Irish Step

Step dancing is distinctively Irish, combining artistry, grace, and physical ability.  Popularized by “Riverdance,” it has rapid leg movements while the rest of the body remains stationary.   Attire: Leotard, fitted top, camisole, or T-shirt required. Legs must be covered with tights and/or dance pants.  A list of Irish shops is available from UMDGC to purchase ghillies and hard shoes.

• Soft Shoe:  Soft shoe traditional Irish dance.   Soft Shoe 1 & 2 is open to beginners and students with some background.  Class will emphasize the basic footwork of step ("solo") dances as well as social (group or "ceilidh") dances.  This will allow the dancer to perform basic performance type dances as well as more traditional established dances in a social setting.  Black ballet shoes required-black ghillies optional.  Soft Shoe 3  progresses to intermediate level material which will begin to incorporate faster and more intricate footwork, jumps, as well as extra stretching and conditioning to facilitate further progress.  Outside performing opportunities as well as Dance Competitions are also options at this level per instructor's discretion.  Black traditional split-sole ghillies are required.
• Hard Shoe: Students must currently be enrolled in Soft Shoe 3; don’t forget the discount.  Class will focus solely on the technique of dancing in "hard" shoes (similar to tap shoes, but made of fiberglass).  Beginner to intermediate footwork and rhythms of this form will be taught.  Black traditional flexi-sole hard shoes are required for this class.