Wee Ones
Dancers who are 3 and 4 years old will be given an intro to Irish dance by a certified dance instructor. Not only will dancers acquire a basic understanding of the dance movements, technique, and music they will also focus on important age appropriate goals that will help in other areas of their development. These include: motor planning, gross motor skills, group learning, social interaction, one and two step direction following (ie: first do this, then do this), increasing self-efficacy and age appropriate autonomy development. The class maintains a consistent “schedule” that includes music recognition, warm ups and stretches, and learning in a small group with a teaching assistant. We offer year round enrollment in this class, pending class openings. Dancers may wear socks, ballet slippers, or Irish dance ghillies in this class.
Level 1
Students new to Irish dance who are between 5 and 15 years old will receive an introduction to the music, basic Irish dance movements and the three light shoe dances. We welcome all abilities and backgrounds. With the help of championship level teaching assistants the lead instructor is able to provide instruction to each dancer based on their individual readiness. We offer year round enrollment in this class, pending class openings. Dancers may wear socks, slippers, or Irish dance ghillies in this class.
Level 2
Students may enroll in this class with instructor approval and upon completing level 1. Dancers must show proficiency in the level 1 movements and steps of the following dances: reel, light jig, and slip jig. Dancers will need Irish dance ghillies and inishfree hard shoes in this class.
Level 3
Students may enroll in this class with instructor approval and upon completing level 2. Dancers must show proficiency in the level 2 movements and steps of the following dances: reel, light jig, slip jig, traditional speed treble jig, and St. Patrick’s Day set dance. Dancers will need Irish dance ghillies and inishfree hard shoes in this class.
Level 4
Students may enroll in this class with instructor approval and upon completing level 3. Dancers must show proficiency in the level 3 movements and steps of the following dances: reel, light jig, slip jig, traditional speed treble jig, St. Patrick’s Day set dance, and traditional speed hornpipe. Dancers will need Irish dance ghillies and hard shoes in this class (ask your instructor what brand is appropriate for your age and ability).
Level 5
Students may enroll in this class with instructor approval and upon completing level 4. Dancers must show proficiency in the level 4 movements and steps of the following dances: reel, slip jig, slow speed treble jig, slow speed hornpipe, and a traditional set dance. Dancers will need Irish dance ghillies and hard shoes in this class (ask your instructor what brand is appropriate for your age and ability).
Level 6
Students may enroll in this class with instructor approval and upon completing level 5. Dancers must show proficiency in the level 5 movements and steps of the following dances: reel, slip jig, slow speed treble jig, slow speed hornpipe, and a traditional and/or choreographed set dance. For dancers who are competitive, this class is designed as a preliminary championship prep for those close to or new to the level. Dancers will need Irish dance ghillies and hard shoes in this class (ask your instructor what brand is appropriate for your age and ability).
Champ
Students may enroll in this class with instructor approval and upon completing level 6. Dancers must show proficiency in the level 6 movements and steps of the following dances: reel, slip jig, slow speed treble jig, slow speed hornpipe, and choreographed set dance. For dancers who are competitive, this class is designed for those in preliminary and open championships and are preparing for major regional, national and international competitions (Instructors also take into account experience and background when determining readiness for this class). Dancers will need Irish dance ghillies and hard shoes in this class (ask your instructor what brand is appropriate for your age and ability).
Ceilis, Figures, and Performance Prep
Open to dancers Level 3 and up who want to learn traditional ceili dances and choreographed figure dances. This class is a wonderful way to build camaraderie with classmates of all levels and to work together for recognition in local performances and competitions. Dancers who are interested in working for the opportunity to try out for the Academy performing group must be enrolled AND maintain good attendance to this class.
Dancers will be placed in 1 or 2 based on age and level.
Adult Class
Beginner dancers ages 16 and up will be introduced to basic movements, fundamental placement and traditional ceili dances. Basic level steps will be taught for core dances (reel, light jig, slip jig, treble jig, hornpipe, and St. Patrick’s Day set dance) as deemed ready.
