Irish dancing lessons have been a wonderful activity for both children and adults for years.  Touring Irish dance shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance have showcased the brilliance of Irish dances and have encouraged more children to become involved.  If you are new to Irish dancing, you will notice that it takes about a year to experience and hopefully understand what Irish dance is all about.

Beginners

Beginners are new Irish dancers who are at least 5 years old by September 1st (for the Fall Session) or January 1st (for the late Winter Session) and dancers that have not mastered the Reel and Jig are Beginners.  The first few months of each session are trial months for 5 year olds.  Learning Irish dancing is a progression.  Beginners start by learning the basics of Irish dancing - posture, foot positions, timing, “threes” and “sevens”.  With this solid foundation, each year adds intricacies in footwork, rhythms and figure dancing.  Practice and class attendance play important roles in this progression.

The Costume

Beginner costumes for 1st and 2nd year dancers consist of a white round collar short sleeve blouse and a green pleated skirt.  Poodle socks and an embroidered Irish headband complete the traditional costume.  Each new Beginner will need this costume for the Erickson Academy Spring Show, “Brigid’s Bonfire Ball”  and will also use it at mini-performances and feis (if they choose to compete).  Total cost of the girl’s Beginner costume (excluding shoes) is approximately $70.

Dancing Shoes

Irish dancing shoes are unique in many ways.  There are two tpyes of shoes worn by an Irish dancer.  Beginners start in soft shoes or ghillies.  They are made of soft leather with long laces that tie around the ankle.  Soft shoes do not have any kind of toe support in them.  Dancers must rely on the strength of their foot muscles to keep them high on their toes.  Hard shoes are usually worn the second or third year of dancing, depending on the progression of the dancer.  Hard shoes have fiberglass tips and heels that produce tapping sounds.

More information:

About Erickson Academy

Types of Irish Dances