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Class Descriptions:

Little Shamrocks:

This class will teach dancers how to listen and move to Irish music rhythms.  Basic foot placement and exercises will be utilized in a fun, game filled atmosphere to prepare the performers and build strength/coordination to learn the intricate footwork of Irish dance in the next level of class.  

Prerequisite:  Ages 3-4. *Must be potty trained OR parent needs to stay to accompany child to the bathroom

Shamrocks:

This class teaches the basic, core moves used in all of Irish dance. With these moves mastered, dancers learn their first reel steps for performances. Ages 5+

Prerequisite:  None

Trinity: 

This class will teach the basic steps of Irish soft shoe jigs, reels, followed by introduction to slip jig and hard shoe rhythms. Rhythms and drills for safe technique and to build strength for more complex tricks and steps. 

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Shamrocks skills

Triskele:

In this class dancers continue to work on hard and soft shoe steps with increasing complexity.  In addition, more intricate footwork and tricks are taught as well as instruction in choreographed dance pieces for performances. Practice outside of class is encouraged at this level to help the dancers meet individualized goals.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Trinity skills

Dara: 

This class begins instruction of dance tricks, advanced solo steps, and focuses on improving technique and strengths for advanced/individualized solo steps.  Dancers use their strengths in solo steps to incorporate those tricks they do best. Set dances and advanced hardshoe work will increase in complexity in this class.  Practice outside of class is encouraged at this level to help the dancers meet their goals.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Triskele skills

Claddagh

This class focuses on continuation in learning the art of Irish Dance with emphasis on more advanced steps and senior level moves. Dancers use their strengths in solo steps to incorporate favorite tricks/movements with the aid of the instructor. Dancers must be dedicated and self motivated to accomplish the tasks required of this class. Practice outside of class is required at this level to help the dancers meet their goals.

Prerequisite: Completion of Dara skills.

Beardpullers: 

In this class, the degree of difficulty increases dramatically as the dancer works to achieve more difficult footwork in both softshoe and hardshoe. Steps are at the top level of Irish Dance competitive levels.  Dancers must be dedicated and self motivated to accomplish the tasks required of this class.  Practice outside of class is required at this level to help the dancers meet their goals. 

Prerequisite: Completion of Claddagh skills.

Beginner Ceili & Ceili: 

Dancers will learn the most popular dances from the books of Irish History, including the traditional 3-hands, 4-hand reel, 6-hand Fairy Reel, 6-hand Duke Reel. Dancers will also learn the OVSCDC choreographed modern 2 hand and 3 hand. This is an introduction to group dancing where dancers learn the basic movements and how to safely move through dance with a partner or partners. 

Prerequisite: Must have completed one semester of Trinity class (or higher) .

Adult Ceili:

Dancers in this class will learn dances from the books of Irish history. The céilís, or group dances, are taught as they were written hundreds of years ago. This is an introduction to group dancing where dancers learn the basic movements and how to safely move through dance with a partner or partners. This class focuses on adapted, low impact traditional movements for a nice cardio workout, but accommodating to joints. 

Prerequisite: None! Only a joy and wish to dance :). Beginner dancers 13+ are welcome to try out this class with an adult if they are interested in trying Irish Dance classes.

Junior Team:

Dancers in this class will learn dances from the books of Irish history.  The céilís, or group dances, are taught as they were written hundreds of years ago, with a steep increase in focus on technique and synchronization as a team. Dancers also learn choreography created for them by the Sr. Céilí Team for The Feochadan Project and performances. 

Prerequisite: Completion of all the skills of Beginner Ceili + invitation by team

Team Crann Bheatha:

Dancers in this class will learn dances from the books of Irish history.  The céilís, or group dances, are taught as they were written hundreds of years ago, with a steep increase in focus on technique and synchronization as a team. Team members are expected to retain ceili order and be able to fill in *any* spot of the common performance ceilis. Competing as a group is a possibility if the team has interest. Dancers also put their skills to work Choreographing dances for The Feochadan Project and performances.  

Prerequisite: Invitation only.

Feochadan Project:

Participants from 7th grade and above will pick a focus to create a dance show that will be performed in 2028 for families and the community. 

Prerequisite: By Invitation

Open Studio for Competitive Dancers:

Our facilities are available to any competitive dancer (regardless of school) for practice.  Scheduling the studio by contacting us at OVSCDC@gmail.com