CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Teelin has several different levels of Irish dance classes. Levels are defined by a dancer’s ability to perform the requisite techniques appropriate to that level, NOT by a dancer's number of years of experience. When time and teacher availability permit, Teelin also offers instruction in other classical, traditional or contemporary dance styles. (See Other Dance Classes below...)
IRISH DANCE CLASSES
Practice outside of class is recommended in order to make studio instruction time more beneficial (and, therefore, more fun!). Visit our Step Notation database for reminders of your steps.
See the Dance Shoes page for information about purchasing appropriate footwear.
Tiny Toes - An introduction to Irish dance for 4- or 5-year-olds (entering kindergarten the next year). Irish soft shoes are encouraged but not required for this class. Bare feet or ballet slippers are also fine.
Beginner - For students new to Irish dance. Irish soft shoes are necessary for this class.
Beginner II - Prerequisite: Students have completed a Beginner level class, and are working to master the basic technique, rhythm, and timing of Beginner level reels and light jigs. Irish soft shoes are necessary for this class.
Level 1 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of hop-1,2,3’s, and the basic rhythm & timing of beginner level reels and light jigs. Irish soft shoes are necessary for this class. Students will learn reels, light jigs and slip jigs while focusing on the techniques of crossing, turnout, and posture. When the class learns two slip jig steps the class may begin learning hard shoe skills, so hard shoes may be necessary midyear.
Level 2 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 1 techniques and the rhythm & timing of Level 1 reels, light jigs, and slip jigs. Irish soft shoes and hard shoes are necessary for this class (and all subsequent levels). Students will learn basic hard shoe technique, traditional speed treble jigs and hornpipes, and Level 2 reels, light jigs, and slip jigs.
Level 3 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 2 techniques and the rhythm & timing of Level 2 reels, light jigs, slip jigs, treble jigs, and hornpipes. Students will learn Level 3 dances and techniques, including the slow tempo hard shoe dances.
Level 4 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 3 techniques and the rhythm & timing of Level 3 reels, light jigs, slip jigs, treble jigs, and hornpipes. Emphasis will be on developing clear, clean execution of techniques appropriate to advanced level Irish dancing.
Level 5 - Prerequisite: Students have demonstrated clear understanding and execution of the Level 4 skills, have shown dedicated interest and energy in class, and are ready to learn and perform advanced level Irish dancing.
Champion Class – Prerequisite: Students are champion-level competition dancers ready to drill and perfect advanced level technique.
Adult Beginner - For Adults and Teens 16&Up new to Irish dance.
Adult Experienced - A mixed-level class of Adults and Teens 17&Up.
Homeschool Beginner/ Experienced – Some midday classes are offered for dance students whose schedules are not restricted by a typical academic school day.
Competition Classes:
These classes are available for students with hard shoe experience who compete in at least three feiseanna per year. Depending on class size, students may be able to transfer from a Teelin level class into a competition class midyear. Students may also transition to a higher level competition class midyear after winning the requisite placements appropriate to that class. Instruction in these classes will emphasize:
· Technique, technique, technique! (Expect lots of drills!)
· Stamina during competition.
· The details of presentation that catch the judges’ attention.
IMPORTANT: Dancers who compete must practice outside of class. Private lessons are not a substitute for independent practice. Champion level dancers are expected to practice techniques and steps daily.
Advanced Beginner and Novice Competition Levels - Students compete in at least the Advanced Beginner level, and may have some soft shoe dances at the Novice level. Students new to this class must already know two steps of each soft shoe dance (reel, light jig, and slip jig) and each hard shoe dance (treble jig and hornpipe). (1 hr 15 min)
Novice and Prizewinner Competition Levels - Students compete with their hard shoe dances in at least the Novice level (slow tempo treble jigs and hornpipes). (1 hr 30 min)
Champion Competition Levels - Students are competing in Preliminary or Open Champion competitions. (1 hr 30 min)
Figures Teams – This fall class is for students participating in competitive 4-Hand, 8-Hand, or Choreography teams preparing for the regional championships in December. (If interested, please see Maureen or Molly.)
OTHER DANCE CLASSES
When instructor availability and schedules permit, our Columbia studio offers an eclectic mix of classes in other dance styles designed to nurture the artistic development of our students. These classes may be offered as a shortened session. Registration information will be advertized on the home page.
Clogging
If you think of old-fashioned folk dancing when you think of Clogging, think again! Teelin teaches a contemporary style of clogging which respects the foundations of this dance form while simultaneously bringing the fun of contemporary music and style into the action.
Clogging is NOT Irish hard shoe dancing. It is a separate dance form, but it does have roots in Irish step dancing. Clogging evolved in the Appalachian mountains, which was a melting pot of English, German, Scotch and Irish settlers. Each culture brought its own unique style of jigs and step dances, which merged into this uniquely American folk dance. Dancers wear white Stephens Stompers clogging shoes with Buck Taps (click here for more information).
Length & Strength
What good is flexibility without strength? How useful are strong muscles without the freedom to use them in a wide range of dance poses? This course will help dancers tap into the full potential of their dance postures. Take this opportunity to increase both your strength and your flexibility, useful for every style of dance!
Irish Ballet
Dancers, you know how your Irish teachers drill you with the importance of maintaining a straight upper body and arms "glued" down at your sides? Well now you can allow the graceful beauty of ballet to help you break free!!! This class is designed to enhance the artistic expression of a dancer's upper body in conjunction with the rhythmic footwork of their lower body. So, bring your ghillies and broaden your horizons with Irish Ballet! (Rest assured that with Maureen Berry's reputation for creative choreography, the skills learned in this class will come in handy for ALL Teelin dancers!)
Lyrical
Lyrical dance combines the strength and fluidness of ballet technique, the circular and gravity-loving elements of modern dance, and the power and emotion of jazz.
