BEST HIP HOP / IRISH DANCING SCHOOL - McNeill School of Irish Dancing

Your Name: Denise McNeill 

Your Organisation/Company: McNeill School of Irish Dancing 

Your Website:  Instagram @mcneillschool

Your favourite thing about West Belfast: My favourite thing about West Belfast is the sense of community. Whether it’s in dancing class in Divis, at a feis in St Louise’s, or walking down the Falls Road, there's warmth and pride that you feel from the people here. Everyone supports one another, and there's such a strong connection to our culture – Irish dancing, music, language – it’s all part of everyday life. Teaching Irish dancing here isn’t just about steps; it's about passing on the Irish heritage that the whole community values and celebrates. That’s what makes West Belfast so special to us in the McNeill School of Irish Dancing. 

Your First Job: Retail Sales Assistant

What it taught you? It taught me many valuable lessons about work ethic, team work, time management and communication, whilst I continued with my studies and kept up my dancing commitments alongside working. 

What do you think are the key ingredients needed to make a person or organisation the Best of the West? Being the Best in the West means more than just standing out — it’s about lifting others up. It starts with putting people first, staying rooted in the community, and being true to our heritage and values. It’s the kind of hard work that shows up every day, not just in talent, but in consistency and passion. My dancers exhibit these qualities every time they step into class in Divis and the Grosvenor. They have built strong friendships, they welcome everyone in, and they are each other's cheerleaders at every competition we attend. They carry the spirit of West Belfast in all of their dancing exploits. Resilient, real, and proud — that’s what makes us deserving of the award for Best in the West.

Our dance school has strong family bonds and promotes the Irish culture through dance in the Lower Falls. We welcome children of all ages and abilities. Our talented dancers excel in competitions and cross-community events, promoting unity, confidence, and inclusivity while growing and thriving both on and off the stage.