Teelin has several different levels of Irish dance classes. Levels are defined by a dancer’s ability to perform the requisite techniques appropriate to that level, NOT by a dancer's number of years of experience. When time and teacher availability permit, Teelin also offers instruction in other classical, traditional or contemporary dance styles.

IRISH DANCE CLASSES

Practice outside of class is recommended in order to make studio instruction time more beneficial (and, therefore, more fun!). There is an online Step Notation database that students may visit with a password for reminders of the steps taught 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 completed 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.

LEVEL 1 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of hop-1,2,3’s, and the basic rhythm and 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 class learns two slip jig steps, the class may begin learning hard shoe skills, so hard shoes might be necessary midyear.

LEVEL 2 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 1 techniques and the rhythm and timing of Level 1 reels, light jigs, and slip jigs. Irish soft shoes and hard shoes are necessary for this class (and all subsequent levels) Students will learn basic hard shoe technique, traditional speed treble jigs and hornpipes, and the Level 2 reels, light jigs, and slip jigs.

LEVEL 3 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 2 techniques and the rhythm and timing of Level 2 reels, light jigs, slip jigs, treble jigs, and hornpipes. Students will learn Level 3 dances and techniques, and may begin learning the slow tempo hard shoe dances.

LEVEL 4 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 3 techniques and the rhythm and timing of Level 3 reels, light jigs, slip jigs, treble jigs, and hornpipes. Emphasis will be on developing clear, clean execution of techniques appropriate to advanced level Irish dancing.

LEVEL 5 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 4 skills, have shown dedicated interest and energy in class, and are ready to learn and perform advanced level Irish dancing.

ADULT BEGINNER - For Adults and Teens 16&Up new to Irish dance.

ADULT CEILI CLASS - This partial-year class is a great alternative for OR supplement to the Adult Experienced class. Some Irish dance experience recommended. Students will work on perfecting the basic skills of ceili dancing, will learn to dance as part of a team, and will learn several of the traditional ceili dances. Irish soft shoes required.

ADULT EXPERIENCED - A mixed-level class of Adults and Teens 17&Up.

DAYTIME EXPERIENCED I & II - Some midday classes are offered for dance students (age 6 through adult) whose schedules are not restricted by a typical academic school day.

COMPETITION IRISH DANCE CLASSES

These classes are available for students with hard shoe experience who compete in at least three feiseanna per year. Depending on class size, students may be able to transfer from a Teelin level class into a competition class midyear. Students may also transition to a higher level competition class midyear after winning the requisite placements appropriate to that class. Instruction in these classes will emphasize:

  1. Technique, technique, technique! (Expect lots of drills!)
  2. Stamina during competition.
  3. The details of presentation that catch the judges’ attention.
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.

ADVANCED BEGINNER / NOVICE COMPETITION CLASS - Students compete in Advanced Beginner or Novice Grade. Students new to this class must already know two steps of each soft shoe dance (reel, light jig, and slip jig) and each hard shoe dance (treble jig and hornpipe).

NOVICE / PRIZEWINNER COMPETITION CLASS - Students compete at least Novice Grade, and perform the slow tempo hard shoe dances (treble jigs and hornpipes).

CHAMPION COMPETITION CLASS - Students are competing in Preliminary or Open Champion competitions. There are two types of Champion Classes this year: one for students who perform toes in their steps, and one for “no toes”. Dancers are welcome (and encouraged!) to register for BOTH classes. However, if a dancer will only be taking one of these classes the dancer must register for the appropriate class (“Toes” or “No Toes”).

FIGURE TEAMS - This fall class is for students participating in competitive 4-Hand, 8-Hand, or Choreography teams preparing for the regional championships (Oireachtas) in December. (If interested, please see Maureen or Molly.)