With two core dance programs, Children’s & Competitive and Adults, we have Irish dance classes for all ages and abilities from toddlers to beginner kids and adults, and experienced dancers of all ages.
New dancers are welcome at any time, capacity permitted. Review descriptions of our dance classes below to find the one for you then head to the Registration & Fees page to get started.
Have questions? Read our new dancer FAQ or send us an email.
Children’s & Competitive Program
Tots (2 and 3 year olds)
A fun and energetic introduction to the very basics of Irish dance and the studio environment for toddlers ages two and three. Our preschool dancers explore movement and music while learning introductory Irish dance skills in a dynamic and engaging classroom. Dancers develop coordination, self-esteem, and social skills through music and dance. A parent or representative must stay in the building during dance classes and if necessary, be present in studio.
Dance class capacity = 15 dancers
Dancers in Tots are welcome to participate in local feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) in the Tír na nÓg category. These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia).
Dancers in Tots are invited to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Tots are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each March.
Saturdays, 9-9:30 am (September – June)
Dance class dress code:
- Poodle socks for girls (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for boys
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Note: leggings must be very fitted, particularly at the knee
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Irish dance soft shoes (girls)/boys reel shoes (boys) OR black, cloth dance slippers
- Shoes and socks should already be on before class time begins.
Beginner 1 (4-7)
A fun and energetic introduction to Irish dance for children four to seven years. Dancers learn the basics of technique, musicality and skills of Irish dance in a dynamic and engaging studio. Using the technique and skills learned, dancers will also practice introductory steps for soft shoe dances which may include reel, light jig and slip jig as well as introductory ceili dancing.
Dance class capacity = 15 dancers/day
Dancers in Beginner are encouraged to participate in local feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) in the Beginner category. These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia).
Dancers in Beginner are expected to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Beginners are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each March.
Saturdays, 9:30-10:15 am and/or Mondays, 5:15-6 pm (September – June)
Mondays, 5:15-6 pm (July, note that dancers enrolled in Saturdays through the year are automatically enrolled in Mondays in the summer)
Dance class dress code:
- Poodle socks for girls (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for boys
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Note: leggings must be very fitted, particularly at the knee
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Small notebook and pen/pencil
- Irish dance soft shoes (girls)/boys reel shoes (boys) OR black, cloth dance slippers
- Shoes and socks should already be on before class time begins.
Beginner 2 (8+) (see Advanced Beginner)
A fun and energetic introduction to Irish dance for children ages eight and older. Dancers learn the basics of technique, musicality and skills of Irish dance in a dynamic and engaging studio. Using the technique and skills learned, dancers will also practice introductory steps for soft shoe dances which may include reel, light jig and slip jig as well as introductory ceili dancing.
There is no individual Beginner 2 class this year. Dancers will be combined with Advanced Beginner. Please email us to confirm which dance classes your dancer should register for.
Advanced Beginner
Fun Irish dance classes for children who already have some Irish dancing experience or brand new dancers that are age eight and older. Dancers will build on the basics of technique, musicality, and skills of Irish dance learned as beginners in a dynamic and engaging classroom. Dancers will continue to practice steps for the reel, light jig and slip jig. Depending on progress, dancers will also practice introductory steps in team and hard shoe dances. Perfect for dancers with more than one year of Irish dance experience keen to grow and develop as dancers.
Dancers in Advanced Beginner are encouraged to participate in local feiseanna (Irish dance competitions). These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia). Dancers are welcome to start exploring feiseanna in other cities at this level as well as the oireachtas premiere competition if ready. Dancers in Advanced Beginner are welcome to participate in grade exams provided they are ready and capable.
Dancers in Advanced Beginner are expected to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Advanced Beginners are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on each March.
Saturdays, 10:15-11:15 am and Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm (September – June)
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm (July, note that dancers enrolled in Saturdays through the year are automatically enrolled in Mondays in the summer)
Dance class dress code:
- Poodle socks for girls (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for boys
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Note: leggings must be very fitted, particularly at the knee
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Small notebook and pen/pencil
- Irish dance soft shoes (girls)/boys reel shoes (boys)
- Shoes and socks should already be on before class time begins.
Intermediate
Irish dance classes for children with a few years of Irish dance experience. The Intermediate dance class combines fun with challenge. Dancers in this class should already know their core soft shoe dances and in some cases, understand basic hard shoe technique. Dancers will continue to develop their skills in technique, musicality and Irish dance movements learned in their first few years of dancing with a focus on execution. Dancers in this class will continue/begin to learn hard shoe dances and more advanced soft shoe material.
Dancers in Intermediate are expected to participate in local feiseanna (Irish dance competitions). These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia). Dancers are encouraged to start exploring feiseanna in other cities and participation in the oireachtas premiere competition is encouraged. Intermediate dancers are welcome to participate in grade exams.
Dancers in Intermediate are expected to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Intermediates are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each March.
Saturdays, 11:15-12:15 pm and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm (September – June)
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm (July, note that dancers enrolled in Saturdays through the year are automatically enrolled in Wednesdays in the summer)
Workshops for mental performance, and dancing workshops with our Irish coach apply to this class. See Schedule & Dates for more information.
Dance class dress code:
- Poodle socks for girls (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for boys
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Note: leggings must be very fitted, particularly at the knee
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Small notebook and pen/pencil
- Irish dance soft shoes (girls)/boys reel shoes (boys) and hard shoes (available from Sandra’s Irish Dance Shop)
- Shoes and socks should already be on before class time begins.
Advanced
Dance classes for competitive dancers in Novice and Open Prizewinner feis levels. This dance class is focused on perfecting Irish dance technique and developing advanced dance skills, in addition to preparing for feiseanna and exams. Dancers in the Advanced class work closely with coaches to set realistic, but challenging goals to grow as dancers and achieve their full potential. In addition to solo dances, team dancing becomes an important aspect for dancers at this level.
Dancers in Advanced are expected to participate in local feiseanna (Irish dance competitions). These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia). Dancers are also expected to participate in feiseanna in other cities. Participation in the oireachtas premiere competition is encouraged. Dancers in Advanced are also encouraged to participate in grade exams.
Dancers in Advanced are expected to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Advanced dancers are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each March.
Saturdays, 3-4:45 pm and Mondays, 6-7:30 pm and Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm (September – June)
Mondays, 6-7:30 pm and Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm (July – August, note that dancers enrolled in two classes including Saturdays through the year are automatically enrolled in both weeknights in the summer)
Workshops for mental performance, and dancing workshops with our Irish coach apply to this class. See Schedule & Dates for more information.
Dance class dress code:
- Poodle socks for girls (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for boys
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Note: leggings must be very fitted, particularly at the knee
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Small notebook and pen/pencil
- Sneakers (sneakers and socks should already be on before class time begins)
- Irish dance soft shoes (girls)/boys reel shoes (boys) and hard shoes
- Electrical tape if desired
Championship
Dance classes for competitive dancers in Preliminary and Open Championships. Dance classes focus on developing advanced dance skills and preparing for feiseanna (including local competitions, as well as regional, national, and World Championships). Dancers work closely with coaches to set realistic, but challenging goals to grow as dancers and achieve their full potential.
Dancers in Championship are expected to participate in local feiseanna (Irish dance competitions). These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia). Dancers are also expected to participate in feiseanna in other cities. Championship dancers are expected to participate in regional oireachtas and, where qualified, in the North American Irish Dance Championships and World Irish Dance Championships, and are welcome to attend overseas majors as desired.
Dancers in Championship are expected to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Championship dancers are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each March.
Saturdays, 12:15-2:15 pm and Mondays, 7:30-9:30 pm and Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 pm (September – June)
Mondays, 7:30-9:30 pm and Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 pm and Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 pm (July & August, note that dancers enrolled in two classes including Saturdays through the year are automatically enrolled in both weeknights in the summer)
Workshops for mental performance, and dancing workshops with our Irish coach apply to this class. See Schedule & Dates for more information.
Dance class dress code:
- Poodle socks for girls (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for boys
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Note: leggings must be very fitted, particularly at the knee
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Small notebook and pen/pencil
- Sneakers (sneakers and socks should already be on before class time begins)
- Irish dance soft shoes (girls)/boys reel shoes (boys) and hard shoes (available from Sandra’s Irish Dance Shop)
- Electrical tape if desired
Adult Program
Adult Beginner
High energy dance classes for adults with minimal or no Irish dance experience. This class focuses on fitness and fun. Dancers will learn the basics of technique, musicality and skills for Irish dance. Using the technique and skills learned, dancers will practice introductory soft shoe steps and ceili (team) dances primarily and hard shoe dances secondarily.
There is no individual Adult Beginner class this year. Dancers will be combined with Advanced Intermediate.
Dancers in Adult Beginner are welcome to participate in feiseanna and grade exams as desired. Dancers are encouraged to participate in local feiseanna. These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia).
Dancers in Adult Beginner are encouraged to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Adult Beginners are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each March.
Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm and Saturdays*, 2:15-3:15pm (September – June)
Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm (July)
*Saturday classes include solo dancing only (no teams).
Dance class dress code:
- If desired, poodle socks for women (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for men
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Small notebook and pen/pencil
- If desired, Irish dance soft shoes (women)/boys reel shoes (men) and when needed, hard shoes, OR black, cloth dance slippers
- Adult dancers may also wear sneakers or go barefoot as desired
- Shoes (if worn) and socks should already be on before class time begins
Adult Intermediate
High energy dance classes for adults who have mastered beginner hard shoe and some novice level soft shoe. Dancers will build on the basics of technique, musicality, and skills of Irish dance learned as beginners. Using the technique and skills learned, dancers will continue to learn ceili (team) dances, practice more advanced soft shoe steps and continue progressing hard shoe skills and dances.
There is no individual Adult Intermediate class this year. Dancers will be combined with Advanced Beginner.
Dancers in Adult Intermediate are welcome to participate in feiseanna and grade exams as desired. Dancers are encouraged to participate in local feiseanna. These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia).
Dancers in Adult Intermediate are encouraged to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Adult Intermediates are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each March.
Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm and Saturdays*, 2:15-3:15 pm (September – June)
Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm (July)
*Saturday classes include solo dancing only (no teams).
Dance class dress code:
- If desired, poodle socks for women (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for men
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Small notebook and pen/pencil
- If desired, Irish dance soft shoes (women)/boys reel shoes (men) and when needed, hard shoes, OR black, cloth dance slippers
- Adult dancers may also wear sneakers or go barefoot as desired
- Shoes (if worn) and socks should already be on before class time begins
Adult Advanced
The perfect dance classes for experienced, non-competitive, adult Irish dancers. Although dancers don’t need to have been previously competitive, advanced skill in hard shoe and soft shoe is required. This dance class is focused on practicing Irish dance skills and technique, learning and perfecting new skills and steps, performance numbers and ceili (team) dances. This dance class is recreational while still working on advanced skills and choreography.
Dancers in Adult Advanced are welcome to participate in feiseanna and grade exams as desired. Dancers are encouraged to participate in local feiseanna. These are generally held in February (school feis), April (ACIDC) and August (Fundy Feis and Feis Nova Scotia).
Dancers in Adult Advanced are encouraged to perform in the end of year recital in June and may be called upon for additional performances throughout the dance year. Adult Advanced dancers are also encouraged to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each March.
Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 pm and Saturdays*, 2:15-3:15 pm (September – June)
Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm (July)
Additional Teams class (30 min) Tuesdays, 7-7:30pm (September – June)
*Saturday classes include solo dancing only (no teams).
Dance class dress code:
- If desired, poodle socks for women (can be purchased through Rising Tide), dark socks for men
- Long hair all the way back in ponytail, bun or braid
- Clothes appropriate and specific for exercise and recreation
- OK: Tshirt or tank top with minimal design (eg. Rising Tide school shirts)
- OK: Shorts, skorts or leggings that are made for exercise
- Not OK: Dresses, jeans, cargo shorts, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, non-athletic clothing
Dance class equipment list:
- Full water bottle
- Small notebook and pen/pencil
- Sneakers if desired
- Sneakers or soft shoes and socks should already be on before class time begins
- Irish dance soft shoes (women)/boys reel shoes (men) and hard shoes (available from Sandra’s Irish Dance Shop)
Extra Classes
Majors Prep
An additional session for dancers competing in the Eastern Canadian Regional Oireachtas (solo, teams and premiere). A highly focused class aimed at perfecting technique and performance for required Oireachtas dances. The dance classes include drills, full rounds, and mock performances to ensure competitors are prepared to put their best foot forward at the oireachtas. For times and dates, please see Schedule & Dates.
Classes are only open to dancers attending the oireachtas.
Private Lessons
A dance class focused on honing a dancer’s skills and fine tuning the execution of their dances. Dancers will spend time picking apart and perfecting movements under the trained eye of an expert coach. A great complement to weekly classes, whether consistently throughout the year or in preparation for specific events. Private lessons are tailored to the needs and goals of individual dancers, and are delivered one-on-one or shared between two dancers in the same class.