Arklow & Gorey Dance Studios

Arklow & Gorey Dance Studios — formerly Frances Ryan School of Dance — offers classical ballet and a wide range of dance styles for students from age 3 through to professional level, across two purpose-built studios in Arklow, Co. Wicklow and Gorey, Co. Wexford. Established in 1994, the school is fully registered with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and has maintained a 100% exam success rate, with the majority of students receiving Honours.

Classes span Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre/Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop/Commercial, Musical Theatre, Acro Dance, and Pointe. Students follow the ISTD syllabus with annual examinations, while senior students are prepared for ISTD professional qualifications — a pathway that has seen many graduates go on to train and work as professional dancers and teachers. The school also offers associate-level progression through the Morea Dance Associate programme.

The Arklow studio is located at Knockenrahan Industrial Estate; the Gorey branch runs from CrossFit Gorey on Courtown Road. Both venues feature purpose-built studios with ballet barres, sprung floors, and mirrors. The school operates three terms annually, September to June, six days a week.