes of many in the Irish dancing community. A natural athlete, with experience in hockey, baseball, soccer, football, and competitive mixed martial arts, Justin ignored the nay-sayers, and was determined to catch up to other competitors his age. He trained intensely for this new challenge, and one short year after his first ever Irish Dance lesson at MJP Academy, he had risen to championship level and began qualifying for the world championships. Justin has since attended competitions in Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States, with prestigious top 10 placements at the World Championships, North American Championships, and All Ireland’s, in addition to his multiple Western Regional Championship titles. Justin’s dedication to hard work shows in his dance results as well as his education, having achieved a Science degree from St. Mary’s University with a Major in Biological Science and a Minor in Business Administration during his dance career. His no-nonsense attitude towards hard work, and firm belief that one must “make time” for anything worth having forms the foundation of Justin’s success. When COVID-19 brought international competitions to a halt, Justin decided after much deliberation that it was time to retire from competitive Irish dance and bring his expertise to the next generation of Irish dancers as a teacher. He is now proud to be working alongside his former coaches Ian, Elspeth, and Cassandra at the Gott-Hughton Irish Dance Academy, and is preparing for his TCRG examination with the same excitement and dedication he felt when he first began Irish dancing.

OUR STUDIO

Our world-class studio is located at 407 Forge Rd SE in Calgary, Alberta. 

Each class is taught in our very own 44ft by 25ft studio, which is the same length as the World Championship stage. Each studio has sprung floors (great for injury prevention), Harlequin marley flooring, and full length mirrors. Our studio also features a variety of fitness equipment, ballet bars, and more!

Getting there is easy! The studio location is convenient to access from several major motorways, quite central in the city, and is typically no more than 25 mins away from wherever you may be located in Calgary!

ADDRESS:

407 Forge Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0S9

The studio is easy to access off of Deerfoot, Blackfoot, Macleod or Glenmore Trail!

CONTACT US:

(403) 703-4310

FAQ - Frequently asked Questions

How old does my child have to be to start dancing?

Children ages 4 and up are welcome to register!

What are the fees for classes?

Please contact us for the current fee schedule. However, please note that we understand that Irish dancing can be an expensive activity. As a result, we have a "No Child Turned Away" policy. We will never turn a student away if they or their family cannot afford the current fees. If your family/student is under financial constraint, and cannot afford to pay the current rates, a private meeting can be scheduled. If financial need is discussed and proven valid, a reduced rate can be negotiated to allow the student to continue to attend class until such time that students/parents can pay the full rate as listed. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, all information and agreements pertaining to financial need will be kept 100% confidential. Any agreements are not to be discussed with other parents, teachers or dancers under any circumstances, and failure to uphold this policy will result in serious consequences. In addition, a parents association will be made available, whose specific purpose is to raise funds for students travelling to national and international competitions, as the financial costs of travel can be significant. We also have a relationship with KidSport Canada, which can provide funding for class tuition for children with financial need.

What is a T.C.R.G./A.D.C.R.G.?

"TCRG" stands for "Teastus Coimisium le Rinci Gaelacha" which translates to "Commission Irish Dancing Teacher." This is a teacher who has passed their examinations with the Irish Dancing Commission, and is a certified teacher. As a result, his or her students are eligible to compete in local, regional, national and international competitions. An ADCRG is a registered adjudicator with the Irish Dancing Commission, and is eligible to judge competitions worldwide.

Where can I find Irish dance shoes and music?

Shoes: Call or visit Steele Celtic Dancewear, or Brogs Irish Dance Wear & Accessories. You can also order directly from FeisFayre.com or RutherfordShoes.com

Music: We recommend downloading the FeisApp from the iTunes or Android App Store to your mobile device, which features music from Sean O'Brien, Anton & Sully, Stephen Carolan are more! Dean Crouch's website also has music for purchase. For physical CD's from various artists, visit Steele Celtic Dancewear.

What are some of the benefits of Irish Dancing?

Increased physical body control and athleticism: Students build great coordination, and dancing is great exercise.
Increased mental strength: Learning to listen, and follow directions, while increasing attention span and brain power through memorizing steps. Nothing can prepare you for University or the business world like Irish dance training and the mental strength acquired through it.
Foster a competitive spirit: We hope to increase the child's desire to do well and strive to reach the best of his/her ability.
Build Self-esteem: We try to increase each child's confidence, developing powerful stage presence.
Lasting Friendships: Not only with classmates, but through performing and competing, our students meet children from all over the city, province, country and around the world and form friendships that last a lifetime. In addition, children learn sportsmanship and how to conduct themselves professionally at national and international events.
Last but not least, promoting the amazing Irish culture!

Contact us for a copy of our Irish Dancing 101 document!

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