Class descriptions - Jyväskylä
Class names correspond to competition levels.
The following guidelines can be used to help find the right class(es).
- Competitive dancers & dancers taking Grade Exams: It is highly recommended that dancers attend classes at all levels where they have dances at. Dancers are required to attend weekly classes regularly, as well as TCRG workshops organized by the dance school, in order to obtain a competition permit.
- Non-competing dancers are welcome to all classes, and for them, moving from one level to the next is guided by development of technique and learning of the dances.
Competing in our dance school is completely voluntary!
New Beginners / Children & adults
In the beginners class we’ll get to know the basics of Irish dance at a suitable pace for everyone.
We will learn Beginner level soft shoe dances called reel and light jig.
We also get to know the basics of hard shoe dancing with dances called heavy jig and treble reel.
In addition to learning the steps, attention is paid on learning the correct technique and gaining control of legs and feet.
We’ll work on, e.g., turning out our feet and crossing the legs, staying high on the toes and pointing the feet. Overall carriage is also worked on from the beginning with the aim of developing the still upper body which is characteristic of Irish dance.
Beginners class is suitable for new beginners of all ages as well as dancers with some experience in Irish dance who wish to learn at a slower pace.
There is no age limit!
You don’t need Irish dance shoes yet in the beginner classes. However, we do not recommend wearing indoor shoes during dance classes.
Advanced Beginners
We will practice basic technique and recap the already learned Beginner level dances with both soft and hard shoes.
We will learn the remaining Beginner level dances in soft shoes (slip jig & single jig).
With hard shoes we get to know new rhythms with the hornpipe and treble reel -dances.
The versatile technique exercises aim to prepare the dancer towards the Primary level.
In addition to dance, stamina and strength training are also part of the classes.
The class is suitable for dancers who are familiar with basic Irish dance movements – typically after dancing for at least 6 months.
Primary
We will recap and polish Primary level dances in soft shoes and in hard shoes. The dancers who have not learned all the Beginner hard shoe dances (e.g. Beginner hornpipe) have a chance to learn them.
Besides basic technique, we will be perfecting the combinations, jumps, and rhythms required for the Primary level.
We will also learn more Traditional Set Dances. Strength and stamina exercises are also part of the classes.
The class is suitable for dancers who have good familiarity with basic movements and technique and know all Beginner level soft shoe dances and at least one in hard shoes.
Intermediate / Preliminary Championship
In this class we learn and practice Intermediate level dances with soft shoes and hard shoes, and work on the movements and techniques the level requires. Dances at this level include fast footwork, high jumps, and more complicated rhythms.
We’ll also work on the strength and stamina that are needed to create an illusion of lightness and effortlessness.
We will also start to learn modern sets and more Traditional Set Dances.
The class is suitable for dancers with strong basic technique and the ability to learn combinations at a faster pace.
Intermediate level dancers must know all Primary level dances with soft and hard shoes or have moved to the Intermediate level through competition experience – typically after dancing for at least 4 years.
Preliminary Championship level dancers are required to master all Intermediate level dances.
This level trains the dancer towards the Open Championship level.
Online classes / technique
Online classes are open to all inSpiral Dance Company Finland dancers who have a valid registration in some of our location.
Online classes mainly focus on the technique required on primary / intermediate levels, with both soft and hard shoes. You can choose the content of the lessons! It is possible to attend classes from home, you don’t need a lot of space.
Contact
Contact us via email at inspiraljyvaskyla@gmail.com
We are very happy to help with class selections!
If necessary, registration can be changed to another class with the consent of your own teacher.
