Irish Dance Class

Posted by cabeaacademy on March 22nd, 2021

Irish Dance Masterclass is defined by a dancer’s ability to perform the requisite skills appropriate to that level, NOT by a dancer’s number of years of experience. Practice outside of class is highly recommended to make studio instruction time more beneficialand therefore more fun! Students are encouraged to make use of “Practice Makes Perfect” DVD, and to use the online Step Notation database located within the “Student Info” sectionfor reminders of the steps they have learned in class.

Advanced Beginner Grade – Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of hop-1-2-3’s, 7’s & 3’s, and the basic rhythm & timing of beginner level reels, light jigs, and slip jigs. Recommended for students who are actively competing in Advanced Beginner Grade. Irish soft shoes and hard shoes are both necessary for this class. Students will focus on advancing their skills and techniques and working to perfect the traditional tempo hard shoe dances in treble jigs and hornpipes. This class is also open to non-competitive dancers working towards Advanced Beginner Grade techniques and skills.

Novice Grade – Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Advanced Beginner techniques and the rhythm & timing of Novice reels, light jigs, slip jigs, and have learned both advanced tempo treble jigs and hornpipes (also called slow tempo, which allows for more complicated footwork). This class is recommended for students who are actively competing in Novice Grades. Irish soft shoes and hard shoes are both necessary for this class. Students will focus on advancing their skills and techniques, which include timing/rhythm, arms/posture, crossing, pointing, toes, turnout, extension, and lift.

Novice / prize winner (N/PW) 2-Day Classes – Prerequisite: Students are actively competing in either Novice Grade or prize-winner Grade, must be performing the slow tempo hard shoe dances (treble jigs and hornpipes). This is a 2-day/week course – students must enrol in one hard shoe class and one soft shoe class. In special circumstances, a student may enrol in one of these classes (hard shoe or soft shoe), and then also take a combined soft/hard shoe skills class. Students will focus on advancing their skills and techniques, such as clicks, royal’s/chicons/butterfly, twists, rocks, twisting heels/drums, advanced jumps, tips, fast batters, snaps, and working to perfect the advanced tempo hard shoe dances (also called slow tempo, which allows for more complicated footwork).

Champion 1-Day and “All prize winner” Class – Prerequisite: Students are actively competing in either Preliminary or Open Championships or are actively competing forall their dances in prize-winner Grade, are nearing eligibility for Preliminary Championships, and are also enrolled in an N/PW class. This class is often the transition gateway for dancers who are new to Preliminary Championships and are working toward the fitness level required of the Monday/Thursday 2-Day Champ Classes.

For dancers who choose to Learn Irish Dance Online will offer an intensified focus on the details of performing Irish dance in the competition. Students will find that their progress is greatly enhanced by consistent practice outside of class. Effective independent practice sessions are required for participation in the Champion classes. Private lessons are not a substitute for independent practice.