We teach traditional Irish dance to all ages from 3.5yrs to adult. Soft shoe, hard shoe, ceili (social dancing) and contemporary choreography offer students a variety of paths to succeed on...whether they choose to perform, compete, dance recreationally or all three! All of our classes are informed by developmental theory and backed by expertise in dance instruction as well as exercise science. Our goal is to provide dancers a fun, energizing, safe and creative Irish dance experience!
Intro to Irish: Pearl
For dancers who are new to Irish dance, offered in younger and older age combinations. This class will provide the foundation for moving into more advanced dance levels in rish or other styles, through motor skill development, dance vocabulary introduction, fun games and skill practice through play. We will also touch on improve and choreography. 45 minute class. Dancers need both softshoes and hardshoes (ballet/jazz and tap shoes are fine to start).
Beginner and Advanced Beginner: Ruby and Sapphire
Dancers begin learning the basics of Irish dance: traveling steps, rhythms, proper warm up and cool down, foot positions and the beginning dances in soft shoe: reel, light jig, single jig and slip jig. Hard shoe: treble jig, hornpipe and St Patrick's Day. Ceili dances: The Walls of Limerick, The Fairy Reel and The Sweets of May. Dancers in Advanced Beginner may choose to compete and/or perform. Dancers take two 60 minute classes per week, with optional Jr Performing Company and Competiton/Teams classes.
Novice through Championship: Jr Emeralds, Emeralds and Diamonds
Dancers continue learning more advanced movements and technique in Irish dance. Each of the levels following beginner consists of dances in soft shoe: reel, light jig, single jig and slip jig. Hard shoe: treble jig, hornpipe and Traditional and Non-Traditional set dances. Dancers learn more than a dozen ceili dances. Most dancers novice level and up choose to compete and/or perform. Dancers take two 90 minute classes per week and are encouraged to add on Performing Company and Competiton/teams class.
Performing Company, Jr Company and Competition/Teams
Dancers level Sapphire amnd up may join these add-on options. Classes are Sundays and alternate between Performance and Competition/Teams focus. Dancers who wish to perform throughout the community year long MUST take this class in addiiton to their other classes. PC and C/T is 120 minutes, Jr is 60 minutes
Teen/Adult Classes
Teen/Adult classes are mixed level and move more quickly in terms of learning than youth classes. We cover a variety of skills including soft shoe steps, hard shoe steps and ceili dances. Often the class is broken down into 12 week sessions Please inquire for current information.
Private Lessons
$70/hr+tax
Private lessons are available to all dancers level Advanced Beginner and up. They offer the best possible way to reach personal goals within Irish dance. Dancers may choose to receive feedback on technique or rhythm, advice on breaking down steps, or learn new material. Or they may want to work with a teacher to develop personalized training programs that address goals in the artistry or physicality of Irish dance.