Class levels are 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 in order to make studio instruction time more beneficial… and therefore more fun! Students are encouraged to make use of Teelin’s “Practice Makes Perfect” DVD (available for sale within the Teelin Gear section of the website), and to use the online Step Notation database located within the “Student Info” section of the Teelin website (password required) for reminders of the steps they have learned in class.

See the Dance Shoes page of the website for information about purchasing appropriate footwear.

TINY TOES - This introductory class offers an abbreviated session for students age 4- or 5-years old (pre-K). Irish soft shoes are encouraged but not required; bare feet or ballet slippers are also fine.

BEGINNER - For students new to Irish dance. Irish soft shoes are necessary for this class.

BEGINNER II - Prerequisite: Students have participated in at least one year of a Beginner level class, and are working to master the basic technique, rhythm, and timing of Beginner level reels and light jigs. Irish soft shoes are necessary for this class.

ADULT CLASSES - Some classes are offered for adults, or for older teens who are new to Irish dance. This year there is an Adult Beginner class for new dancers or for those who would like further work with the basic skills, and an Adult Experienced class for dancers ready to progress with both soft shoe and hard shoe skills.

DAYTIME CLASS - One full-year daytime class is being offered this year for returning students only. This is recommended as a second class option for daytime students wishing to drill Novice / Prizewinner level skills. However, some students may choose this as their only class (please check with Maureen regarding skill level if this is your only class).

COMPETITION CLASSES AND LEVEL CLASSES

Teelin offers classes designed for students who compete, and classes designed for students who choose not to compete. In the competition classes this allows for an intensified focus on the details of performing Irish dance in a feis. All classes will perform in the Teelin Spring Show. Students in the competition classes will be required to wear a competition costume appropriate to their level for the Teelin Spring Show. (See the “Feis Info” section of the website for further details.)

IMPORTANT: Dancers who compete must practice outside of class. Private lessons are not a substitute for independent practice. Champion level dancers are expected to practice techniques and steps daily.

LEVEL 1 - 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 and light jigs. Irish soft shoes are necessary for this class. Students will learn reels, light jigs and slip jigs while focusing on the techniques of crossing, turnout, and posture. When the students master two slip jig steps, then they will begin learning basic hard shoe skills and the traditional speed treble jigs and hornpipes. Hard shoes may be necessary midyear for some students, but not all students. (Check with teacher before purchasing hard shoes.)

ADVANCED BEGINNER COMPETITION CLASS (AB COMP) - Prerequisite: (same as “Level 1” class) 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 and light jigs. This class is similar to the Level 1 class, but is designed for dancers who are actively competing in the soft shoe dances, and are ready to learn the hard shoe dances. Some students in this class will have already mastered two slip jig steps and will be ready to move into hard shoes. For students who have not yet mastered two slip jig steps, check with the teacher before purchasing hard shoes.

LEVEL 2 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 1 techniques and the rhythm & timing of Level 1 reels, light jigs, slip jigs, and have at least begun to learn the traditional speed hard shoe dances. Irish soft shoes and hard shoes are necessary for this class. Students will learn intermediate level soft shoe dances and hard shoe dances. This class is recommended for students who are ready to progress to Level 2 skills, but have chosen not to compete.

ADVANCED BEGINNER / NOVICE COMPETITION CLASS (AB/N COMP) - Prerequisite: Students are actively competing at either the Advanced Beginner Grade or Novice Grade in all three soft shoe dances (reel, light jig and slip jig) and in either or both of the hard shoe dances (treble jig and hornpipe) at the traditional speed (also known as fast tempo).

LEVEL 3 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 2 techniques and the rhythm & timing of Level 2 reels, light jigs, slip jigs, treble jigs and hornpipes. Irish soft shoes and hard shoes are necessary for this class. Students will learn intermediate dances and techniques, such as slaps, clicks, butterflies, slow drums, and the advanced tempo (also called slow tempo, which allows for more complicated footwork) hard shoe dances. This class is recommended for students who are ready to progress to Level 3 skills, but have chosen not to compete.

NOVICE COMPETITION CLASS (NOV COMP) - Prerequisite: Students are actively competing in all five “basic dances” (reel, light jig, slip jig, treble jig and hornpipe) and are ready to move from the traditional (fast) speed hard shoe steps to the slow speed hard shoe steps.

LEVEL 4 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of skills comparable to at least Novice Grade competition (including slow speed hard shoe dances), but have chosen not to participate in competitions. Students must demonstrate dedicated interest and energy in class, and be ready to learn advanced level Irish dancing skills.

NOVICE / PRIZEWINNER COMPETITION CLASS (N/PW COMP) - Students compete in all four “core dances” (reel, slip jig, treble jig and hornpipe) at either the Novice or Prizewinner Grade, and perform both of the slow tempo hard shoe dances (treble jigs and hornpipes) in competition.

LEVEL 5 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of skills comparable to at least Prizewinner Grade competition, but have chosen not to participate in competitions. Students must demonstrate dedicated interest and energy in class, and be ready to learn and perform advanced level Irish dancing. Emphasis will be on developing clear, clean execution of advanced techniques, such as drums, toe-toes, back clicks, snaps and chicots.

CHAMPION COMPETITION CLASSES - Students are actively competing in Preliminary Champion or Open Champion competitions. This is a 2-day/week course with soft shoes on one day, hard shoes on the other, totaling 3 hours of instruction per week.

SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSES

(Students must be registered in another class in order to participate.)

DRILLS CLASS - A great “second class” option for students who are looking for increased opportunities to improve. The N/PW Drills class and the Daytime Class/Drills are full-year classes and will each perform a number in the Teelin Spring Show.

PERFORMANCE CLASS - Enrollment is by invitation only to students who have demonstrated intermediate to advanced level hard shoe technique, a strong work ethic in training, and a passion for performing. (If interested, please discuss with Maureen.)

COMPANY REHEARSALS - For auditioned Teelin Irish Dance Company members only (Red Troupe, Black Troupe or Peanut Troupe).

OIREACHTAS FIGURE TEAMS - By invitation only, this abbreviated session provides supplemental drills and practice sessions for the 4-Hand, 8-Hand, or Choreography teams as they prepare for the regional, national or world championships.

IRISH MUSIC PRACTICE - By invitation, for rehearsing possible music performance opportunities with the Teelin Irish Dance Company. Any instrument welcome. If interested, please talk to Maureen.