ABOUT MCNULTY
​
From humble beginnings in Chicago, the McNulty School of Irish Dance has grown into one of the largest and most active Irish dance programs in the nation. Our program supports each student’s personal best on and off the dance floor, building coordination, focus, teamwork, and self-esteem. No prior experience is required, and dancers of all backgrounds are welcome; Irish heritage not required. Whether you want to compete, perform, or simply move for fun and fitness, McNulty offers a welcoming path to reach those goals.

Our Philosophy
​
Irish dance is meant to be shared, celebrated, and passed to the next generation. At McNulty, we welcome dancers of all backgrounds—no Irish heritage required. We combine encouragement, structure, and a clear advancement system to support every dancer’s journey. The McNulty Method, our 12-level progression, gives students a motivating way to grow at their own pace. Dancers also enjoy year-round performance opportunities and can choose an optional competitive track.

McNulty offers more than weekly classes. Families can take part in cultural events, trips to Ireland, the annual McNulty Feis at the Fair, ans quarterly Rambling Houses. Our summer and winter camps complement dance training with a deeper exploration of Irish culture, including music, language, and traditional sports.

​Cultural education is at the heart of what we do. McNulty is one of the few schools that still teaches all 30 traditional céilí (group) dances from the Ar Rinci Céilí book by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), the global leader in Irish dance education. These dances build teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and a deep appreciation for Irish heritage.
Our Dance Leadership
​
Erin Kathleen Scott-Haines is a certified Irish Dance teacher (TCRG) through An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha and a lifelong McNulty dancer. She began her journey with the McNulty School of Irish Dance in Chicago at age four, later progressing from performer and competitor to teacher, choreographer, and director for both the McNulty Performance Troupe and McNulty Company.
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Erin brings both depth and heart to her classes. She holds a Master’s degree in Dance/Movement Psychotherapy & Counseling from Columbia College Chicago and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in teen mental health. This clinical background shapes her teaching philosophy—balancing technical excellence with emotional awareness, confidence building, and a clear understanding of how movement supports the whole child.

​After relocating to California, Erin launched the McNulty California branch in 2013, where she continues to grow a vibrant community of dancers across Los Angeles and Orange County. Trained in multiple dance styles from ballet to hip hop, she is passionate about developing leadership, resilience, and self-esteem through Irish dance.
Erin is also a three-time Los Angeles Irish Woman of the Year, the founder of California Irish Arts, and the founder and board member of Ceol na nAingeal, the Los Angeles chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Her lifelong love of Irish culture, coupled with her therapeutic training, creates an empowering and deeply supportive environment for every dancer she teaches.
For McNulty School of Irish Dance in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, & Wisconsin: 
McNulty School of Irish Dance