Levels Offered & Descriptions

Class levels at Foley Academy define the technique, skills, movements, and types of steps that dancers will learn. Foley Academy is committed to proper, consistent, and careful training to establish a solid foundation. Simple steps and movements are the building blocks for good technique, which then enables dancers to learn more difficult movements in a safe and skilled manner. Foley Academy classes focus on refining technique before dancers are introduced to harder steps or tricks.

In order to move to the next level, the dancer will need to demonstrate that he/she meets the defined prerequisites. Movements and steps must be executed with proper technique, timing, and no mistakes if a dancer would like to move to the next level class. Foley Academy encourages dancers to practice and exercise outside of class, so that in-class time can be focused on improving routines, learning new movements and steps, and having fun.

Foley Academy offers Irish Dance classes for all levels. These classes focus on developing the knowledge, skills, technique, movements, and steps that enable dancers to execute and perform both solo (individual) routines and Ceili/Team dances. Foley Academy teaches all Ceili dances in accordance with Ar Rince Ceili and the rules and regulations defined by the CLRG.

No matter what the Dancer’s goals are – whether they are related to competition and/or performance, Foley Academy helps all of our dancers reach their goals, while also setting new ones for continued improvement and success. All of our classes help our dancers improve teamwork, communication, and cooperation skills, strengthen their physical fitness and confidence, and above all – make friendships and enjoy their class time!

For dancers participating in competitions, instruction is intensified with a focus on executing and performing routines specific to Irish Dance competitions. Competitive dancers are required to practice at home. Regular practice and exercise outside of class will greatly improve all aspects of your dancing and accelerate your path to reaching your goals.

Classes available for the 2022-2023 Dance Season are listed in the following sections. If you do not see a class to suit your level, please contact shannon@foleyirishdance.com to discuss your options. Foley Academy accepts dancers of all levels and abilities and will work with you to ensure we can meet your requirements.

New Beginner (1 hr. class)

Prerequisite – None

This introductory level is for dancers who have never taken an Irish Dance class or are reviewing and improving foundational technique and movements. Dancers are required to wear socks, ballet slippers, or Irish Soft Shoes. New dancers are permitted to enroll in this level at the start of each session (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer). This level focuses on the following core requirements:

  • Foundational technique, skills, and posture
  • Musical awareness and timing
  • Beginner solo movements and steps

Movements taught each session:

  • Hop 2,3s
  • Sevens
  • Hop 1,2,3s
  • Pointing
  • Turnout and foot positions fundamental to Irish Dance

Steps taught each session:

  • Sidestep
  • 1 Reel Step
  • Recital routines for Fall/Winter and Spring shows

Dances taught: Reel; soft shoe only.

Dancers are typically in this level for two or three sessions (6 – 9 months), depending on the dancer’s ability to demonstrate mastery of all the movements and steps.

Beginner I (1 hr. class)

Prerequisite – New Beginner

This introductory level is for dancers who have taken two or three sessions (6-9 months) of Irish Dance lessons or are reviewing and improving foundational technique and movements for this level. Dancers are required to wear Irish Soft Shoes. Dancers are permitted to move up to this level at the start of each session (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer). This level focuses on the following core requirements:

  • Foundational technique, skills, and posture
  • Musical awareness and timing
  • Beginner solo movements and steps

Movements taught/reviewed each session:

  • Hop 2,3s
  • Sevens and fives
  • Hop 1,2,3s
  • Over 2,3s and hop overs
  • Hop back 2,3,4s

Steps taught during the Summer, Fall, and Winter Session:

  • Sidestep
  • 2 Reel Steps
  • 2 Light Jig Steps
  • 2 Slip Jig Steps
  • Recital routines for Fall/Winter and Spring shows
  • Note – during the Spring Session, dancers continue to refine the steps that they have learned, but mostly focus on the Spring Recital class routine during their weekly classes.

Dances taught: Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig; soft shoe only.

Dancers are typically in this level for one or two years, depending on the dancer’s ability to demonstrate mastery of all the movements and steps. Dancers can start competing in the Beginner I level.

Beginner II/Advanced Beginner (1 hr. class)

Prerequisites:

  • Have 1 or 2 years of experience and demonstrate all Beg. I movements & steps with proficiency
  • Or, dancer has reached this competition level in all soft shoe dances and has received approval to register in the Beginner II/Advanced Beginner level
  • If a dancer has not been dancing for a full year, but is able to demonstrate all Beginner I movements & steps with proficiency, the dancer may receive approval to register in the Beginner II/Advanced Beginner level

This level focuses on the following core requirements:

  • Improve the foundational technique, skills, posture, rhythm, and timing learned in Beginner I
  • Learn additional soft shoe movements and steps to expand dancer’s knowledge and repertoire
  • Introduce hard shoe technique, skills, movements, and steps

Movements reviewed and taught during each session:

  • Continue working on technique from Beginner I movements
  • Learn additional across-the-floor movements
  • Learn basic fundamentals for Single Jig and hard shoe dancing
  • Basic hard shoe movements – dancers must be able to demonstrate 2 reel steps, 2 light jig steps, and 2 slip jig steps with proficiency in order to begin hard shoe

Minimum steps reviewed and taught each session:

  • 2 Reel Steps – 1 new step and review of Beginner I 2nd step
  • 2 Light Jig Steps – same steps from Beginner I
  • 2 Slip Jig Steps – same steps from Beginner I; dancer might learn 2 new steps depending on skill level and if the dancer is actively competing and performing.
  • 2 Single Jig Steps – taught during the Fall and Winter Sessions
  • 1 or 2 Fast Treble Jig Steps – taught during the Fall and Winter Sessions
  • 1 or 2 Fast Hornpipe Step – taught during the Spring Session only.
  • Recital routines for Fall/Winter and Spring shows

Dances taught: Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, Slip Jig, Traditional (fast) Treble Jig, and Traditional (fast) Hornpipe. Soft and Hard Shoes required.

Dancers are typically in this level for two or three years, unless the dancer is able to demonstrate mastery of all dances within the first year.

Advanced Beginner/Novice (1.5 hr. class)

Prerequisites:

  • Have a minimum of 2 or 3 years of dance experience and demonstrate all Beginner II/Advanced Beginner movements & steps with proficiency
  • Dancers must know 2 fast Hornpipe steps to enter this level in the Summer or Fall Sessions.
  • Dancers are only admitted into this level during the Summer or Fall Sessions.
  • Or, dancer has reached this competition level in all soft shoe & hard shoe dances and has received approved to move up to the AB/N level
  • Dancers are expected to be actively competing and performing to receive approval to register for this level

This level focuses on the following core requirements:

  • Continue to improve foundational technique, skills, posture, rhythm, and timing
  • Learn additional soft shoe movements and steps to expand dancer’s knowledge and repertoire
  • Expand hard shoe technique, skills, movements, and steps
  • Learn Novice-level dances and tempo for Reel and Slip Jig steps
  • Intensified strengthening exercises for turnout, foot placement, and flexibility, as well as core/abdominal exercises

Minimum movements covered:

  • Continue working on soft shoe and hard shoe technique from Advanced Beginner
  • Novice steps for soft shoe
  • Novice movements for soft shoe – kick outs, front clicks, etc.

Minimum steps covered:

  • 2 Reel Steps
  • 2 Light Jig Steps
  • 2 Single Jig Steps
  • 2 Slip Jig Steps
  • 2 Fast Treble Jig Steps
  • 2 Fast Hornpipe Steps
  • Traditional Set Dances
  • Recital Routines for Fall/Winter and Spring shows – AB/N recital practices are typically scheduled outside of the regular class time – the recital practice schedule will be communicated at the start of the Fall Session

Dances taught: Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, Slip Jig, Traditional (fast) Treble Jig, Traditional (fast) Hornpipe, and Traditional set dances. Soft and Hard Shoes required.

Dancers are typically in this level for two or three years.

Preliminary/Open Champion (1.5 hr. Class)

Prerequisites:

  • Have 3+ years of experience and demonstrate all AB/N movements & steps with proficiency
  • Or, dancer has reached this competition level in all soft shoe & hard shoe dances and has received approved to move up to NP&C
  • Dancers are expected to be actively competing and performing to receive approval to register for this level

This level focuses on the following core requirements:

  • Continue to improve foundational technique, skills, posture, rhythm, and timing
  • Learn additional soft shoe movements and steps to expand dancer’s knowledge and repertoire
  • Expand hard shoe technique, skills, movements, and steps
  • Learn NPP-level dances and tempo for soft shoe and hard shoe dances
  • Intensified strengthening exercises for turnout, foot placement, and flexibility, as well as core/abdominal exercises

Minimum steps covered:

  • 2 or 3 Reel Steps
  • 2 Light Jig Steps & 2 Single Jig Steps until the dancer places out
  • 2 or 3 Slip Jig Steps
  • 2 or 3 Slow Treble Jig Steps
  • 2 or 3 Slow Hornpipe Steps
  • Traditional Set Dances
  • Contemporary set dances for Champ
  • Recital Routines for Fall/Winter and Spring shows – NPP recital practices are typically scheduled outside of the regular class time – the recital practice schedule will be communicated at the start of the Fall Session

Dances taught: Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, Slip Jig, Slow Treble Jig, Slow Hornpipe, Traditional set dances, Contemporary Set Dances. Soft and Hard Shoes required.

Oireachtas Competition Classes – Fall Session Only

These are mandatory classes for dancers planning to compete in the Southern Region Oireachtas (Regional) competition for Solo Championships, Traditional Set Dance, and/or Ceili Dances. Oireachtas classes take place during the Fall Session.

Bonus Classes

Bonus classes are available to dancers registered with Foley Academy in a regular weekly class. Dancers must meet prerequisites in order to sign-up for bonus classes. Family discounts do not apply.

  • Ceili & Performance Class (January – March): one- or two-hour class dedicated to learning 2 hand and 3 hand reel routines, as well as performance routines used for shows. Sign-up can be accessed via the Dancer Portal when classes become available.
  • Traditional Set Dance Class (January): 1 hour class to focus on the 7 Traditional Set Dances – St. Patrick’s Day, The Blackbird, Job of Journeywork, Jockey to the Fair, Garden of Daisies, Three Sea Captains, and King of the Fairies.
  • Grade Exam Class: 1- or 2-hour class scheduled 8-10 weeks out from the Exam date. Dancers must receive approval to take the Grade Exams. Dancers looking to take the Grade Exams must demonstrate commitment and dedication to improving their dancing technique and timing, with immense focus on turnout, crossing, toe height, straight knees, posture, etc. Dancers must practice outside of class daily and commit to attending most of the classes to be adequately prepared for the exams.

Adult Class – All Levels (1 hr. class)

This class is for Adults (18+) who are looking to focus on learning the core Irish Dance movements and steps, as well as Ceili dances, or continue to improve on the foundational skills and learn more advanced solo steps for Reels, Jigs, Slip Jigs, and hard shoe dances. Half of the class time focuses on Ceili dancing, and the other half is allocated to solo step dancing. Dancers are required to wear lightweight tennis shoes or Irish soft shoes (Ghillies) and hardshoes for advanced dancers.