- At what age should I start my child in Irish dancing...?
- Is there an age limit...?
- What will the first year beginner class consist of...?
- What is the proper class attire...?
- Do I have to be Irish to Irish dance...?
- Why Irish dancing...?
The LYNN Academy welcomes all ages, but prefers your child to be at least 5 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 5 - 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 an hour 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??!!
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