Question 1

How do I register for classes?

Accepted Answer

Our sign up process is simplified through ClassBug,(https://classbug.com/businesses/1730/events) our convenient registration system enabling you to sign up in three steps:
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1. View class offerings
2. Create free account + student profile(s)
3. Add classes to cart + checkout!
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Having trouble setting up an account?  Watch this video!()

Question 2

Which classes are suitable for brand new beginners?

Accepted Answer

Beginners are always welcomed at District Irish Dance!

For kids, our weekly Shamrock Program (www.districtirishdance.com/youth-classes)is for new beginners.  Shamrock I is geared for ages 5-6, and Shamrock II is geared for ages 7-9.  We also hold a 6-week Intro to Irish Dance Course for Kids in the fall, winter and spring.

For adults, our Intro to Irish Dance 6-Week Course (www.districtirishdance.com/adult-classes)is geared for brand new beginners.  New students are also welcome in our weekly All Levels Adult class,(www.districtirishdance.com/adult-classes) offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

We understand that it can be intimidating to try something new, but we pride ourselves on providing an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for everyone to discover the joy of Irish dance! ☘️

Question 3

What is the youngest age you enroll?

Accepted Answer

The youngest age to enroll in our Shamrock Beginner Program (www.districtirishdance.com/youth-classes)is 5 years old.  We invite children as young as 2 to attend along with a parent in our interactive District Tots 4-week program, offered throughout the year (be sure to sign up for our e-mail list (www.districtirishdance.com/contact)to get updates about when the next session will be offered!).

Question 4

Do you offer classes for adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do!  We have a diverse, fun and growing adult Irish dance community!  We invite those new to Irish dance to join us as well as those with previous experience.  Irish dance is a great fitness activity in a creative and social atmosphere.  Learn more about our adult program!(www.districtirishdance.com/adult-classes)

Question 5

What amenities are provided at the studio?

Accepted Answer

Our boutique studio provides clients with the following amenities:

- Complimentary client Wi-Fi
- Front desk and studio retail store stocked with dance essentials
- Restrooms and water fountains (on upper level)
- A spacious lobby with cubbies, lockers and plenty of space for belongings
- Device charging station
- Ear plugs and hair ties
- Refreshing products including deodorant, dry shampoo and ladies' toiletries
- Yoga mats & fitness equipment
- Individual locker key use available upon request

Question 6

Are there options for students to attend multiple classes weekly?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We provide a flexible schedule with multiple classes offered weekly for most levels.  Our Studio Pass membership (www.districtirishdance.com/studio-pass)offers the best bundled class value as well as exclusive member-only perks.

Question 7

What kind of performance opportunities are there for District Students?

Accepted Answer

At District Academy, we absolutely LOVE to perform and we aim to provide positive, growth-focused opportunities throughout the year (not just St. Patrick's Day!) to enable all of our dancers to showcase their hard work and dedication.  We are active in the local community, often appearing at farmers markets, nursing homes and other community centers.  Dancers in District Troupe and Junior Troupe Classes (https://www.districtirishdance.com/academy-program)are provided even more pre-professional performance outlets, and we have appeared at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center, The Irish Embassy and on television including Fox5 DC on St. Patrick's Day! (https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1047039) Additionally, for adults, we offer Adult Performance class!(www.districtirishdance.com/adult-classes)

Question 8

What is the environment like at District Irish Dance?

Accepted Answer

We strive to create a positive, growth-focused environment for all students by promoting individuality and confidence.  While lots of people have a “wigs and jigs” impression of competitive Irish dance, at District Irish Dance we promote natural hair and traditional, understated costuming, as well as an ongoing refocus on the quality of dancing and the art form itself.  We encourage both recreational and competitive tracks.  We strive to ensure our school image is in keeping with tradition, and we want to make sure that families do not feel overwhelmed by expensive costume elements.  In fact, Irish dance generally has lower costume costs compared to other dance styles since we generally only wear one costume (the school dress / vest) for all events except for championship competitions.

Question 9

Is parent observation permitted?

Accepted Answer

We love to see how enthusiastic our parents are about their dancers' progress, but we kindly ask that parents refrain from watching class in session, as it can be very distracting to students and teachers.  Parents are welcome to wait in our Family Waiting Area and utilize our free WiFi during class.  We do, however, invite parents to join their child's class during our designated Parent Participation Weeks offered in Fall and Spring.

Question 10

What is the commitment for classes and how does tuition work?

Accepted Answer

As with any activity that involves developing a challenging skill, learning Irish dance takes time to progress.  In order for students to feel a clear sense of progression and accomplishment, it does require a commitment.  For all weekly-held classes (what we call our "Academy Program"), tuition is assessed on a monthly basis and classes run for a 10-month school year, September-June.  We permit all students to make changes to their class schedule and/or withdraw without penalty within the first 30 days of attending a class.  After the initial 30 day permitted withdrawal window, there is an obligation to continue paying tuition for the remainder of the school year.  Withdrawals are not permitted except in specific circumstances.

We do not require tuition to be paid up front.  For all classes, billing occurs through ClassBug,(https://classbug.com/businesses/1730/offerings) our registration portal.  Tuition (auto-pay required) is the same for each month.  Clients should they like may choose to pay their tuition in full under “balance payment” on their family account on ClassBug.  See the ClassBug FAQ page (https://classbug.com/faq/client)for specific sign-up-related questions.

Please feel free to contact us (www.districtirishdance.com/contact-us)to learn more about our class/studio policies.  You can learn about all studio policies through our syllabus accessible via the DIDA App. (www.districtirishdance.com/dida-app)

Question 11

Are make-up classes permitted?

Accepted Answer

As a courtesy, we permit make-up classes according to our missed class policy as outlined in our Syllabus: (www.districtirishdance.com/dida-app)

Tuition cannot be pro-rated, refunded, or exchanged for any missed classes, but dancers may make up a missed class, provided they follow our updated protocol for missed classes.  The fast-paced structure of our classes means that, in the case of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to catch up on any material they may have missed on their own without disrupting the class or instructor’s lesson plan.

Make-Up Class Request Form (https://forms.gle/mAUh3aR2gV4xckC96)

1) Complete the form (link above) at least 4 hours prior to an absence in order to be eligible for a make-up class.
2) A coupon code will be included on the form confirmation page.  
3) Check our studio class schedule and select an eligible drop-in class.  Make up credits expire at the end of the academy year (June 30th).
4) Use the coupon code to redeem your make-up credit upon checkout on ClassBug.  The code can be utilized for signing up for the following drop-in classes only:  FPF and Open Studio.

EXCLUSIONS:  Make ups are not available for any short / intro sessions, special workshops / classes, or weekly performance troupe classes.  Students are limited to ONE make up per monthly billing cycle (a maximum of 10 per academy year, Sept-June).  We are unable to pro-rate or refund tuition for missed classes.  Studio Pass holders do not need to fill out a request form since they already have full access to drop-in classes.

Question 12

Are new students able to enroll year-round?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the class and space permitting, we do allow students to register year-round.  We recommend new students set up a meeting with their instructor prior to starting and they should complete a number of private lessons to get caught up.

Question 13

I’m not ready to commit (or commit my child) to a full term of classes.  Are there other options or drop-ins?

Accepted Answer

We of course understand that the timing might not be right to commit which is why we offer several abbreviated sessions and drop-in class opportunities.

Short Sessions (www.districtirishdance.com/youth-classes)(generally offered in Fall, Winter & Spring):

District Tots - Irish Movement & Music for Age 2-4 + Parent (4-Week)
Adaptive Irish Dance *NEW FOR 2025-26!
Intro to Irish Dance for Kids (6-Week)
Intro to Irish Dance for Adults (6-Week)

Drop-In Classes (www.districtirishdance.com/drop-in-classes)available to attend on an individual / drop-in basis include:

FPF (Fun, Performance, Fitness) ☘️ (*must be enrolled in a regular weekly class to sign up)
Open Studio (*must be enrolled in a regular weekly class to sign up)
Jigs & Swigs® (www.jigsandswigs.com/dc) - The Irish Dance Workout held at local breweries

Question 14

How much do classes cost?  Are there discounts for siblings or multiple class sign-ups?

Accepted Answer

Monthly fees for academy program classes begin at $119.  Our tiered pricing means that the more hours per week a student attends, the less it ends up costing per class.  We offer a bundled class option called Studio Pass (www.districtirishdance.com/studio-pass)which provides substantial value for those who plan to attend multiple classes weekly, in addition to a number of exclusive Studio Pass Member-only perks.  And YES - we also offer a tiered sibling discount.

Question 15

What kind of shoes should be worn?

Accepted Answer

Irish dance is all about the shoes!  Visit our Shoe Info Page (www.districtirishdance.com/shoes)to learn about the appropriate shoes for class.  Brand new beginners do not need specific Irish dance shoes - they should wear black ballet flats or jazz shoes.

Question 16

Is there a class uniform?  What else should dancers bring to class?

Accepted Answer

Athletic attire is required for all classes.  Jeans, overly restrictive (or immodest) clothing is not suitable for our studio.  In order to minimize distractions and maintain a unified class experience, all dancers are required to follow the DIDA Studio Uniform - consisting of:  black T-shirt (or tank top), black shorts (or leggings), and poodle socks (for female dancers).  Click here (www.districtirishdance.com/shop)to order DIDA-branded Studio Uniform items.  Students may also purchase the Studio Uniform Package (https://www.districtirishdance.com/product-page/studio-uniform-package)(includes T-shirt, shorts and a pair of poodle socks).  Dancers should also bring a water bottle or they may purchase water at the studio.

Question 17

Do you offer trial classes?  Can I check out the studio before signing up?

Accepted Answer

We have several options for new students to try out District Irish Dance!  Check out our upcoming Beginner Sessions here. (www.districtirishdance.com/intro-sessions) We also hold our annual Open House (https://classbug.com/businesses/1730/events/2292188)which is free to attend (Saturday, August 23rd 9am-11am).  Please feel free to send us an e-mail (www.districtirishdance.com/contact-us)if you have a question about class placement.  Note that while we do not offer free trial classes, we are more than happy to set up a "get to know us" studio meeting for new students!

Question 18

What is the age range in the adult classes?

Accepted Answer

We are proud to have a wide range of ages in our adult classes (we have adult students in their 20s through to their 60s & up!), and our philosophy is that Irish dance is truly for everyone!

It should be noted that in all District Irish Dance classes, but especially in our adult program, we place an important emphasis on injury prevention.  Additionally, we are more than happy to work with students to modify movements in order to manage an existing medical condition or injury, keeping in mind that our teachers are not medical professionals and are not qualified to provide any medical advice.

Question 19

How do Irish dance competitions work?  It is alright if I choose not to compete?

Accepted Answer

To learn about the exciting world of competitive Irish dance we provide a number of resources available to our new families.  Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.  That said, competing is NEVER a requirement for participation in District Irish Dance classes and in fact many of our dancers choose to pursue recreational / performance tracks instead!  All dancers are supported and encouraged no matter what their dance journey may look like.

Question 20

I’m a new student.  When is the best time to join District Irish Dance?

Accepted Answer

While we do permit year-round enrollment, space depending, the best time to register is before the new school starts in September.  We also offer short sessions seasonally.  In the event that a dancer wishes to sign up later in the year, the best time to do so is at the start of the month since we are unable to pro-rate tuition, nor are we able to hold your space / postpone payment to a later date.

Question 21

How do I book Irish dancers to perform at an event?

Accepted Answer

At District Irish Dance, we absolutely LOVE performing in our community, so we would be delighted to perform at your event!  For more info, please visit our Performance Bookings (www.districtirishdance.com/performances)page.

Question 22

How do drop-in classes work?

Accepted Answer

As a complement to our weekly class offerings, we offer drop-in classes open to a range of ages and levels, providing the flexibility to dance when you're able to!  Additional workshops, special events and Jigs & Swigs® classes are also included in our class line up.  Be sure to register beforehand as spots do fill up!  Studio Pass Holders ()receive access to most Drop-In Classes.
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Drop-In Class Fine Print:  Only classes designated “Drop-In” permit attendance on a pay-per-class basis.  Drop-In classes require pre-registration and no-shows will result in a forfeited class credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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