2020-21 YOUTH ACADEMY PROGRAM
At District Academy, dancers progress through a color level track, beginning at Shamrock and making their way towards Black, our highest champion level. Certain achievements are met in order to advance to the next level. We will be presenting our 2020-21 Youth Academy Program remotely over Zoom, with small group in-studio classes and private lessons offered to supplement online content.
THE 2020-21 ACADEMY YEAR BEGINS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th
SHAMROCK BEGINNERS
Tuesdays, 5:30pm
For brand new dancers. Age 5+
Held remotely via Zoom for the 2020-21 Academy Year.
Shamrock Beginners gives brand new students age 5 and up the opportunity to grow as Irish dancers! Each class focuses on 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.
GREEN LEVEL
Mondays, 5:30pm
Prerequisite: Shamrock Level, 1 year,
Held remotely via Zoom for the 2020-21 Academy Year.
Green level is for dancers who have completed their first year of Irish dance at District Academy, have mastered basic soft shoe reels, jigs and slip jigs, and are ready to learn hard shoe! Classes will build on the fundamentals of technique taught in Shamrock Beginners with a continued emphasis on teamwork.
TURQUOISE LEVEL *NEW CLASS*
Mondays, 6:00pm
Prerequisite: Green Level, 1-2 years
Held remotely via Zoom for the 2020-21 Academy Year.
Turquoise is for dancers who have completed their second year of Irish dance at District Academy, have mastered basic soft shoe reels, jigs and slip jigs, and have begun learning hard shoe! Classes will build on technique elements taught in Shamrock/Green with an ongoing emphasis on technique.
ORANGE/RED LEVEL
Tues/Thurs, 6:15pm
Prerequisite: Exp. Novice, Prizewinner (Orange); Exp. Prizewinner, Prelim 10&under (Red)
Tues/Thurs classes are registered together. Held remotely via Zoom for the 2020-21 Academy Year.
Orange/Red level dancers are up for the challenge and are ready to grow their knowledge of intricate Irish dance steps, rhythm, footwork and fun new soft shoe material! Held twice weekly, Orange/Red level is an advanced, fast-paced class with regular team-building crossover class time with Blue/Black level.
BLUE/BLACK LEVEL
Tues, 6:15pm
Thurs, 7:15pm
Prerequisite: Prelim (Blue), Open Champ (Black)
Tues/Thurs classes are registered together. Held remotely via Zoom for the 2020-21 Academy Year.
Blue/Black level is our champion class, for experienced dancers who are ready to fine tune their already high degree of skill! Each class will challenge dancers artistically and athletically; competitive pursuits are accommodated but performance opportunities are also encouraged.
INTRO TO TAP *NEW CLASS*
Saturday, 3:00pm
No experience required.
Open to All Ages 7+
Held remotely via Zoom for the 2020-21 Academy Year.
Offered as an intro-level class for all ages (7+) and levels, our star instructor Mark will teach the foundations of tap dance rhythm in this exciting academy program class! Mark will mix his expertise in tap with a decade’s worth of experience as a professional Irish dancer with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. Mark will look to teach and build upon the technical aspects of tap dancing while showcasing the differences of the Irish style.
FANCY FOOTWORK *NEW CLASS*
Saturday, 3:45pm
Prerequisite:
Orange Level & Up
Held remotely via Zoom for the 2020-21 Academy Year.
Fancy Footwork (formerly "Rhythm & Footwork") enables dancers to develop strong hard shoe Irish dance technique, focusing on rhythm, timing and fancy footwork. We’ll also work on performance skills and learn fun treble reel material, which will benefit both competitive and recreational dancers alike!
DISTRICT TROUPE
Saturday, 6
Prerequisite:
Orange Level & Up
Open to levels Orange & up, or with teacher approval, this is our performance troupe class which will prepare 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.