Interested in Irish Dance?

Irish Dancing is a traditional cultural art form that has evolved into a modern competitive sport and performance medium. Shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance increased the popularity of this activity. Perhaps you are interested in Irish Dancing due to your Irish family or heritage? Or maybe you just love Celtic music and culture!

In Irish Dancing, students learn solo dancing and group (Ceili) dancing. At Blakey, we also teach performance material and choreography.

Beginners at Blakey start their lessons with basic rhythm, music and movement, practicing dances such as reels and light jigs in soft shoe. As dancers advance in competition, and in skill level, they are taught hardshoe dancing and complex timing, beats and technique.

Dancers attending their first lessons may wear slippers, light runners, or ballet slippers. Once you’ve decided to stick with Irish Dancing, we have a used shoe exchange program, and can also connect you with local vendors to supply dancers with new shoes. Dancers will also need a pair of “poodle socks” for performance or competition, and can rent a club costume from the Blakey School.

Each school has their own “school” or “club” costume for girls. Teachers choose the style and colors, and each costume is unique to their particular academy, club or school. Dancers that attend competition and achieve Novice levels may acquire a solo costume, which is personal and unique to each dancer. Boy dancers wear pants, and either a vest or shirt. Blakey teachers are involved in solo costume selection and assist parents in finding the right style and type of dress.

All of our locations offer a fundraising opportunity to help ease expenses, and participation options vary. We have an excellent costume program that provides club dresses each year as your child grows. Parents can either rent costumes or buy into the costume program.

Dancers who advance in levels have many exciting opportunities available to them, through travel to competition (regional and international) exhibition and performance. Our program caters to the individual needs and desires of each child and family. Dancers are encouraged to set goals, big or small, and are assisted in achieving their maximum potential.

Click here for FAQ for beginner dancers!

If you have any questions about Irish Dancing, or about the Blakey School, please click on Class Info and call or e-mail the teacher in your area.