The Irish Music and Dance Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit cultural and educational organization established to support, coordinate, encourage and promote high quality activities and programs in Irish music and dance in the Twin Cities community.
The Irish Music and Dance Association does not serve as a booking agent. We will happily provide suggestions for entertainment for your event.
The Mission of the Irish Music and Dance Association is to support and promote Irish cultural traditions and to ensure their continuation.
The Vision of the Irish Music and Dance Association is a greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of and participation in the traditional arts of Ireland.
The Values of the Irish Music and Dance Association
The Irish Music and Dance Association is:
Fiscally responsible.
Respectful of others.
Managed by a working board.
Relevant, responsive, and inclusive.
Role models and leaders.
Promoters of ongoing education.
Committed to fostering a social and fun environment.
Committed to preserving Irish cultural traditions.
As part of IMDA’s commitment to the community, offered free admission for our St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration to 37 students or adults with development delays, or seniors and their staff.
Supported local theatre group, and shared an important milestone in Irish history by showcasing Celtic Collaborative’s “Ghosts of 1916” honoring the Easter 1916 Rising.
Supported fourteen local dance schools and performance groups throughout the year, and through St. Patrick’s Day and Day of Irish Dance performances.
Honored 20 of Irish dancers with the IMDA Decade of Dance Award. This was the 11th year of the program, with a total of 157 dancers receiving the award since 2006.
Analyzed areas of growth and set long-term goals as our Annual Planning Retreat.
Sponsored the IMDA Community Workshop Tent at the Irish Fair of Minnesota in August as part of our long-term commitment to Irish Fair. In 2016, workshops offerings included bodhrán, harp, and fiddle, and a broad range of song workshops including three focused on the songs of the Easter Rising.
Sponsored the 9th Annual “Best Legs in a Kilt” contest at Irish Fair of Minnesota.
Hosted IMDA Honors John McCormick - an event celebrating the contributions of John McCormick to the Irish community in the Twin Cities.
Applied to a number of different grant opportunities as part of a commitment to fiscal responsibility and was awarded a grant through the Minnesota Regional Arts Council for use in St. Patrick’s Day and Day of Irish Dance.
Promoted Irish music and dance to the larger community through the calendar and events information on the IMDA website, updated weekly to reflect the dynamic nature of live music and dance in the Twin Cities.
Served the greater community by providing information about Irish music and dance groups, céilís and other Irish events through the IMDA Community ResourcesList, availableyear roundon the website and distributed at our St. Patrick’s Day festivities and at Irish Fair of Minnesota. This list continues to grow, including an ever-expanding list new bands, new dance schools, merchants and venues.
Provided a referral service to community members wishing to book Irish musicians and dancers for their own events.
Updated the Irish community regularly through our Facebook page, which has 1,402 followers. This represents a 17% increase from 2015.
The Irish Music and Dance Association would like to thank our donors and volunteers for their generous support in 2016:
Irish on Grand ~ St. Paul Irish Dancers ~ Mulhern Irish Dancers
And our many volunteers at St. Patrick’s Day and throughout the year.
The IMDA is an enthusiastic group of dedicated volunteers working all year to promote live Irish music, dance and cultural activities in the Twin Cities and beyond. Members support the work of the IMDA with their annual dues and their willingness to volunteer their time and talents. The IMDA is governed by a Board of Directors.
