Goode Academy In Tulsa Celebrates, Preserves Tradition Of Irish Dance

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, it is a busy time of year for The Goode Academy of Irish Dance.

That is because, in Irish culture, where there is music, there is dance.

K.T. Goode was introduced to Irish dancing at the age of 16.

"We had no idea Irish dancing existed until Riverdance came out, and my mom saw it, fell in love with it, found a teacher, and we fell in love with it," she said.

Goode started taking classes in Arkansas with her mom and sister. She competed at the Regional Championships, National Championships, and the prestigious World Championships. When she was finally ready to hang up her ghillies and heavies, K.T. landed in Tulsa.

"One day, I was ready to not be on stage, but I did not want to leave Irish dancing, so I decided to start teaching and got certified in 2010," she said.

The Goode Academy of Irish Dance started with about ten students and has grown to 75. 

Genevieve Loe, 15, joined when she was eight years old.

"I saw a girl at school dancing at a performance, and I fell in love with it, and I have been doing it ever since," she said.

The group takes the stage at Irish Fest each year, giving Tulsans a glimpse into the rich tradition of Irish dance.

"It is fun to show off our skills to people that we have never met before," Loe continued saying, "It is fun to have the adrenaline rush."

Irish dance is very fast-paced.

"You need to have a lot of stamina, but it is a lot of fun," said Loe.

The Goode Academy of Irish Dance has several more performances St. Patrick's Day weekend. On Saturday at 1:30 p.m. they will be at Cabin Boys Brewery in Tulsa and on Sunday the group is performing during the Kilkenny's block party starting at 3 p.m.

Goode said registration has also now opened for her summer dance camp. For more information or to get signed up, click here.