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.

Mondays 6:30 PM

• 9/30-11/18
• $120 for 8 weeks

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: Breakdown of footwork for leads and follows for movements such as house, dance at home and battering while housing. With or without a partner.
• Set Dancing: Put it all together and explore set recourse and calling and memoization tips to get you ready for the dance floor.

Tuesdays 5:30 PM

• 10/1 – 11/19
• $120 for 8 weeks

Irish Old-Style Step Dance

Irish old-style step dance classes focus on teaching the traditional dances that paved the way for modern step dance and the Riverdance style. These dances share a similar structure but are performed close to the ground. Unlike sean-nós dance, old-style step dance incorporates choreographed steps executed on both the right and left foot, usually lasting 8 bars each and repeated on both sides for a total of 16 bars. Join us to learn these timeless dances that have been passed down through generations.

Mondays 5:30 PM

• 9/30 – 11/18
• $120 for 8 weeks