Class Descriptions
We offer Irish dance classes & private lessons for ages 3 to adult at our studio located in Midlothian, VA. Heart of Ireland's dance studio is on Midlothian Turnpike just 1 mile east of Route 288. Look on our schedule page for days and times for your class choice.
New Moms' Class
- 60-minute class **Offered based on interest
This class meets during the mid-morning. Mothers who are at least 6
weeks postpartum are welcome to bring their babies with them to
class! The babies can enjoy hearing some fun music while Mom gets
some exercise and makes some new friends. Class focus will be on
stretching and strengthening to regain flexibility and stamina after
giving birth and will include some basic Irish steps and ceili
dancing.
Sprites 1 - Irish Dance for
Preschoolers - 30-minute class
Children must be potty trained.
This class is designed for preschool and kindergarten children ages 3-5.
Students will learn the building blocks of Irish soft shoe dancing and
how to fit their steps to the rhythm of the music.
Sprites 2 - Irish Dance for
Preschoolers - 30-minute class
This class is designed for preschool and kindergarten children ages
5-6.
Students will learn the building blocks of Irish soft shoe dancing and
how to fit their steps to the rhythm of the music.
New dancers who are 5 years old must start in the Sprites 1
class.
Irish Dance For Beginners
- 60-minute class
Students will
start with basic soft shoe steps including reels, single jigs
and light jigs. For students ages 7 to 12 (co-ed).
Irish Dance For Boys Only
- 60-minute class **Offered based on interest
This class is just for the boys! Boys will learn soft and
hard shoe steps in an environment tailored just for them.
Open to boys age 7 and up. This class will mirror the Beginner level class.
Irish Dance For Teens &
Adults
- 60-minute class
This is a progressive-track class.
Adults who do not want to commit to a progressive curriculum should
attend our 4-week session classes. Students will
start with basic soft shoe steps including reels, single jigs
and light jigs. Hard shoe steps will be added mid-year. For students ages 13 to adult.
Ballet for Irish Dancers
- 30- or 60-minute class
This technique
class will improve turn-out, strength, balance and flexibility - key
skills for any Irish dancer! Concentrate on barre work and
center stretching and strength/flexibility exercises to enhance your
Irish dance performance. Offered for
students ages 7-10 (30-minute class) and for ages 11 and up
(60-minute class).
Jazz for Irish Dancers - 30-minute class
through January only
This technique class will
focus on the basics of jazz - lindys, box steps and a variety of
turns to name a few! - and will help the
dancers incorporate these movements into freestyle dances.
Recommended for current and aspiring Celtic Beats members. For
students ages 7 and up.
Advanced Beginners, Intermediate, Novice, Prizewinner and Champion
- class length varies depending on level
These classes are for continuing students and placement is determined by the instructor,
in conjunction with scores achieved through competition and steps mastered.
Competitive
Ceili Team - 60-minute class
Learn Irish figure dancing, one of the
many ancestors of modern-day Western style square dancing. Enjoy a social
activity that requires some energy and stamina, but not the intricate footwork
of solo steps. Competitive team is open to any Irish dancer at
the Intermediate level or higher. Adults are welcome to
join the team, but must commit to competitions at regional
feiseanna (travel and purchase of team costume required).
Adult Session-based Classes
Adult classes for those interested in exploring different aspects of Irish dance, but not desiring a long-term commitment, will be scheduled in sessions periodically throughout the year. Sessions will vary between Solo steps for Beginners and Ceili dances. Classes are offered based on interest and will be conducted in 4-week sessions. Tuition is a flat fee for the 4-week session. See our Events page for the next session dates!
Additional Information:
Heart of Ireland students will have opportunities to compete through the
North American Irish Dance Federation. Competition is not required, but
is left up to each student and family. Heart of Ireland also has
2
performance groups, Celtic Beats and Celtic Pulse, which perform throughout the community at school
fitness and international nights, area carnivals and festivals, nursing homes
and other venues. Participation in the performance companies is by invitation
and is subject to additional fees for costumes and travel.
Students transferring from other Irish dance schools are placed in a class after
an evaluation. They may participate in NAIDF feiseanna after a three-month re-training period.
Please contact us with any questions about class offerings or placement. If there's a class you want
and it's not listed here, or it's not offered at a time you need, just let us know. We'll do our best to accommodate you!