Intro to Irish Dance, Ages 4-6

Irish Dance is for everyone and every age.  No experience of any kind is necessary to get started.  Irish Dance is full of energy with jumps, kicks and skips.  This dance style uses rapid footwork with crossed feet keeping to the rhythm of Irish music.  

Class will begin with some warm-up stretches to get the dancers ready for movement.  After warm-up the dancers will learn some of the basic characteristics of Irish Dance such as toe turn out, crossing feet, pointing toes down, etc.  They will then move on to learn a step.  Age-appropriate activities and learning aids are incorporated to engage the learners.  As the six-week session progresses each week there will be a review of what was previously taught and then new material will be added.  Week one will cover basic movements.  Weeks 2-5 we will continue to review and add moves as we begin to put steps together starting with slower music and eventually reaching faster speed.  By week 6 dancers will have completed a full step/dance routine.  The class will be taught in a group setting and throughout the class the instructor will individually help and watch learners do the movements they are learning to assist and reinforce what is being taught.

The class teaches proper technique for Traditional Irish Dances.  In addition, dancers will learn coordination, poise, movement and rhythm with emphasis on the basic style and characteristics which make Irish Dance a unique art form.  Shaping the talents and values of children and young adults and teaching the importance of self-achievement provide Peggy with the rewards she seeks as an Irish Dance Instructor.  Dancers will also benefit from the many wonderful health benefits of Irish Dance.....
Overall fitness
Increased stamina
Good balance
Good posture
Coordination
Rhythm
Core strength
Muscle strength
Improved listening skills
Improved memory
Self confidence
Lung exercise
Stress reduction
Well being
Mind stimulation
Tension relief
Heart Health