How to irish dance for beginners
5 Places You Can Learn Irish Dance Online
Irish dance is a beautiful expression of the Celtic spirit in physical form, when we respond to and move to the songs and music of our culture.
But did you know there are many ways you can learn all kinds of Irish dance online, no matter what age you may be.
Online Irish Dance LessonsWe have explored the history and origins of Irish dance and Irish music, and perhaps you have been inspired to pursue learning this unique form of dancing from the Emerald Isle.
You might not want to pursue Irish dance instruction in person. Remote Irish dance lessons can be amazing for multiple reasons:
- you don’t have to find a studio in your own area,
- you don’t have to leave the home at night,
- you don’t need to follow a dress code,
- you have a much lower risk of infection,
- you can go at your own pace,
- and you usually won’t have others watching you like you would in a group setting.
I’ve compiled a list of 5 places you can learn Irish dance online, and after each one I have the pros and cons of each option (although these might vary, based on your personal goals).
I hope you can find the place that’s best for you to learn a beautiful new skill!
Irish Dance Courses
There are 8 qualified Irish dance teachers on this website who have their own bios and dance history on their pages. You can learn Sean Nós dance, set dancing, two hand dance, old style Irish step dancing, modern Irish step dancing, and traditional Irish folk dances through their selection of Irish dance classes.
Through this site, you get unlimited access to all of their classes. You can pay $21.95 monthly or $219.54 annually. They also offer a free trial if you’d like to check everything out before paying the full price for a membership!
Unfortunately, there is not very much information on their website that is accessible before you start your free trial, but luckily you’ll be able to view everything before you make your own decision.
- You can go at your own pace
- 8 different teachers
- Unlimited access to courses with membership
- Not a lot of information accessible on the website before signing up.
- You don’t interact with others.
Learn To Dance
If you’d prefer to learn the basics of Irish dance to see if you like it before investing more money into it, Learn to Dance might be the option for you.
The website isn’t an Irish dance-specific platform, they offer a lot of different styles of dance. There is a free series of videos for people who want to start with the basic techniques of Irish step dance. If you’re interested in learning lots of different styles of dance at a basic level, this could be a fun website to check out!
The website features a lot of different compilations of YouTube videos that instructors uploaded online. When you click on a type of dancing, it brings up a lot of different free videos for beginner dancers.
Pros:
- Some of these courses are free.
- All the videos are available at your fingertips.
- These courses are designed to be beginner-friendly,
Cons:
- There’s no personal help available.
- These are not comprehensive courses.
- Only for beginners
Aistear Mobile Irish Dance Academy
Aistear Mobile Irish Dance Academy has online lessons that will be delivered directly to your email inbox. There is a $25 registration fee, and a $25 monthly membership cost.
This is an email-based Irish dance course. Every Monday, an instructional video will come into your inbox, so if you’re looking for weekly classes, this might be the best choice for you!
There is a trial lesson available on the website, so you can get a sense of whether you would enjoy being part of the academy.
Pros:- New videos weekly
- More of a personal feel
- Limited access to videos
- Not self-paced
Cabe Academy Irish Dance
Cabe Academy is a very professional Irish dance studio headquartered in Dublin whose goal is to spread the joy of Irish dance.
Not only do they have many in-person branches, they have online dance classes featuring qualified instructors, and you can pay for them monthly or purchase lifetime access.
There is a welcome video on their online course’s homepage that will give you a bit of an introduction to who they are and what they do. If you’d like to see their frequently asked questions, you can see all the information on their website as well.
This option stuck out for me because they have options for new beginners who are interested in learning the basic steps, intermediate classes for students who have already taken beginner classes, and a third level for students who are ready for more advanced choreography.
Pros:- Lifetime access option
- 3 different levels
- Professional vibe
- Direct link to Irish culture
- Classes are sold out (at the time of publication)
Kieran Jordan
If the traditional structure of live group classes is more your thing, Kieran Jordan Dance offers Zoom classes!
This is a dance studio in Massachusetts that offers classes for adults and teenagers in person and online.
There are private lessons, instructional videos, and online workshops you can partake in.
There is also a range of time commitments, including a 6-week session, a 1-week session, and a one-time session, making it a very customizable experience for new students.
Pros:- Live access to a teacher
- Interaction with others in the class
- Multiple levels of involvement
- Not at your own pace
- Classes aren’t originally created to be online
Happy Irish Dancing
If you’re planning to take some Irish dancing classes, I hope these options lead to an amazing experience for you as you pursue the dance tradition of our culture!
Before you know it you’ll be dancing a few Irish jigs and reels.
Did you know that the reel may have originated in Scotland not Ireland? Here’s a quick look at the origins of the Irish reel dance.
If you have any other favorite online classes, please share them below!
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Share my recipes and ramblings with the world
Are You Too Old To Irish Dance? Never! by Kathy Nelson TCRG – Rose & Sword Academy of Irish Dance
Are you too old for Irish Dance?
Many adults are interested in beginning Irish dance but they think they are too old or not coordinated enough.
I began Irish Dance in my 40’s. I have found this type of dance to be extremely athletic in nature. It truly is a great form of exercise! As time went on I realized that I could be competitive and then went on to become a Champion dancer.
So no matter how old you are, if you are interested in starting Irish dance, my advice is to take heart and start dancing. You would be surprised at what you can do if you give yourself time, have the desire, and make the effort. I tell my older dancers that Irish dance is like putting together a puzzle. It is great memory work and helps to prevent and to reverse mental decline as we get older.
Many of the adult dancers, Isabelle & I have taught, have become performers and competitors. They love the exercise value and how much more flexible they have become. Irish dancing helps build bone density, improves balance, and strengthens the core and legs. In addition to dance instruction, each of our classes includes exercises to help with strengthening muscles, stretching for more flexibility, and we incorporate elements for balance and free movement.
We also offer a fitness class during our competitor camps.
Two other benefits of Irish dance are performances and competitions. Folks love to see Irish dance! Once our adults reach a particular level of ability they are invited to join us for local performances. This helps build confidence by giving them the opportunity to dance in front of appreciative audiences. As the adults get more confident and skillful, some of them choose to try competitive Irish dance. We are members of the World Irish Dance Association (WIDA), an organization that is open and friendly to adult dancers wanting to compete.
So if you decide you want to do something fun while getting in shape, get in touch with us.
For more information on WIDA and adult dancers, check out this 2014 article:
Christy Dorrity:
30 April 2014
World Irish Dance Association sets the bar for competitive adult Irish dancers
Word is spreading about the positive treatment adult Irish dancers find in the World Irish Dance Association.
A recap of the 2014 World and European Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany.
How old is too old to dance? Most people agree that dancing can be enjoyable at any age.
“It’s never too late to learn,” says Johnny Cronin, owner of the Johnny Cronin School of Irish Dancing in Ireland, who recently certified to be an Irish dance adjudicator. “I’ve heard so many times from adults that they wish they had the means when they were young to dance and now as adults many now do.”
There are a few adults in Irish dance that started their training as children, but many adults who Irish dance began taking lessons in adulthood—long past what most would consider a viable age for a champion. The World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) is changing the landscape of competition for adult Irish dancers, giving them a chance to compete for a world title.
Last week, at the World Irish Dance Association’s European and World Championships, held in Dusseldorf, Germany, more than 90 dancers over the age of 23 competed in six age groups.
Annamariea Dardi, an adult Irish dancer from Ireland, is pleased to find that WIDA values adult dancers. “I always compare adult dancers to football or rugby players who are valued at the sport well after the teenage years, and it’s nice that a dancing organization such as WIDA feels the same.” The adult dancers, along with the younger age groups, gathered in Dusseldorf, Germany on April 19-21, 2014. Dancers hailed from thirteen countries and seventy-eight schools.
Other Irish dance organizations offer only limited opportunities for advancement for adults, or require them to compete against teens at the major competitions. The comparatively young organization of WIDA allows adult Irish dancers to compete at high levels, and against athletes of similar age. “WIDA has not only opened doors for people to learn Irish dance outside of Ireland, but the organization has really encouraged older dancers and lets them take their dancing as far as they want to,” Cronin says. One of his adult dancers, Séamus O’Rourke is the current World 2014 title holder in the over35 category.
Word is spreading about the positive treatment adult Irish dancers find in WIDA. Catriona Newcombe, an adult Irish dancer and teacher (Echoes of Erin School of Irish Dancing) from Hong Kong was impressed with the events. “WIDA is an extremely friendly organization,” Newcombe says. “Everyone was there to support each other, and we all wished each other good luck and were genuinely please if someone danced well and placed. No where else have I seen everyone as enthusiastic about the senior dancers and cheered them on equally.”
In recent years, attendance at WIDA’s double major has increased, seeing a 25% rise between 2013 and 2014 alone. And it isn’t just the attendance of adult Irish dancers that is rising; the quality of the dancing is climbing as well. “The standard in WIDA is high and over the years it is going to get better,” says Séamus O’Rourke, current World 2014 title holder in the over35 category. “I always felt that I was able to dance, but with other organizations I would have to compete against dancers in their teens or early 20’s.
WIDA changed that. I have been introduced to a new world.”
As more adult dancers around the globe are given a chance to show what they are capable of, they will inspire many who have thought that they, also, were too old to dance. I have had the best experience of my life being part of the organisation WIDA,” O’Rourke admits. “After 27 years away from the dancing world, WIDA has allowed me to go back to what is passionate in my life, that of dancing.” And just because the Europeans and Worlds are over for 2014, doesn’t mean that the dancers are resting. They know that the standard will be even higher next year, and are already back to practice, the world over.
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Ireland is an unusual and mysterious country, the unique charm of which is given by evergreen hills, ancient castles, and of course amazing dances. National dances are performed only to Irish music and look very beautiful and spectacular, thanks to the speed of movement and rhythm.
Currently, this dance direction is extremely popular in many countries. There are many schools and studios that teach jig, reel or hornpipe, but you can learn how to dance Irish dances on your own. Depending on the technique of performance and the number of participants, the following varieties are distinguished:
- Solo, is a rhythmic and clear movement of the legs, while the body and arms are motionless, one person is dancing.
- Group, performed by a group of up to 16 people, and include elements of solo dances with rebuilding in a circle, line or column and the inclusion of hands.
- Folk or social, characterized by simple quadrille-like movements, danced in pairs.
For those who decide to learn how to dance Irish dances on their own, video lessons for beginners will be an excellent tool. It is better to start with a solo direction, which includes: jig, reel, hornpipe and solo sets.
Jiga
Performed to the music of the violin.
Fun and cheerful jig, consists of traditional jumps and special steps. The jumps are quite high, which makes a lasting impression, but at the initial stage, you should not jump high. First you need to learn how to properly hold the body and press your hands, and most importantly, land softly. Dynamic and spectacular Irish dances can be a serious challenge for beginners.
Reel
Reel is believed to be of Scottish origin, but has been heavily modified to include true Irish elements. Great for beginners and is usually the starting point for learning how to dance Irish dance properly. May be fast or slow.
Fast paced reels have a set of simple movements, while slow ones are characterized by a more complex set of figures, including high jumps. The technique of execution, depending on the type of footwear, can be soft or hard.
Hornpipe
Includes jumps and tap dance elements, touching the floor alternately with the heel and toe, creates a drumming effect.
Hands are usually located on the belt or extended at the seams, and swings are made with a leg bent at the knee. It is performed only in hard shoes and is the most difficult to master. Somewhat similar to the reel, the hornpipe is notable for its particular dotted rhythm and emphasis on the first count. It can also be slow and fast.
Set solo dances
A distinctive feature is a special set melody, which can be traditional or author's, and differs in its structure from ordinary Irish music. Under such melodies, unique dance compositions are developed, intended for participation in competitions, which will include complex steps and non-traditional elements. From generation to generation in Ireland, the music and steps of solo sets created in the distant past and called traditional are transmitted.
Irish dancing is not only an amazing charge of positive energy and energy, but also a great way to increase stamina and improve physical fitness. Having mastered the basic elements, you can continue to use lessons for beginners to learn Irish dances, or contact a special studio.
Speed, clarity and rhythm of movements will come with regular practice.
Video lessons
Katrin Selezneva
Teacher of modern and classical dance, participant in international competitions. Teaching activity in dance schools for 8 years.
Irish Dancing Lessons for Beginners: Simple Movements
Ireland is an unusual and mysterious country, the unique charm of which is given by evergreen hills, ancient castles, and of course amazing dances. National dances are performed only to Irish music and look very beautiful and spectacular, thanks to the speed of movement and rhythm.
Currently, this dance direction is extremely popular in many countries. There are many schools and studios that teach jig, reel or hornpipe, but you can learn how to dance Irish dances on your own. Depending on the technique of performance and the number of participants, the following varieties are distinguished:
- Solo, is a rhythmic and clear movement of the legs, while the body and arms are motionless, one person is dancing.
- Group, performed by a group of up to 16 people, and include elements of solo dances with rebuilding in a circle, line or column and the inclusion of hands.
- Folk or social, characterized by simple quadrille-like movements, danced in pairs.
For those who decide to learn how to dance Irish dances on their own, video lessons for beginners will be an excellent tool. It is better to start with a solo direction, which includes: jig, reel, hornpipe and solo sets.
Jiga
Performed to the music of the violin.
Fun and cheerful jig, consists of traditional jumps and special steps. The jumps are quite high, which makes a lasting impression, but at the initial stage, you should not jump high. First you need to learn how to properly hold the body and press your hands, and most importantly, land softly. Dynamic and spectacular Irish dances can be a serious challenge for beginners.
Reel
Reel is believed to be of Scottish origin, but has been heavily modified to include true Irish elements. Great for beginners and is usually the starting point for learning how to dance Irish dance properly. May be fast or slow.
Fast paced reels have a set of simple movements, while slow ones are characterized by a more complex set of figures, including high jumps. The technique of execution, depending on the type of footwear, can be soft or hard.
Hornpipe
Includes jumps and tap dance elements, touching the floor alternately with the heel and toe, creates a drumming effect.
Hands are usually located on the belt or extended at the seams, and swings are made with a leg bent at the knee. It is performed only in hard shoes and is the most difficult to master. Somewhat similar to the reel, the hornpipe is notable for its particular dotted rhythm and emphasis on the first count. It can also be slow and fast.
Set solo dances
A distinctive feature is a special set melody, which can be traditional or author's, and differs in its structure from ordinary Irish music. Under such melodies, unique dance compositions are developed, intended for participation in competitions, which will include complex steps and non-traditional elements. From generation to generation in Ireland, the music and steps of solo sets created in the distant past and called traditional are transmitted.
Irish dancing is not only an amazing charge of positive energy and energy, but also a great way to increase stamina and improve physical fitness. Having mastered the basic elements, you can continue to use lessons for beginners to learn Irish dances, or contact a special studio.
Speed, clarity and rhythm of movements will come with regular practice.
Our school invites you to join one of the brightest and most popular ethnic styles and invites you to Irish dancing. The Irish for centuries, against all odds, carefully preserved their cultural heritage, thanks to which we have the opportunity to enjoy these magnificent styles. They are more like flying than actually dancing, perhaps because of the contrast between the fixed body and the fast movements of the legs. Irish dances are beautiful and varied. There are a huge number of different constantly developing currents. We are developing the sport of modern Irish dancing, children and adults are actively training throughout the year to take part in Russian and foreign competitions. This direction gained wide popularity and became popular after the legendary performance of the show group Riverdance at the Eurovision final at 1996 year.
The main types of sports Irish dances are:
Solo by difficulty levels.
Group traditional (keili).
Staged figures with the author's choreography.
Irish dance classes are a great opportunity to develop physically, children and adults improve posture, develop flexibility. Preparation for tournaments will make your child more purposeful and disciplined, he will learn to work on himself and strive for better results, and participation in group dances will teach him to work in a team. The sports component develops the will to win in children and teaches them to cope with failures. This direction is very mobile, so this is a great leisure activity for active children. Another important feature is that most of the competitions are solo, you do not need to look for a partner to learn Irish dancing.
We accept everyone. Experience shows that the desire to practice and grow is more important than the original physical ability. With the right motivation and stable work, anyone can achieve high results.
This is confirmed by the success of our dancers, who successfully perform at competitions of any level - from small Russian ones to European championships.
Our Irish dance school "Phoenix" is one of the best in the north of Moscow, it employs experienced trainers who try to find an approach to any student. Lessons are held in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. If you want your child to have a fun, dynamic and rewarding time, Irish dancing is a great choice. We are located near the metro Voykovskaya or Sokol (SAO) and invite all children from 4 years old to classes, as well as adults without age restrictions. There are group lessons for both beginners and advanced. More details can be found on the website below.
The Dance.Firmika.ru portal contains information about where you can sign up for Irish dance classes in Moscow: addresses and telephone numbers of dance schools and dance studios, prices for the most popular directions, student reviews. For greater convenience in using the portal and searching for a dance school, we suggest using a convenient filter by districts and metro stations.
Visual tables will help you compare the cost of classes and trainings in different dance studios in the city, choosing the best option for the price.
Irish dances can be safely called one of the oldest dance directions, the first mention of which dates back to the XI century. hard to find another similar dance in which the rhythm is so harmoniously intertwined, fun and energy.
Irish dance - style features
Irish step dance, danced solo, belongs to the demonstrative directions that originated in Ireland. Gradually developing from traditional elements, today it is a very exciting sight. Initially, the dance developed in countries where there was a large Irish diaspora, but over time it gained fans among the locals as well. This led not only to the appearance of simple demonstration performances and various shows, but also to the development of all kinds of competitions held in Ireland, the USA, England and other countries.
It is difficult to confuse the Irish dance with others - the distinctive features include an almost motionless body, hands down, fast and clear foot movements.
Due to the fact that the main movements of the dance involve the work of only the legs, there is also a second name for Irish solo dances - step dances. Although in Russian the word "step" usually means dances, during which sound is extracted with the help of sonorous heels. However, this does not prevent you from dancing Irish dances in shoes with soft soles.
Irish dance steps are individual for each school and directly depends on the teacher. Each professional teacher personally develops steps for his students. All movements use the same basic elements, but in general each dance is unique.
What are the benefits of Irish dance lessons?
This is a very proud dance that inspires confidence and self-esteem dignity in a dancer. In the classroom, students learn to feel the rhythm well and music, reflecting them in every movement. Irish dance lessons teach constantly listen to your body and fully control it. Since during dance, only the legs are involved, the head, body and arms remain motionless - this teaches you to perfectly coordinate your own movements.
Having decided to start learning Irish dancing, you need to take care of clothes. It should be comfortable and not restrict movement. Girls fit light T-shirts, tops or blouses, tight tights or leggings, short, knee-opening skirts. You can also wear shorts. Their shoes are worth giving away preference for soft models: Czechs, ballet flats, jazz or Irish.
Irish dance: training in Moscow
Emotional and energetic Irish dances are very popular in different countries. For quite a long period of time, interest in them has not weakened, and the number of people wishing to engage in them is constantly growing. Fans of Irish dancing in Moscow have long perceived them as a serious sport that requires long-term training.
Irish dancing has an amazing energy effect on the audience. People sitting in the hall, watching the rhythmic dancers on the stage, would gladly join the dancers. Of particular interest are the unusual poses of the tap dancers: the upper part of the body is practically motionless, the arms also do not take part in the dance, but that's what the legs are capable of! They bear the main responsibility for the entire dance.
Irish dancing: from the time of the Druids to the present
Irish dancing dates back to the time of the Druids. Initially, they had a ritual orientation and were performed in a circle. However, despite their specific purpose, even then they were unusually rhythmic and emotional. In medieval Ireland, the clergy imposed a ban on hand movements during the dance, believing that it was the activity of the hands that attracted the forces of evil.
Irish dances as part of the national culture of Ireland have long been popular only in their homeland and even in America, as there are many Irish emigrants in this country. But in the last decade of the last century, several enchanting Irish dance shows appeared that turned the idea of \u200b\u200bIrish dance around the world.
"Lord of the Dance", "Gaelforce Dance", "Riverdance" - after seeing such a production once, people usually want to enjoy such a spectacle regularly. In addition, many people think about learning Irish dances in order to master all the skills of these amazing colorful movements to fiery and rhythmic music.
