Class Descriptions
Solas An Lae, School of American Irish Dance.
New York's groundbreaking educational and performance
institution of American Irish Dance.
During the registration period, new and existing students will be assessed by the instructor into the appropriate class. Student placement is geared toward creating balanced classes that can work together at a similar skill and maturity level, while challenging each student. Ages and skill level may be mixed to create dynamic environments for learning.
Each class level entails the same basic curriculum, focusing on movement, rhythm, fitness, coordination, balance, posture, step work and group movement. As students’ skill levels progress, work increases in complexity and difficulty.
With the understanding that students progress at different rates, depending on motivation and initiative, students may be moved during the semester by the instructor to a different level to ensure balanced and productive groups.
Pre-Beginner 1, 2
For pre-school and kindergarten children, the Pre-Beginner class is a combination of movement, music, basic coordination and balance exercises. Students initiate the use of their natural movement patterns, and become acquainted with basic Irish step/dance techniques. Rhythm/timing is introduced through spoken rhythm cadences and hand drumming.
Beginner 1,2,3,4
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of traditional Irish soft shoe dance. Students learn balance, coordination, posture, group movement, and basic dance positions. Students are introduced to basic step sequences. This level meets once a week.
Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
At this level, hard shoe is incorporated into the curriculum and classes meet twice a week. Students refine point, posture, and step sequences. Choreography is integrated through the understanding of placement and line.
A more in-depth approach to fundamentals is covered than in previous levels. Original dance combinations are introduced. Timing and rhythm are further explored and embellished through repetition. Students in this level begin to refine placement, group synchronicity and theatricality. At this level, practicing outside of class is highly recommended to keep students prepared and moving forward.
Level 6 & 7
Students enter a more challenging working environment at this level, focusing on developing and refining individual and advanced technical dance skills. Performance, presentation, technical detail is enhanced through repetition. Precise execution, posture, rhythm/timing, retention and preparation of material is the main focus for this advanced class. Independent work/practice is essential at this level to keep the class motivated and progressive.