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 1: Basic introduction to Irish Step dance focusing on “hop 1-2-3”s and “7”s, Class will emphasize the basic footwork of step ("solo") and social (group or "ceilidh") dances. Shoe Info
Soft Shoe 2 & 3 begins to incorporate faster and more intricate footwork and jumps. Extra stretching and conditioning is done to facilitate this. Outside performances and competitions may be offered. Black traditional split-sole ghillies are required. Shoe Info
Hard Shoe: Students must be enrolled in Soft Shoe 3; don’t forget to apply multiple class discount. Class will focus solely on dancing in "hard" shoes. Beginner to intermediate footwork and rhythms will be taught. Black traditional flexi-sole hard shoes are required. Shoe Info
| Class | Day & Times | Dates (# wks) | Fees | Code |
Status |
Online Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Shoe 1, Ages 7-11 | Sat; 10:15a-11:15a | Sep 12-Dec 19 (13) | $198; $73/mo | FR1 |
Available | |
| Soft Shoe 2 | Wed; 6:30p-7:30p | Sep 9-Dec 16 (14) | $210; $77/mo | FR2 |
Available | |
| Soft Shoe 3 | Tue; 5:00p-6:00p | Sep 8-Dec 15 (14) | $210; $77/mo | FR3 |
Available | |
| Hard Shoe | Wed; 5:30p-6:30p | Sep 9-Dec 16 (14) | $210; $77/mo | FR4 |
Available |
| Class | Ages | Day & Time | Dates (# wks) | Fee | Code | Status | Online Registration |
| Soft Shoe 1 | Ages 7-12 | Sat, 10:15a-11:15a | Jan 9-Jun 12 (21) | $340; $75/mo | SR1 | Available | |
| Soft Shoe 2 | Invite only | Wed, 6:30p-7:30p | Jan 6-Jun 9 (22) | $352; $77/mo | SR2 | Available | |
| Soft Shoe 3 | Invite only | Tue, 5:00p-6:00p | Jan 5-Jun 8 (22) | $352; $77/mo | SR3 | Available | |
| Hard Shoe | Invite only | Wed, 5:30p-6:30p | Jan 6-Jun 9 (22) | $352; $77/mo | SR4 | Available |