They’ve been Irish step dancing for six decades. Now you’ll be able to see the McDade-Cara Irish School of Dance in Newtown Square in action at Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia, writes Janelle Burre for CBS 3.

 “My mom started the school in 1962 and she found herself surrounded in this area by immigrants from Ireland,” Sheila Sweeney said.

The dance school grew out of  Maureen McDade McGrory’s desire to keep the Irish culture going in the region.

Sweeney took over the school when her mom passed and has run it for 25 years. 

The school has about 150 students, some as young as age 3.

Student Emma McGuinn says dancing has helped boost her confidence and make friends. 

 “I met some of my friends who I will have for hopefully the rest of my life, some of the best people I’ve ever met.”

The students perform at competitions and parades, taking classes several days a week to perfect their form.

“I feel happy when I’m doing it, and it just makes me smile,” said student Caitlyn Breslin. “It just puts a smile on my face to make other people feel good.”

 Read more at CBS 3 about the McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance.