White Plains Small Business Spotlight: O'Rourke Irish Dancers

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: O’Rourke Irish Dancers
Owners: LuAnn O’Rourke-Boyd, ADCRG
Website: http://www.orourkeirishdancers.com
Address: 77 Tarrytown Rd., White Plains

How did you come up with the name?

The school is named after my family.

Why start a business in this town?

When I started O’Rourke Irish Dancers 20 years ago in 1995 there were many Irish Dance schools in the Bronx, Woodlawn and Yonkers. I didn’t want to compete with them so I chose White Plains because it’s right in the middle of Westchester County and easy to reach.

What business are you in?

I teach competitive and recreational Irish Dance. Our students compete in local, regional, National and International competitions. We also perform at many events in Westchester County as well as participate in no less than five parades during the month of March.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Trying to run a small business with your own studio and the high cost of rent in Westchester and White Plains. Everyone wants activities in their own back yard now and I’m finding people are less willing to travel for something that is a niche market.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Our school has won many titles, most recently our under 13 year old Ceili team has been two time Mid Atlantic Regional Champions, North American Champions and two time World Champion Medal Holders. We also have an upcoming under 10 team that are the current Regional Champions as well and World Championship recallers.

How does your business give back to the community?

We perform at many local events especially around St. Patrick’s Day. We also have a non profit organization, O’Rourke Irish Dance Foundation that offers scholarships in Irish Dance for those in need. In addition our school hosts a “Feis” (Irish Dance Competition) at SUNY Purchase’s Performing Arts Center each February where we host 1,000 competitors and their families bringing business to local merchants, restaurants and hotels.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.