Author: maldonm

Classes, Past Classes

Class | Sean-nós Dance

maldonm

intro

Irish Sean-nós Dance

This course is suitable for dancers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. We will focus on sean-nós jig steps, providing material tailored to each skill level. Throughout the course, you’ll learn steps, improvisation techniques, and variations. By the end, you’ll have a set routine and the opportunity to explore improvisation or freeform dancing.

Sean-nós, which means “old-style,” is a highly improvisational and rhythmic dance form that stays close to the ground. Unlike traditional Irish step dancers, sean-nós dancers swing their hips and use their arms to express the music. Historically, dancers performed solo on small surfaces like the hardwood of a half door or the top of a barrel, leading to steps confined to a small space. In sean-nós dance, the dancer and the musician are closely connected, with the dancer interpreting the music through their movements.

Online

Mon & Wed 6:30PM

In-person

Mon 7:30PM

  • 8 weeks (starts 9/30)
  • 2400 NE Alberta Street

classes

Class Playlist

practice

Deep Dive

Whole Dance

Roisin’s Steps

  • Connemara Step
  • Stamp & Stamp
  • Heel & Stab
  • Cross Step
  • Circle Step
  • Zig Zag
  • Side Step
  • Heel Toe Heel
  • Drum

choreography

Step Creation and Improvisation

  • Step Spreadsheet
  • Variation List
  • Yuka – Heel Stab/Connemara/Zig Zag (2x)
  • Marianne – 2 Connemara’s/Zig Zag to side (2x)
  • Kathy – Heel Stab (same pattern as cross step)

members only

music

Molly Bán 60Download
Molly Bán 80Download
Molly Bán 100Download
Sligo Duke 80Download
Sligo Duke 100Download
Donegal Traveler 60Download
Donegal Traveler 80Download
Donegal Traveler 100Download
Maids of Castlebar 60Download
Maids of Castlebar 80Download
Maids of Castlebar 100Download
Reel set for Maldon, 80 bpmDownload
Reel set for Maldon, 100 bpmDownload
Reel set for Maldon, 120 bpmDownload
Mountain Lark 80Download
Mountain Lark 100Download
P Joe’s 80Download
P Joe’s 100Download
Classes, Current Classes

Class | Goal Setting, Dreaming & Mindset Coaching

maldonm

intro

Goal Setting, Dreaming & Mindset Coaching

I have been studying life coaching, mindset coaching and goal setting for the last 6 years. It is one of the things that has helped me though my cancer treatment and I am excited to share what I have learned with you. When I ask my students what their biggest struggle with dance is the response I usually get is practicing or building a habit of practicing. We are going to explore goal setting, keeping motivation going, practicing and dreaming big together.

Fridays 7:30 AM

Zoom Link

Entire Playlist

week 1

Week 1

  • Best Moments List – create a best moments list. This can be any best moments. You can start with childhood, last year, this week. I currently use this list on a regular basis as my gratitude list. In the past I have tried to do a gratitude journal but I never stuck with it and once I started the best moments list I began collecting best moments each day. This list can show you what is important to you and what you are motivated by. Jon Acuff has this as an exercise in his book All it Takes is a Goal. The next step is to look over your list and decide if something is an Experience, Achievement, Relationship or Object. Some might be more than one and that is ok. There is no wrong here. Then take a look at what you have the most of. Working on my goals over the years I have usually tried to give myself a reward for achieving that goal. And usually it was an object. Like losing 15 lbs and giving myself a reward of a new outfit. But I found that I wasn’t motivated by the new outfit or the object and when I look at my own list there is only 1% objects and the majority of my things are Experiences and Relationships. These are the things that motivate me so now I plan an experience with someone as my reward and it helps motivate me. This list also shows me what I want more of in my life and what I might want as goals in my future.
  • Looking Forward to List – our next list is the looking forward to list. You can start this my looking at your calendar. What are you looking forward to in the next few days, weeks or months? What are you looking forward to further down the road that might not be on your calendar. As you build this list you might find yourself adding things into your calendar or making dates with friends, planning a trip. From your best moments list is there anything you want add to your looking forward to list. Jon talks about this list helping keep you motivated and positive. When you have things to look forward to it’s harder to be discouraged. While creating this list and the best moments list I found myself reaching out to friends, family and community members to set up tea dates or walks or meeting someone to listen to music. It inspired me to bring more relationships and experiences into my life and I started booking more things in my calendar that give me joy.
  • Massive Goal List – Next start creating your massive goal list. You probably all ready have some ideas for this list. Dream big. Put it all on there. Try not to limit yourself. Once you have your list go though it and give yourself permission to eliminate any goal that’s not yours. You might have things on there that you think someone who is shape might do, but it’s not something that you really want to do. One of the ones I had on my list was run a half marathon. I don’t even run right now and the idea doesn’t excite me. It’s someone else’s goal not mine. So I scratched though that one.

This first week we will make a best moments list, a looking forward to list and a massive goals list. These are lists that the writer and speaker Jon Acuff uses in his books. They have really helped me get into the right mindset for inspiration and motivation. Here are my lists if you want to see them. I currently keep a journal in my bedroom and will sit down here and there and add to my best moments list. I am finding that I add something most days and it brings me gratitude, hope, inspiration and joy. If fact my best moments list is on my looking forward to list!

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recourses

Books

Classes, Current Classes, Irish Sean-nós Dance

Class | Online | Sean-nós Dance

maldonm

intro

Sean-nós Dance

This course welcomes all skill levels and focuses on dancing in jig time. Sean-nós is a grounded, often improvised style of dance. You’ll learn dance steps, routines, and improvisation techniques through fun exercises and games.

Mondays & Wednesdays 7:30 AM

Zoom Link

Entire Playlist

week 1

Week 1

Drills

  • Stuff-les 8/4/1
  • Stuff-les with tap 8/4/1
  • Heels 1234 / 123
  • Balls 1234 / 123

Advance & Retire – Right / Left

week 2

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Advance & Retire – Right / Left

  • Creep along
  • One Sided – Tap any direction
  • Shift the start of the step

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Classes, In-Person

Class | In-Person | Sean-nós Dance

maldonm

intro

Sean-nós Dance

This course welcomes all skill levels and focuses on dancing in jig time. Sean-nós is a grounded, often improvised style of dance. You’ll learn dance steps, routines, and improvisation techniques through fun exercises and games.

Saturdays 10:00 AM

1/18 – 3/8

$120 for 8 weeks

2400 NE Alberta Street, Portland, OR

Entire Playlist

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Classes, In-Person, Irish Set Dancing

Class | In-Person | Calling for Sets

maldonm

intro

Calling for Sets

Dive into the art of calling dances with our energizing 8-week course! Whether you’re a dancer looking to take the mic or simply eager to master the craft, this step-by-step program will guide you through everything—starting with calling your very first dance and building up to creating an unforgettable night of calling. Are you ready to bring the dance floor to life? Let’s do this!

Saturdays 11:30 AM

1/18 – 3/8

$120 for 8 weeks

2400 NE Alberta Street, Portland, OR

Entire Playlist

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Classes, In-Person

Class | In-Person | Irish Set Dancing

maldonm

intro

Irish Set Dance

Discover the Joy of Irish Set Dancing! Whether you’re a novice or an experienced dancer, these classes are designed for everyone. Step-by-step instruction makes dancing accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

What You’ll Learn:

Foundational Footwork: Start with essential steps and percussive “battering” moves unique to Irish Set dancing.

Partner Techniques: Master the art of dancing in sync with a partner, focusing on leading and following techniques.

Set Dancing: Put it all together by dancing in a full set of four couples, exploring various patterns and figures.

Wednesdays 12:00 PM

1/15 – 3/5

$120 for 8 weeks

2400 NE Alberta Street, Portland, OR

Playlist

week 1

Polkas / Jigs / Slides

Week one we will look at dancing to polkas, jigs and slides. In particular sets from Slaibh Luchra (Cork, Kerry and Limerick). I was lucky enough to be able to dance to the music of Johnny O’Leary, Timmy O’Connor and John Walsh. All great Sliabh Luchra musicians. Timmy recently passed this last month. I had the opportunity to spend my free time at Willie Week with Timmy and John. I had many lovely chats with both of them that week as well as danced to their music and danced with them. Beautiful music and people.

We will work on the down step used for polkas, slides and jigs as oposed to the up step used for last terms reels.

Solo

  • Down 2 3’s
  • 1 2 & 123
  • & 1 & 2 & 1 2 3

Partner

  • Swing
  • House
  • Body

Group

The Set of the Week: Sliabh Luchra Set

Timmy O’Connor

Timmy & John

Sliabh Luchra Dancing, music and history

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Steps

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Current Event, Events, Past Classes

2024 February | Old-Style Step Dance

maldonm

intro

Introducing the Online Class Old-Style Step dance! Get ready to jump, swirl, and tap your way into the intriguing world of traditional Irish dance. This weekly online Irish old-style step dance class is the perfect opportunity for dancers of all levels to indulge in their passion for dance and embark on an exciting journey like no other.

Join us on Tuesdays as we take you on a delightful adventure of learning new steps at a nice handy pace. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a beginner, our expert instructors will guide you through every move with patience and expertise. Don’t worry about missing a session – all classes are recorded, allowing you to dance to your heart’s content at any time that suits you best.

Now, let’s dive into Wednesdays, where we woodshed the steps. No, it’s not a mystical dance move, but rather a term embraced by musicians to describe intensive practice sessions before taking their tunes out to a lively session. Here, we’ll practice and fine tune the steps you learned on Tuesday, ensuring that your feet are in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the music.

Thursdays are all about embracing the spirit of “Keep Her Lit.” As the Irish saying goes, keep the tune going, even if you make a few missteps along the way. In this session, we’ll work on the entire dance routine learned thus far, allowing you to immerse yourself in the magic of old-style step dance. So, let your inhibitions go, and let your feet do the talking!

And then comes Fridays, where the energy is high, and the excitement is palpable. Get ready to experience the Speed and Craic session, where we focus on speed, endurance, and most importantly, having an absolute blast. Craic, which loosely translates to fun and a good time, perfectly encapsulates the joyous atmosphere you’ll find here. It’s all about dancing up to tempo, pushing your limits, and reveling in the sheer exhilaration of the dance.

Our signature learning and practice style ensures that you’ll master these mesmerizing dances in just half-hour sessions. Take them live and dance alongside others, or enjoy the flexibility of dancing at your very own leisure. The choice is yours!

Old-style step dance is a treasure trove of Irish cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into an era before Riverdance and modern step dance. With its distinctive lower-to-the-ground style and intricate steps, this magnificent dance form is the perfect choice for those who crave a routine and meticulously mapped-out steps.

So, let your inner dancer leap into action, and join us for the Online Class Old-Style Step dance. Let’s kick, twirl, and shuffle our way through the captivating rhythms of Irish tradition, all while having a ton of fun. Get your dancing shoes ready, because this class is about to take you on a journey you’ll never forget.

  • Tuesdays – Learn steps
  • Wednesdays – Woodshed steps
  • Thursdays – Keep Her Lit
  • Fridays – Speed & Craic

week 1

Welcome Step Dancers!

Old-style step dance, not to be confused with sean-nós dance, is the precursor to modern Irish step dance. If you have step dance experience many steps in this style will be familiar to you. In traditional Old-style step dance each step is danced for eight bars and is danced on the right and left foot. In future courses we will learn set dances which are “crooked” with a variety of bars of music (i.e. 7 1/2 bar phrases). We begin the Old-style step dance series by learning Maggie Pickie. This is the perfect introduction to old-style step dance. Each step has a structure that is repeated four times. Maggie Pickie is considered a set dance meaning there are specific steps to a specific tune. It is not crooked as many set dances are. 

Maggie Pickie or Maggie Pickins is a traditional dance from Donegal. This particular dance is currently experiencing widespread popularity and we love it too.  I first learned Maggie Pickie from Nic Gareiss during a residency that he held at Stomptown Collective Dance Studio in Portland, Oregon. Nic got the dance from Joe McGuiggan. Through several years of performing Maggie Pickie I created a few new steps along the way to go with the traditional dance. I include one of these new steps in the lesson — the Slide step. I hope you will love to dance Maggie Pickins as much as I do. 

Want to get a jump on your learning start here with the full Maggie Pickie Course.

Damhsa áthais sona ort! (Happy dancing to you!)

Tuesday

  • Cross
  • Hop hop flick flick
  • Side step (I taught this wrong :(, the good news is what I taught is very similar to the box step which we will learn on Wednesday) Correct version is here and in the Wednesday video.

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

week 2

Welcome to week 2 where we will learn the Priest in His Boots. I first learned this dance from Ben Power who learned it from James Keane while at the University of Limerick. James danced this a little differently than most dancers today. James danced the 4th step as two different steps with the 4th step being only 8 bars and then going back to the 16 bar structure. We will be learning the Tubridy because the music I have and the music you will be able to find will most likely be for a straight version of the dance. I will demonstrate both versions. If you dance this with live music you can make your choice how you want to dance the piece.

Keep Her Lit – Winter 2021

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week 3

Week three we will work on St. Patrick’s Day.

Tuesday day 9

Wednesday day 10

Thursday day 11

Friday day 12

week 4

Old Style Step Dance – Hornpipes

Wednesday

cross, heels and drum step

Thursday

Rock & Kick and Cut

Friday