• CLASSES

As a beginner, your child will attend class once a week. They will be learning the basics of  Irish dance (foot placement,
posture, timing), drills and exercises to develop these skills as well as traditional Irish dances including the Jig and Reel.

In addition to your location class, students are invited to participate in weekend skills sessions starting in the spring of their first year.
The skills sessions offer more instruction time and a focus on polishing individual skills. This is also where your dancer will begin to
prepare for taking the stage at his/her first performance and competition.

• WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO START CLASSES

An interest in Irish dance and a desire to learn and work hard are all that's needed to get started. Students are asked to wear T-Shirts,
shorts, tall socks and gym shoes to their first classes. Hair must be pulled back off of their faces.

Soft shoes are not needed for the first few lessons. Let's get your dancer started and make sure this is the right activity for them. We
often start dancers in socks or bare feet. Once they are ready for shoes we have a used shoe inventory we can check to see if there
is a suitable pair for sale. If not, we will provide you with information on how and where to order the right type of shoes. Please do not
go out and buy shoes until you have talked to an instructor. Finding the right style and fit are very important.

We also ask that each student bring a composition notebook to class. The notebooks are added to by the instructor each week with helpful information on what your child should be working on at home between classes. Your child will also receive personalized feedback on how they are progressing and what areas they should focus on when they practice.

• COST/TUITION

Our program runs year round with enrollment beginning in September and lessons continuing through June.  We hold a Summer Camp in July and take a short breather in August before our new session begins.

There is an program fee of $150 paid with your registration.

Classes are paid for monthly and are approximately $60 per month depending on the number of classes scheduled. Payment is due
regardless of attendance. Payment envelopes are distributed at your 1st class.

We provide a schedule of all classes and strive to keep up a three-month forecast on our school web page to help you plan ahead.

• COSTUMES

Irish dance is known for its beautiful costumes.  Although it is something they look forward to, it is not necessary for your beginning
dancer to have one until the spring.  Again, we want to make sure this is the right activity for your child before you make the investment.
The need for a costume also depends on the age of your dancer and the progress they make throughout the year. Costumes are
first ordered in January or February for those ready for their first competition in May/June.

For Girls, many purchase a 'junior costume' within their first year, but they are not required unless your dancer is ready and interested
in competition.  The 'junior costume' costs approximately $400 and is exclusively designed for our school. We do have a selection of
used dresses to offer before a new dress is ordered.

The 'junior costume' is designed to allow for the growth of your child. Many students are getting an average of 18 months to two years
from their first costume before the next size or style is needed.

An approved wig, poodle socks and soft shoes complete the signature Irish dance look and are required at the competition/performance
level. These items are available at a variety of prices.

For Boys, black pants and a black long sleeved shirt are accompanied by our vest and gold tie for a very sharp on-stage look. Details
on how to order your vest and tie and which style of pants & shirt are recommended are provided when your dancer is ready to compete/
perform. The full boys costume costs approximately $200.

• PERFORMING

Anam Mór performs year-round at events, festivals, schools and senior centers. Performing provides a wonderful opportunity for your
dancer to show off what he/she has learned and practiced.

Dancers must know the steps needed for each particular show routine before taking the stage. For example, a beginning dancer must
know the four steps of the jig before they can put them together into our jig routine. It is at our Skills Sessions that dancers begin
learning performance routines.

Beginning students are invited to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parades and by the summer of their first year may be asked to
perform at other events. Costumes are required in order to perform.

• COMPETING

Competition is a fun and challenging part of the sport of Irish dance.

Anam Mór trains dancers from beginners through the championship level in both team and solo dances. Our students have been very
successful in competitions locally, regionally and overseas.

Most dancers at the beginner level are ready to compete in the spring or summer of their first year. Your instructor will let you know when
your child is ready to compete and how to sign up for local competitions known as ' feises'. Costumes are required for participation in
all competitions.

• YOUR FIRST YEAR

For most, Irish dancing is a whole new world.  While there is a lot to learn, we take great care to provide open communication and
information for all of our students.  Our beginner families are well informed and guided through the first year of Irish dance and beyond to
make sure it is an enjoyable experience for both the dancer and the parents! We know there is a great deal of information that is new to
you and we always welcome your questions!