We posed some questions to Brenda Buckley, owner and director of highly rated Scoil na dTri in Minneapolis, asking her to spotlight the services her dance school offers.

What types of dance do you teach?

I teach Irish dance. The quickest way to explain it to someone is to refer to "Lord of the Dance" or "Riverdance."

How do you charge for classes?

It really depends. The drop-in class is $14 per class and master classes are $130 a month.

How often should someone take classes?

It depends on what you want out of it. Once a week is fine for some students, but those who really want to excel competitively are dancing four days a week and expected to practice several hours outside of class.

Why do people come to you for dance classes?

Some students do it for exercise, to participate in something from their cultural heritage or for social purposes. Others are passionate about Irish dance and want to perform. We're represented by a talent agency and our performance team has opportunities to dance all over the country and even internationally.

What are the benefits of learning to dance?

I think self-confidence, poise, leadership and creativity all come from learning to dance. I think there are spiritual benefits, too. Dancing really lines you up with yourself and what you're capable of achieving.

There's also an emotional benefit - the friendships built in dance class are sometimes lifelong. Plus, you physically benefit by gaining balance, strength and flexibility.

Do you have a typical student?

We have all walks of life as students. We have a lot more females than males, but the age range is very broad. We have students as young as 3 and even have adult students.

Do you think dance is for everyone?

I don't think there's anything that's for everyone, but I think dance is for anyone who has a desire to do it. If you think you're too old, too clumsy or too heavy to dance - that's not true. If you want to do it, then it's for you.

What's your most memorable moment since teaching?

There's an Irish fair in St. Paul on Harriet Island. Three years ago, it poured down rain. A lot of the dance schools had canceled their performances - it's dangerous to have dancers on a wet stage. Between the parents and dancers, we decided we weren't going to cancel our performance.

One of the parents brought a bunch of towels and tarps, so we arranged things so the dancers could keep their feet dry. They ended up getting on stage and doing the show. It was really a great moment. One of the parents e-mailed me that night, saying they couldn't help but think we accomplished something special that day.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Just prior to press time, we were informed that Brenda Buckley lost her battle with cancer on Oct. 17 at age 51. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Member Karen Wills, informed us of the news:

Dear Angie's List,

I'm terribly sad and sorry to have to share this. Brenda had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer over the past year - but, like so many women I know, she and all of us assumed she would recover.

Two weeks ago she was hospitalized, and we were told she was getting some additional treatments, but didn't have any other information. She was back in class last Sunday, and though she looked pale and ill, we just thought she was convalescing.  On Oct. 15, we were told she had brain and bone metastases.

We saw Brenda in the hospital before she passed. She seemed so determined, full of hope and strong spirited. I just didn't realize at the time we were saying goodbye. The school she founded, Scoil na dTri, cannot continue without her, but it will live on in our hearts forever. 

Sincerely, Karen Wills