Class Descriptions.
There are seven levels to Irish Dancing: New Beginner, Beginner 1, Beginner 2 (also called advanced beginner), Novice, Prizewinner, Preliminary Champion and Open Champion.
Please note that, while we are a competitive school, we do not require our dancers to compete if they choose to not do so. Many students take lessons for fun, friendship, cultural reasons and for exercise. However, the McBride Instructors will teach all dancers as if they were competing. The lessons a non-competitive dancer receives will be the same level and intensity as the lessons received by those who do choose to compete.
We provide the following classes/class levels for our dancers in the appropriate levels:
New Beginner Classes: Introductory class for dancers who have never danced before, and are learning the basic steps and techniques. Dancers will be taught the four light shoe dances (reel, light jig, single jig and slip jig).
Beginner/Advanced Beginner Classes: For dancers who have learned the first four (4) light shoe dances and can dance them to music. The Beginner/ Advance Beginner class will introduce the dancer to the three (3) hard shoe dances (hornpipe, hardjig and traditional set dances). Dancers in the Advanced Beginner level will begin to learn more complicated steps.
Novice/Prizewinner (Prelim Prep): For dancers who have reached the Novice/prizewinner levels and who are learning the harder traditional set dances. Dancers in this level will continue learning more complicated steps and rhythms in preparation for championship.
Preliminary Champion Class: First level of championship. Dancers will continue to learn dances necessary for championship, work on stamina, advanced drills and technique, stretching, and continue learning advanced steps and rhythms.
Open Champion Class: Highest level of dancing.
Open Teams Class: For those dancers who participate in teams at local and regional feisanna, and 8 hands and choreographies at the higher level competitions (Oireachtas, NAIDC or Worlds).
Oireachtas/Nationals/Worlds Preparation Classes: For those dancers who have qualified to compete in solos at the Western Regional Oireachtas, North American Irish Dance Championships, and the World Championships.
Please note that, while we are a competitive school, we do not require our dancers to compete if they choose to not do so. Many students take lessons for fun, friendship, cultural reasons and for exercise. However, the McBride Instructors will teach all dancers as if they were competing. The lessons a non-competitive dancer receives will be the same level and intensity as the lessons received by those who do choose to compete.
We provide the following classes/class levels for our dancers in the appropriate levels:
New Beginner Classes: Introductory class for dancers who have never danced before, and are learning the basic steps and techniques. Dancers will be taught the four light shoe dances (reel, light jig, single jig and slip jig).
Beginner/Advanced Beginner Classes: For dancers who have learned the first four (4) light shoe dances and can dance them to music. The Beginner/ Advance Beginner class will introduce the dancer to the three (3) hard shoe dances (hornpipe, hardjig and traditional set dances). Dancers in the Advanced Beginner level will begin to learn more complicated steps.
Novice/Prizewinner (Prelim Prep): For dancers who have reached the Novice/prizewinner levels and who are learning the harder traditional set dances. Dancers in this level will continue learning more complicated steps and rhythms in preparation for championship.
Preliminary Champion Class: First level of championship. Dancers will continue to learn dances necessary for championship, work on stamina, advanced drills and technique, stretching, and continue learning advanced steps and rhythms.
Open Champion Class: Highest level of dancing.
Open Teams Class: For those dancers who participate in teams at local and regional feisanna, and 8 hands and choreographies at the higher level competitions (Oireachtas, NAIDC or Worlds).
Oireachtas/Nationals/Worlds Preparation Classes: For those dancers who have qualified to compete in solos at the Western Regional Oireachtas, North American Irish Dance Championships, and the World Championships.
