In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, there is little more Irish than Irish step dancing.

The traditional Irish dance originated in Ireland.

Mari Lou Schade, the director of the Schade Academy of Dance in East Meadow, has been teaching for 50 years.

She says the art or Irish stepdance is extremely difficult and very athletic.

"It takes a massive amount of time and energy put into this form of dance in order to do well," says Schade.

Schade, who owns the studio and works with her daughter Rose, says she is grateful for all her students and their hard work that have allowed the studio to be recognized in different cities around the world.