Classes

Our goal is to teach Irish Dancing to the best of each student's ability, and to instill a real sense of joy in this rich and dynamic dance form. Building upon its historical roots as a traditional folk pastime, modern Irish dancing blends Celtic music and rhythms with the grace, speed and power of soft and hard shoe dance sets. Our steps and set pieces embody the vibrancy of international shows such as Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Tiger.

Our classes provide dancers with comprehensive, professional instruction with an emphasis upon fun and activity. The core steps and movements of Irish dancing are incorporated into traditional group dances, show sets and competitive routines. We proudly serve the communities of Okotoks, High River, south Calgary, Lethbridge, and the rural Foothills area.

Class Schedules 2010/11
OKOTOKS
Tuesdays
  • 5:00-6:00PM: Beginner II (open to dancers at the Beginner/Advanced Beginner Trophy competitive level and below)
  • 6:30-7:30: Intermediate/Advanced (open to dancers at the Novice/Prizewinner Trophy competitive level and above)

Fridays
  • 4:00-5:00PM: Beginner II
  • 5:00-6:00PM: Teams (open to dancers in the Beginner II and Intermediate/Advanced classes)
  • 6:00-7:30PM: Intermediate/Advanced

Saturdays
  • 9:00-10:00AM: Beginner I (open year-round for new registrants!)
LETHBRIDGE
Saturdays
  • 10:00-11:00AM: Beginner I (open year-round for new registrants!)
  • 11:00AM-1:00PM: Beginner II & Intermediate/Advanced
HIGH RIVER
Saturdays
  • 11:00AM-12:00PM: Beginner I (open year-round for new registrants!)

Class Locations

  • All Okotoks classes are held at Unit #2, 107 Stockton Point, Okotoks (behind Simply Floors and the Alberta Dance Academy off Crystalridge Drive.)  Our studio features a 1000-square foot sprung dance floor (the largest floorspace of any single dance studio in Okotoks), changerooms, and full-length mirrors.
  • Lethbridge classes are held in the dance studio at the Bowman Arts Centre, 811 5th Ave S, Lethbridge, one of the foremost centres for the arts south of Calgary. The studio features a professional dance floor and mirrors.
  • High River classes are held in the Dance/Aerobics Studio on the second floor of the Fitness Factory, 8th Ave SE, High River. The studio features a sprung hardwood dance floor and mirrors.

Class 2010-11 Calendars

Okotoks and High River

Lethbridge

Our classes meet Revenue Canada requirements for "Sports Activity", and tuition fees may be claimed as a tax deduction. Our Fitness Credit Tax Form is available for download here (Word format).

Some of the Benefits of Irish Dance

The benefits of Irish Dance extend well beyond the skills and knowledge of specific steps.

We consider these to be among them:

  • Increased physical strength, skills and coordination
  • Excellent exercise and cardiovascular conditioning
  • Increased cognitive skills through listening to instruction, observing, following directions, focusing attention, and memorizing steps.
  • Increased confidence, poise and self-esteem through training, personal achievement, public performances and competition.
  • Strong friendships formed with classmates through learning, practicing, competing and performing together
  • Understanding and appreciating the richness of Irish Culture

    Is Irish Dancing for you? Click here to find out.