Dance Class Basics
When a new beginner of any age starts classes, the dancer needs to come to class dressed in a school t-shirt, poodle socks and black shorts or leggings. Long hair should be tied back and a bottle of water with the name clearly marked on it.
The very first thing they need to acquire is a proper pair of soft Irish shoes. These shoes look very much like black leather ballet slippers and are called “Pomps” (pronounced poms).
Dancers begin with the steps and techniques involved in the basic soft shoe dances of Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig and Single Jig. It is only through the mastery of these dances that they can proceed to the hardshoe steps and techniques.
Hardshoes are called “Hornpipes” and we will fit your dancer as soon as they are approaching readiness to progress to this family of steps, dances and techniques. Our dance school keeps a modest supply of both types of Irish dance shoe for purchase by our dancers.
In addition to the soft and hard shoe solo dances, your dancers will also learn, participate and compete in team dances incorporating 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 dancers. These dances are important to balance the focus between solo work and team work. These dances also serve to keep the traditions of the dance alive.
Younger dancers are taught to differentiate between right and left foot. They are taught to listen to the music using clapping and simple movement. They are also reminded to point their toes and to listen to the instructor. Older beginners begin their basic steps within the first classes.
Softshoe dances are dances on the toes with toes pointed down and feet turned outward at all times. Some children are blessed with feet and legs that allow them to do this effortlessly but, for others, it takes development of muscles and time to accomplish. Softshoe dance is graceful and seems effortless to the uninitiated. Technique is strict and demanding but becomes easier with the development of strength and agility. The dancer is trained to work her/his legs up the back, to keep feet crossed and the get their jumps ever higher.
In hardshoe dance, the dancers learn to bring out a definite rhythm using a fiberglass tip and heel. The Irish hardshoe is as specific to Irish hardshoe dancing as the Pomp is to softshoe dance. Steel taps are not allowed in Irish Dance.
Over time and with repetition, practice and increasing control, the dancer will cease whacking away at the floor to make noise and begin to develop a sense of rhythm and timing.
Technique is central to Irish dance and will be continuously stressed at every level.
Each dancer develops at their own rate and should never feel discouraged. Over time, each dancer will develop their own style and progress to a level at which they are happy.
The development of discipline plays a big part in the class. Your child will be taught to listen to and watch the instructor’s feet. After acquiring a new step, the dancer will be encouraged to remain on the floor and practice it. As has been pointed out before, each dancer learns at their own rate and in their own way. There is a great deal to be learned besides the dance steps. There is rhythm, timing, footwork, control, body posture, co-ordination and self discipline to be mastered. This takes time and is as much a development of strength as it is a mastery of the steps and the dances that the steps connect to make.
The dancers are not permitted to run around the class or to be disruptive in any way. They are expected to show respect to one another and to help one another. They are also expected to respect and listen to the teacher in charge of the class. Dancers can expect to be corrected at all times for poor behaviour.
Parents are not allowed in the classes as it is very distracting for both dancers and instructors. Children are at their best when they are being taught alone. There is usually an opportunity at the end of session when family will be extended an invitation to watch a class in progress.
The very first thing they need to acquire is a proper pair of soft Irish shoes. These shoes look very much like black leather ballet slippers and are called “Pomps” (pronounced poms).
Dancers begin with the steps and techniques involved in the basic soft shoe dances of Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig and Single Jig. It is only through the mastery of these dances that they can proceed to the hardshoe steps and techniques.
Hardshoes are called “Hornpipes” and we will fit your dancer as soon as they are approaching readiness to progress to this family of steps, dances and techniques. Our dance school keeps a modest supply of both types of Irish dance shoe for purchase by our dancers.
In addition to the soft and hard shoe solo dances, your dancers will also learn, participate and compete in team dances incorporating 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 dancers. These dances are important to balance the focus between solo work and team work. These dances also serve to keep the traditions of the dance alive.
Younger dancers are taught to differentiate between right and left foot. They are taught to listen to the music using clapping and simple movement. They are also reminded to point their toes and to listen to the instructor. Older beginners begin their basic steps within the first classes.
Softshoe dances are dances on the toes with toes pointed down and feet turned outward at all times. Some children are blessed with feet and legs that allow them to do this effortlessly but, for others, it takes development of muscles and time to accomplish. Softshoe dance is graceful and seems effortless to the uninitiated. Technique is strict and demanding but becomes easier with the development of strength and agility. The dancer is trained to work her/his legs up the back, to keep feet crossed and the get their jumps ever higher.
In hardshoe dance, the dancers learn to bring out a definite rhythm using a fiberglass tip and heel. The Irish hardshoe is as specific to Irish hardshoe dancing as the Pomp is to softshoe dance. Steel taps are not allowed in Irish Dance.
Over time and with repetition, practice and increasing control, the dancer will cease whacking away at the floor to make noise and begin to develop a sense of rhythm and timing.
Technique is central to Irish dance and will be continuously stressed at every level.
Each dancer develops at their own rate and should never feel discouraged. Over time, each dancer will develop their own style and progress to a level at which they are happy.
The development of discipline plays a big part in the class. Your child will be taught to listen to and watch the instructor’s feet. After acquiring a new step, the dancer will be encouraged to remain on the floor and practice it. As has been pointed out before, each dancer learns at their own rate and in their own way. There is a great deal to be learned besides the dance steps. There is rhythm, timing, footwork, control, body posture, co-ordination and self discipline to be mastered. This takes time and is as much a development of strength as it is a mastery of the steps and the dances that the steps connect to make.
The dancers are not permitted to run around the class or to be disruptive in any way. They are expected to show respect to one another and to help one another. They are also expected to respect and listen to the teacher in charge of the class. Dancers can expect to be corrected at all times for poor behaviour.
Parents are not allowed in the classes as it is very distracting for both dancers and instructors. Children are at their best when they are being taught alone. There is usually an opportunity at the end of session when family will be extended an invitation to watch a class in progress.
