Learn Irish Dance with Maldon Meehan in Portland!
Start your dance journey with three vibrant classes:
- Irish Set Dance – Wednesdays 12:00 PM
- Irish Sean-nós Dance – Saturdays 10:00 AM
- Calling for Sets – Saturdays 11:30 AM
Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Irish dance. Sign up today and join the fun!
Register by 12/23/24 and receive the early bird discount of $100 for the 8 weeks.
After 12/23/24 the price goes up to $120 for the term.
2024 Winter Classes
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.
Saturdays 10:00 AM
- 1/18 – 3/8
- $120 for 8 weeks
- Early Bird $100 if signed up by 12/23
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
- Early Bird $100 if signed up by 12/23
Calling Sets
Master the Art of Calling Sets and learn the secrets behind successful calling in this comprehensive class. You’ll explore both popular and lesser-known sets while developing the skills to memorize and confidently call them. Whether you’re a dancer or an aspiring caller, join us to discover my step-by-step process for mastering sets and planning an entire evening of dancing.
Saturdays 11:30 AM
- 10/1 – 11/19
- $120 for 8 weeks
- Early Bird $100 if signed up by 12/23
Registation
- In-person classes are held in NE Portland, Oregon.
- Shoes Need dance shoes? Here are some suggestions.
- Dance Surface need a dance board to practice at home. Here are some suggestions.
- What to Wear? Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to dance and move freely.
- What to Bring? Water bottle Notebook Camera/phone to record steps.
- Registration: To register, select the class you want to take. Once you have registered, you will receive the class address.
- Questions: contact Maldon directly.