Walking into a first dance class can feel like a big step, for children and for parents. The good news is that a first Irish dance class asks for very little: no special shoes, no costume and no experience. Here is what to bring, what happens, and what comes next.
What to wear
- Comfortable clothes. Shorts or leggings and a T-shirt are perfect. Your child needs to move their legs freely, and teachers like to see the feet and knees.
- Socks or soft shoes. Socks are fine for a first class, as are ballet slippers or soft trainers. There is no need to buy Irish dance shoes before you know your child enjoys it.
- Hair tied back. Long hair in a ponytail or bun keeps it out of their eyes.
- A bottle of water. Irish dancing is more energetic than it looks.
What happens in the class
Most classes start with a warm-up, then move on to the basics that every Irish dancer learns first: standing tall with the arms held still by the sides, pointing the toes, turning the feet out, and counting in time to the music. Beginners usually start with soft shoe steps, such as the beginnings of a reel or a light jig.
Do not worry if your child goes home with only a few steps. Rhythm and posture take time, and the steps build on each other week by week. What matters at first is that they enjoy the music and want to come back.
For the youngest dancers
Preschool children start with our Jump N Jig programme and Tiny Tots classes, which are all about moving to Irish music, finding the beat and having fun.
Shoes, costumes and competitions come later
Once a dancer has settled in, their teacher will tell you when it is time for ghillies, the soft lace-up shoes, and later for hard shoes. Competitions (a feis) are for dancers who want them, when their teacher thinks they are ready, and many start in a class costume or simple dancewear. There is no rush, and no need to buy anything up front.
How to help at home
- Ask them to show you a step they learned. Teaching it back helps it stick.
- Play some Irish music around the house and let them count the beat.
- Praise the effort, not just the steps: a beginner's confidence grows quickly when they feel proud of trying.
At Céim Óir your child's first class is completely free, at our studio in Brentford or one of our other venues. Tell us their age and any dancing they have done, and we will find the right class.
