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Irish dancing star, and principal dancer of Riverdance. Learn More About BALOR!


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Shawn Silver





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Classes
Classes       

   lass izes

Generally class sizes are small. The under 13 age group numbers remain anywhere from 4-15 children. It's preferable to keep class sizes to a manageable level, this way I'm able to pay more individual attention to each child, and children learn better in this group environment. More than 15 diminishes the individual attention each child receives. I strive to strike a balance between individual instruction and group learning in order to help the dancer achieve their full potential.

   hildren's eginner lasses

At this stage students master the basic movements required. We focus on body posture and work heavily on feet positions and rhythm. Rhythm is the key to Irish Dancing and learning to find the rhythm and count the bars of music is crucial to any dancer. Basic skills such as balance, coordination, memory, concentration, endurance and strength are achieved through a warm up routine that helps your prepare your muscles for dancing, emphasize flexibility and helps prevent injuries.

In children's classes, we incorporate a game which utilizes the basic 1-2-3 and leaping movements.
It's fun and gives children the opportunity to practice at a competitive level.

   hildren's ntermediate lasses

More advanced students are encouraged to do their own warm up before class. In addition to the soft shoe dances which are now danced as a warm up, we introduce more difficult steps and new rhythms. As dancers become more experienced, they require more individual attention. They are introduced to the basic dances required to compete at the beginners level.

   dult eginners lasses

Whether you want to dance to stay fit, to become a professional dancer or for the sheer enjoyment of it Irish dancing is a great work out and a lot of fun...that's not to say there's no work involved. Irish dancing is no different than any other "elite sport" which requires major aerobic endurance, physical strength, and pure focus and concentration.
Adult classes remain small so that each individual can receive personal attention. We begin learning the basic movements and body posture. Beginners learn to dance the easy reel, light jig and slip jig. First we will walk through the movements and then apply them to music. In no time, you'll be dancing the basics.

   dult ntermediate/dvanced lasses

Dancers may not learn a new step each week, but rest assured, that they are learning constantly. Technique, style, discipline concentration and focus are very important aspects of dancing. "Step happy" teachers often ignore the finer points of dancing and technique is probably one of the most important aspects.
Adults at the intermediate/advanced level have a solid understanding of all of the soft shoe dances are able to perform them, and are familiar with a hard shoe piece. Hard shoe dancing adds a whole new element to the art of Irish dance, adding precussion to the technique. Irish dancing becomes increasingly complex and the student is expected to practice in order to keep up each week. As students progress, more class time can be scheduled to meet the needs of the dancer.

   racticing and ttendance

All students need to practice. A student who practices for at least 30 minutes a day is obviously committed and will undoubtedly become a much better dancer. Realistically students need to practice their new steps within a day of their class in order to remember them correctly.

Regular attendance and practice are very important. A truly great dancer who is missing classes regularly, will soon fall behind and may lose interest. In practice and performance a successful dancer is a reliable dancer.

   1) Dancers have to be prepared for class:

* Arrive early
* Shoes in double knots
* Water
* Shorts or dance togs, t-shirt, soft and hard shoes (no jeans permitted)
* Hair ties back and out of the face
* Practice steps at home
* cell phones off

   2) Dancers must have positive attitude:

* Treat each other with respect
* Use class time to practice and learn
* Mind your teacher

   3) Dancers must attend regularly:

* Please notify the instructor of any absences.

In addition, dancers are not permitted to run around or be disruptive in class. Dancers are to refrain from chatting to one another while the instructor is teaching. They are expected to help one another with steps, and are expected to respect and listen to the teacher in charge..

Dancers will be corrected at all times for poor behaviour.

Parents are not permitted to wait while their child is dancing, unless it has been coordinated with the instructor. There is usually an opportunity for parents to watch how a class is progressing during a term.




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