Mission Statement
To be the premier International Irish dance academy that will strengthen its students’ Irish culture through the instruction of Irish dance
and to develop a quality and effective dance school where each student can reach his or her potential.
Philosophy
The LYNN Academy of Irish Dance will strive to provide individual attention and teach important developmental skills such as motor,
physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork to each of its students. LYNN Academy students have the opportunity not only to compete
in dance competitions, but to also perform on stage in front of an audience. Thus, its students will learn how to form a healthy
competitive outlook as well as understand the art of stage presence. Also, the LYNN Academy encourages its members to form new
friendships with not only fellow academy dancers, but also with members throughout the Irish dancing community. The academy
believes that every member will be given the same opportunities as long as he or she demonstrates DEDICATION, HARD WORK, and a POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
Dedication
Maureen Collins is dedicating the LYNN academy to both her late grandmother, Catherine Lynn, who came over from Ireland to give
Maureen the opportunities she is now offered, and to her mother, Dr. Mary Lynn Collins (director) who spent countless hours driving,
curling hair and getting heat strokes! Maureen will never forget the first time that her older sister, Mary Lynn II won a big Irish dance
competition. They drove straight from the competition to Grandma Lynn's house and when they walked in with the unusually large trophy, Grandma dropped the plate she was washing, ran to Mary Lynn, gave her a big kiss and proceeded to weep as she was so proud of her. That, Maureen feels is what Irish
dancing is all about!
The Director
Our director comes to the Lynn academy of Irish dance with over 20 years experience within the
Irish dancing community. Dr. Mary Lynn Collins has directed two Irish dancing schools including the Patrick Butler Academy of Irish dance and the prestigious Kathleen O'Keefe school
of Irish dance. She will facilitate all parent questions and concerns and explain the "ins and outs"
of the Irish dance world. All phone calls should be directed to her at 1-800-986-9710 (access # 00), and you can e-mail her with all your ideas and suggestions at momcollins@lynnacademy.com . Mary is thrilled and honored to be named the director of the Lynn Academy of Irish dance and she looks
forward to meeting and working with all of you!
-
-
-
-
-
-
The LYNN Academy welcomes all ages, but prefers your child to be at least 4 years old. We will accept younger students as long as he or she knows the difference between his or her right and left foot. If your child is older than 4 - don't panic! Michael Flatley did not begin Irish dancing until the age of 11 (which is considered old!). If your child has talent and determination, he or she will move through the ranks very quickly no matter what age he or she starts!
Although most dancers begin Irish dance lessons around age 5 and compete to age 25, there is a whole community of adult dancers who have the opportunity to perform and to compete. A new adult competition has been added to the World Irish dancing championships held in Ireland! Thus, no one is considered too old and if you are willing to have fun, feel healthy, and exercise, then the LYNN Academy adult class is for you!
The beginning Irish dance class consists of a 45 minute lesson in which students learn the basics of Irish dance. The basics consist of the "Side-Step" and the "ones two threes" danced in reel time (see handbook). After learning "the basics" students can perform any Ceili (Gaelic for Group Dance) with fellow students. When the basics have been mastered, the students will be trained to dance the beginner reel and beginner jig. Students will also be taught proper stretching, posture, and exercise routines. On the first day of class new students will receive the following:
Handbook: Information about Irish dancing & the LYNN Academy
Compact disc: Mix of the music the beginner dancers will use for practice at home
It is very important that students attend all classes their first year since Irish dancing is like building a house - if there is not a strong foundation, a weak house will be built
All beginning female students should wear:
Shorts or short skirt
Tee-shirt
White socks or black tights
Black soft shoes - gillies
All beginning male students should wear:
Shorts
Tee-shirt
White/dark socks
Black Jazz Shoes or Irish dance shoes
No sweat pants, long pants, or jeans allowed since it is difficult for the teacher to see if the student is crossing his or her feet and knees and can cause injury.
No! It is our goal to strengthen and to teach Irish culture through the instruction of Irish dance. Even if our students are not of Irish decent, he or she will become knowledgeable about Irish culture and traditions through our instruction. With the popularity of shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, Irish dancing has approached a new level in which it is considered a highly technical sport to be performed by all. Thus, we welcome and we encourage students from all backgrounds.
Benefits of Irish dancing:
- Promotes and teaches Irish culture and traditions
- Great form of physical fitness/exercise
- Increases endurance
- Strengthens listening skills
- A self-esteem booster
- Provides the opportunity to travel within US/Canada/Europe/Australia
- A family event
- Provides the opportunity to form new friendships around the world
- Keeps one busy and out of trouble!
- Confidence builder
- Teaches discipline and organizational skills
- A weight reducer
- Forms good posture
- Develops stage presence - increases confidence
- Forms healthy competitive outlooks
- Coaches students on how to handle high pressure situations
- Provides the opportunity to win trophies, medals, & crystal
- Teaches how to work in a team environment and to be a team player
- Encourages creativity
- A wonderful interview topic!
- Helps to obtain academic scholarships
- Opportunities now exist to perform professionally (Broadway!)
- Fun!
- Why not??!!
