tiny toes program
Little Shamrocks (Ages 2-3)
An introductory session to Irish dancing for 2-3 year olds. Sessions are 8-12 weeks long and explore creative movement and Irish dancing foundations. Students will likely take several sessions before mastering the curriculum, at which point they will advance into the Little Leprechauns session. Each session finishes with a mini-performance for the parents in class. No costume or shoe purchases are necessary; dancers can practice in socks, tshirt, and shorts. Class sizes are limited to 6 dancers per teacher so we can create a friendly and helpful environment for our Tiny Toes!
Little Leprechauns (Shamrock Graduates, & new students age 4-5)
This class continues building on the skills introduced in the Little Shamrock session. New 4 and 5 year old students are also invited to start out at this level. Sessions are 8-12 weeks long and explore creative movement and Irish dancing foundations. Students will likely take several sessions before mastering the curriculum, at which point they will advance into the Tir Na Nog 5 month course. Each session finishes with a mini-performance for the parents in class. No costume or shoe purchases are necessary; dancers can practice in socks, tshirt, and shorts. Class sizes are limited to 6 dancers per teacher so we can create a friendly and helpful environment for our Tiny Toes!
Tir Na Nog (Leprechaun Graduates, and new students ages 6-7)
Tir Na Nog is Gaelic for "land of the youth." This class runs in a 5 month session, and by the end of the session students will have learned their first full Irish dance routines (the Reel and the Jig). In this level they will also learn Irish Dance foot positioning, posture, counting music, stretching, hop skips, the sidestep, all while keeping a focus on extending attention spans and having fun. Students at this level are invited to perform outside the classroom for the first time by participating in St. Patrick's Day community danceouts, and our annual spring showcase. Performing outside the classroom is encouraged, but optional. Dancers can practice in socks, tshirt, and shorts, but when they decide they're ready to participate in their first performance they'll need to purchase Irish shoes ($45) and size for a costume rental ($50). Class sizes are limited to 6 dancers per teacher so we can create a friendly and helpful environment for our Tiny Toes!
beginner irish dance classes
Beginner (TNN Graduates, & new students ages 8 +)
This 45 minute weekly class is for Tir Na Nog graduates as well as new students 8 and older. The class will learn softshoe Reels, Light Jigs, Slip Jigs, and group ceili dances. Beginners are highly encouraged (but not required) to participate in community danceouts around St. Patrick's Day, and in our annual spring showcase. Dancers can practice in socks, tshirt, and shorts, but when they decide they're ready to participate in their first performance they'll need to purchase Irish shoes ($45) and size for a costume rental ($50). Students will stay in Beginner softshoe class for 1 year before moving into Advanced Beginner, at which time they will add hardshoe. Class sizes are limited to 8 dancers per teacher so we can give each student individual attention throughout class.
Adult Beginner
This 1 hour weekly class is for new adult students. Sessions are 2 months long and each session focuses on one softshoe dance (either Reel, Light Jig, or Slip Jig) and one ceili dance (either 4hand Reel or 4hand Jig). Students will complete 3-6 sessions before moving into Advanced Beginner 90 minute classes, where they will add hardshoe. For more information on our Adult Beginner Sessions, visit our Adult Program page.
This 45 minute weekly class is for Tir Na Nog graduates as well as new students 8 and older. The class will learn softshoe Reels, Light Jigs, Slip Jigs, and group ceili dances. Beginners are highly encouraged (but not required) to participate in community danceouts around St. Patrick's Day, and in our annual spring showcase. Dancers can practice in socks, tshirt, and shorts, but when they decide they're ready to participate in their first performance they'll need to purchase Irish shoes ($45) and size for a costume rental ($50). Students will stay in Beginner softshoe class for 1 year before moving into Advanced Beginner, at which time they will add hardshoe. Class sizes are limited to 8 dancers per teacher so we can give each student individual attention throughout class.
Adult Beginner
This 1 hour weekly class is for new adult students. Sessions are 2 months long and each session focuses on one softshoe dance (either Reel, Light Jig, or Slip Jig) and one ceili dance (either 4hand Reel or 4hand Jig). Students will complete 3-6 sessions before moving into Advanced Beginner 90 minute classes, where they will add hardshoe. For more information on our Adult Beginner Sessions, visit our Adult Program page.
advanced irish dance classes
Advanced Beginner, Novice, Prizewinner, Championships
These 90-120 minute classes are for those dancers who have completed the Beginner level (either at our school or another certified Irish Dance school), and all classes include softshoe and hardshoe practice. If you are transferring from another school, please speak directly with Crystal Carper about your placement. Class sizes are limited to 10 students per teacher in Advanced Beginner, and 12 students per teacher in all other advanced levels. We are very proud of our incredible student teacher ratio which allows us to give so much individual attention to each of our students.
Advanced Adult Class (Ages 18 and up)
This 90 minute class prepares Advanced Beginner - Prizewinner adults for recreational, performance, and competitive opportunities, and allows adults to learn at their own pace. Advanced Beginners learn the 3 main softshoe dances (Reels, Light Jigs, Slip Jigs), their first hardshoe dance (Traditional Treble Jig), and ceili dances (social, group dancing). Novice/Prizewinners work on Reels, Slip Jigs, Treble Jigs, Hornpipes, and 4hands. All levels have the option of adding a 2nd night per week to work on competitive teams and traditional sets. Adults wishing to do the Oireachtas Championships attend a Preliminary Championship class in addition to the adult Traditional Set and Ceili class. For more information on our Advanced Adult Class, visit our Adult Program page.
These 90-120 minute classes are for those dancers who have completed the Beginner level (either at our school or another certified Irish Dance school), and all classes include softshoe and hardshoe practice. If you are transferring from another school, please speak directly with Crystal Carper about your placement. Class sizes are limited to 10 students per teacher in Advanced Beginner, and 12 students per teacher in all other advanced levels. We are very proud of our incredible student teacher ratio which allows us to give so much individual attention to each of our students.
Advanced Adult Class (Ages 18 and up)
This 90 minute class prepares Advanced Beginner - Prizewinner adults for recreational, performance, and competitive opportunities, and allows adults to learn at their own pace. Advanced Beginners learn the 3 main softshoe dances (Reels, Light Jigs, Slip Jigs), their first hardshoe dance (Traditional Treble Jig), and ceili dances (social, group dancing). Novice/Prizewinners work on Reels, Slip Jigs, Treble Jigs, Hornpipes, and 4hands. All levels have the option of adding a 2nd night per week to work on competitive teams and traditional sets. Adults wishing to do the Oireachtas Championships attend a Preliminary Championship class in addition to the adult Traditional Set and Ceili class. For more information on our Advanced Adult Class, visit our Adult Program page.
Privates and semi-privates
Privates and Semi-Privates
Privates are a great way to help your child pursue their individual goals or get help with specific areas that need strengthening. A monthly signup is distributed to our students with dozens of available time options that any Hooley student may sign up for.
Privates are a great way to help your child pursue their individual goals or get help with specific areas that need strengthening. A monthly signup is distributed to our students with dozens of available time options that any Hooley student may sign up for.