Youth Classes

CLASS FULL - WAITLIST AVAILABLE - In this introductory session, students will jump, kick, step and slide while learning the fundamentals (focus on the "fun"!) of Irish dance, musicality, rhythm, technique and more!  The final class will present a showcase for families. It’s a great way for new dancers to get a taste of the exciting world of Irish dance! [OTHER DETAILS: Open to brand new dancers, age 5+. Dancers should wear ballet slippers, jazz shoes or Irish soft shoes, and also must wear athletic apparel (no jeans or restrictive clothing). Please be on time. No refunds or make-ups allowed for missed sessions. Parents, please note that class observation is not permitted, but we will perform a mini-showcase during the last session of the series.]

Shamrock Beginner 1 welcomes brand new dancers to the exciting world of Irish dance!  Each weekly class teaches the fundamentals (focus on the FUN!) of Irish dance, using games and skill-building activities to learn beginner steps including reels and light jigs.  Dancers will be invited to perform in our Academy Showcase at the end of the year.

Shamrock 2 builds on Shamrock Beginner 1 and is open to dancers age 7 & up in their second year of Irish dance who are ready to learn exciting steps and choreography. Each class continues to emphasize the fundamentals (focus on the FUN!) of Irish dance, using games and skill-building activities while adhering to our three tenets of technique, teamwork, and tradition.  Pending instructor discretion, dancers in Shamrock II may start hard shoe in this class.  Dancers will be invited to perform in our Academy Showcase at the end of the year.

Novice / Intermediate Level is for dancers who have completed at least two years of Irish dance at District Academy, have mastered basic soft shoe reels, light jigs and slip jigs, and are working on fast-speed hard shoe dances (treble jigs & hornpipes).  Dancers will be encouraged to fine tune their technique, explore performance / competitive style - including group Ceili dances! - and learn new and challenging material. Dancers in this class are eligible to add-on Junior Troupe, held right after this class, in order to learn performance skills and participate in special guest performance opportunities throughout the year!

​

➡️ Students in this class are invited to upgrade to STUDIO PASS BRONZE 🥉

Pre-Champ program dancers are up for a challenge and are ready to increase their knowledge of complex Irish dance steps, rhythm, footwork and fun new soft shoe material!  This program is advanced and fast-paced.  Meets twice weekly:  Tuesday class is soft shoe focus, Thursday is hard shoe focus.  Pre-Champ Program dancers may add-on District Troupe, held on T/Th 6:15-6:45pm, in order to learn show choreography & performance skills, with special opportunities to perform throughout the year! 

➡️ Students in this tier are invited to upgrade to STUDIO PASS SILVER 🥈

Our most advanced class - Champ Program is for experienced dancers who are seeking to fine tune their high degree of skill!  Each class will challenge dancers artistically and athletically;  competitive pursuits are accommodated but performance opportunities are also encouraged.  Meets twice weekly — Tuesday class is soft shoe focus, Thursday is hard shoe focus.  Champion dancers may add-on Troupe Class, held on T/Th 6:15-6:45pm, in order to learn show choreography & performance skills, with special opportunities to perform throughout the year!

​

➡️ Students in this tier are invited to upgrade to STUDIO PASS GOLD 🥇

Junior Troupe introduces Advanced Beginner/Novice level dancers to performance style Irish dance technique. This class promotes building confidence, stage presence, and skills for the stage. Show Class dancers will have special opportunities to dance out in the community throughout the year, including the busy St. Patrick's Day season!  Must be enrolled in Novice / Intermediate Class.

Open to Pre-Champ & Champ Students, or with teacher approval, District Troupe is our elite performance troupe class which prepares dancers for the many shows during St. Patrick’s Day season (and beyond!).  The class will teach fun and challenging choreography in an encouraging, non-competitive setting.  Must be enrolled in Pre-Champ OR Champ program.