Youth Classes

9AM - 2PM Monday through Friday. Dance instruction, summer activities, crafts, new friends and lots of fun! Welcoming brand new and current DIDA dancers!

Shamrock Beginner II builds upon foundational technique while continuing to develop coordination, musicality, and performance quality. Dancers will refine their soft shoe skills and have the opportunity to begin hard shoe fundamentals. With engaging instruction rooted in technique, teamwork, and tradition, this exciting class encourages dancers to challenge themselves while discovering the joy of Irish dance. Shoes Required:  Soft Shoes and Hard Shoes Material Covered:  All Shamrock I steps + Basic Slip Jig, Hard Shoe Basics ⭐️ All Shamrock II dancers have the opportunity to perform in Holiday Hooley, Spring Showcase, and DIDA Festival!

Intermediate II follows the same core steps and technical concepts explored in Intermediate I, with the addition of a second weekly class on Thursdays.  Dancers gain additional training time that helps them refine technique, build stamina, and confidently transition into our more advanced levels. ⭐️ PERFORMANCE ADD-ON:  Intermediate Level dancers are invited to join JUNIOR TROUPE, held right after their core class on Mondays, in order to learn performance skills and participate in special guest performance opportunities throughout the year! Membership Upgrade ➡️ STUDIO PASS - INTERMEDIATE II 🥉 - an all-in-one option designed to support serious training and growth.  Includes Junior Troupe, Open Studio sessions, and exclusive benefits.  It’s a flexible way to stay immersed in training and make the most of every opportunity at the studio. Shoes Required:  Soft Shoes and Hard Shoes Material Covered:  All Intermediate soft shoe steps + hard shoe skills (traditional / fast speed TJ + Hornpipe steps)

Junior Troupe is where Intermediate I & II dancers step into the world of performance and bring their Irish dance training to life on stage. Dancers learn performance-driven choreography while building confidence, stage presence, and strong teamwork in a supportive, high-energy environment. Led by an exceptional teaching team of professional dancers, every class is infused with world-class artistry giving dancers the opportunity to grow through exciting community performances year-round, including standout moments during the busy St. Patrick’s Day season.

Shamrock Beginner I invites brand new dancers into the vibrant and joyful world of Irish dance! This class is all about building fundamentals - with an emphasis on fun - through engaging curriculum, creative movement, and skill-building activities. Rooted in our three guiding principles of technique, teamwork, and tradition, we boost dancers’ confidence through energetic and motivating instruction. Prerequisite:  No experience required. Shoes Required:  Black Ballet Shoes. Material Covered:  Shamrock Reels + Jigs, Foundational Concepts and Moves including Foot Placement, Irish Dance Posture, Hop 123s, Pizza Jumps, Points and more!    ⭐️ All Shamrock dancers are eligible to perform in Holiday Hooley, Spring Showcase, and DIDA Festival!

Shamrock Beginner II builds upon foundational technique while continuing to develop coordination, musicality, and performance quality. Dancers will refine their soft shoe skills and have the opportunity to begin hard shoe fundamentals. With engaging instruction rooted in technique, teamwork, and tradition, this exciting class encourages dancers to challenge themselves while discovering the joy of Irish dance. Shoes Required:  Soft Shoes and Hard Shoes Material Covered:  All Shamrock I steps + Basic Slip Jig, Hard Shoe Basics ⭐️ All Shamrock II dancers have the opportunity to perform in Holiday Hooley, Spring Showcase, and DIDA Festival!

Pre-Champ Program offers a fast-paced and challenging atmosphere where dancers expand their understanding of complex footwork, rhythms, and choreography in both soft and hard shoe. Held twice-weekly, Pre-Champ program supports steady progress, improved stamina, and greater consistency. ⭐️ PERFORMANCE ADD-ON ➡️ DISTRICT TROUPE (Tuesday, 6:00-6:45pm) Membership Upgrade ➡️ STUDIO PASS - PRE-CHAMP 🥈 - an all-in-one option designed to support serious training and growth.  Includes District Troupe, Open Studio sessions, and exclusive benefits.  It’s a flexible way to stay immersed in training and make the most of every opportunity at the studio. PREREQUISITE:  4+ years experience; competing in Novice / Prizewinner / recently-achieved Preliminary Championship Levels.  Non-competitive students invited with instructor approval.

District Troupe is our advanced performance class, providing dancers the opportunity to refine their stage skills while learning fun and challenging choreography in an encouraging, non-competitive setting. Throughout the year we will explore how show dancing incorporates arm movements as well as elements of storytelling and character portrayal. Troupe dancers will also have the opportunity to participate in special video projects. Prerequisite:  Must be enrolled in either Pre-Champ or Champ Program.

Shamrock Beginner I invites brand new dancers into the vibrant and joyful world of Irish dance! This class is all about building fundamentals - with an emphasis on fun - through engaging curriculum, creative movement, and skill-building activities. Rooted in our three guiding principles of technique, teamwork, and tradition, we boost dancers’ confidence through energetic and motivating instruction. Prerequisite:  No experience required. Shoes Required:  Black Ballet Shoes. Material Covered:  Shamrock Reels + Jigs, Foundational Concepts and Moves including Foot Placement, Irish Dance Posture, Hop 123s, Pizza Jumps, Points and more!    ⭐️ All Shamrock dancers are eligible to perform in Holiday Hooley, Spring Showcase, and DIDA Festival!

Designed for dancers ready to take the next leap, this class is for those who have danced with us for at least two years and are confident in foundational soft shoe dances. Dancers will elevate their technique as they refine fast-speed hard shoe dances like treble jig and hornpipe, while being challenged with more intricate choreography. It’s an exciting step forward for dancers eager to learn and grow! ⭐️ PERFORMANCE ADD-ON:  Intermediate Level dancers are invited to join JUNIOR TROUPE, held right after their core class on Mondays, in order to learn performance skills and participate in special guest performance opportunities throughout the year! MEMBERSHIP UPGRADE:  ➡️ STUDIO PASS - INTERMEDIATE I 🥉 - an all-in-one option designed to support serious training and growth.  Includes Junior Troupe, Open Studio sessions, and exclusive benefits.  It’s a flexible way to stay immersed in training and make the most of every opportunity at the studio. Shoes Required:  Soft Shoes and Hard Shoes Material Covered:  All Intermediate soft shoe steps + hard shoe skills (traditional / fast speed TJ + Hornpipe steps)

The District Champion Program is designed for our most advanced dancers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and consistency in Irish dance. This high-level training environment challenges dancers both technically and artistically.  Guided by our expert teaching team, dancers continue to elevate their technique, deepen their artistry, and take pride in every step of their dance journey. ⭐️ PERFORMANCE ADD-ON ➡️ DISTRICT TROUPE (Tuesday, 6:00-6:45pm) Membership Upgrade ➡️ STUDIO PASS - CHAMPION 🥇 - an all-in-one option designed to support serious training and growth.  Includes District Troupe, Open Studio sessions, and exclusive benefits including complimentary private studio rental time for focused practice. It’s a flexible way to stay immersed in training and make the most of every opportunity at the studio. PREREQUISITE:  Preliminary, Open Champion and Adult Masters Level.  Instructor approval required.

District Irish Dance is delighted to announce the launch of Shamrock Studio™ at CityDance, an exciting new program designed to introduce young children to the joy of movement through Irish dance in a welcoming and playful environment. Hosted in partnership with CityDance at their state-of-the-art facility in Rockville, Shamrock Studio™ combines the expertise and energy of District Irish Dance with thoughtfully designed classes tailored specifically for young learners. Over the past eight years, District Irish Dance has inspired hundreds of dancers throughout the DC area and the organization is thrilled to expand its programs to a new community of families. SHAMROCK SPROUTS 🌱 (Ages 2–4)
Saturdays | 11:30 AM–12:00 PM | 6-Week Session: Sept. 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026 Designed especially for the youngest dancers, Shamrock Sprouts combines iconic Irish dance music and movements with imaginative activities and playful themes. SHAMROCK CLOVERS ☘️ (Ages 4.5+)
Saturdays | 12:15 PM–1:00 PM | 6-Week Session: Sept. 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026 Shamrock Clovers offers an exciting introduction to Irish dance fundamentals through jumping, kicking, stepping, and sliding — all with a strong emphasis on fun.