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.
Printer-friendly copy of these class descriptions...
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" age; must be old enough to be entering kindergarten next year). Irish soft shoes are encouraged but not required; bare feet or ballet slippers are also fine.
BEGINNER - For students new to Irish dance, or students who are repeating a Beginner class to build a better foundation for their training. 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.
LEVEL CLASSES
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.)
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.
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. Students will learn intermediate level dances and techniques, such as slaps, clicks, butterflies, rocks, slow drums, and the advanced tempo hard shoe dances (also called slow tempo, which allows for more complicated footwork). This class is recommended for students who are working on the equivalent of Novice Grade competition level skills, but have chosen not to compete.
LEVEL 4 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of skills comparable to Prizewinner Grade competition, and is recommended for students who have chosen not to compete. Students must demonstrate dedicated interest and energy in class, and be ready to learn and perform advanced level Irish dancing. Students will learn advanced level dances and techniques, such as toe-toes, drums, snaps and tip downs to name a few.
COMPETITION CLASSES
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 either or both hard shoe dances (treble jig and hornpipe).
NOVICE / PRIZEWINNER COMPETITION CLASS (N/PW COMP) - Prerequisite: Students are actively competing in either Novice Grade or Prizewinner Grade, and must be performing the slow tempo hard shoe dances (treble jigs and hornpipes).
CHAMPION COMPETITION CLASSES - Prerequisite: Students are actively competing in Preliminary Champion or Open Champion competitions. This is a 2-day/week course with soft shoe on one day, hard shoe on the other, totaling 3 hours of weekly instruction.
SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSES
(Students must be registered in another class in order to participate.)
DRILLS CLASS - This is a great “second class” option for students who are looking for increased opportunities to improve, and is appropriate for Novice, Prizewinner or Champion level students. Session dates to be announced on the Extra Classes page of the website.
PEANUT PERFORMANCE CLASS - Enrollment is by invitation only to young students age 7-10 years old who have demonstrated at least intermediate level hard shoe technique, an emergence of strong treble reel skills, a strong work ethic in training, and a passion for performing. Abbreviated sessions will be offered. All interested dancers should participate in the Peanut Troupe auditions. (For more information, please see the “Auditions FAQ’s” listed on the Company Troupes page of the Teelin website.)
PERFORMANCE CLASS - Enrollment is by invitation only to students age 11&older who have demonstrated intermediate to advanced level hard shoe technique, a strong work ethic in training, strong treble reel skills and a passion for performing. All interested dancers should participate in the Company Dancer auditions. (For more information, please see the “Auditions FAQ’s” listed on the Company Troupes page of the Teelin website.)
COMPANY & PEANUT TROUPE REHEARSALS - Enrollment is by invitation only; mandatory for all Teelin Irish Dance Company dancers who have accepted a position within the performance company.
OIREACHTAS FIGURE TEAMS - Enrollment is by invitation only. This abbreviated session is for the Oireachtas Figure Teams (4-Hand, 8-Hand, or Choreography teams) as they prepare for the Regional Championships. Additional sessions may be added if there are qualified teams who are also preparing for North American or World Championships.
IRISH MUSIC PRACTICE - Traditional Irish music session for intermediate or advanced level musicians – any instrument welcome. If interested, please talk to Maureen, or send an email to info@teelin.com.