Weekly classes begin: Wednesday, January 6 and Monday, January 11
Registration Information Classes are non-competitive, and are designed for adults as well as teens (ages 14 and up). Pre-registration is required and is due by January 4. Send checks payable to: Kieran Jordan Dancers, P.O. Box 870133, Milton Village, MA 02187. Please include your name and contact info, and indicate which class you plan to take. Each 8-week course is $120 (or $110 for students with valid ID). Take 2 courses for discounted rate of $200. Drop-in rate is $16 for any single class.
Shoes: For Irish step dance Kieran recommends Fays Shoes. In Hard Shoes, try the Original Flexi and request to have the toe pieces shaved 1/3 of an inch lower than the normal height. You can also purchase Irish hard shoes and soft shoes in person at Teddy’s Shoes, 548 Mass. Ave., Central Square, Cambridge, MA. For beginner dancers, Capezio dance sneakers are a versatile and comfortable practice shoe. Available at most dance stores and online dance suppliers.
For sean-nós dancing try the Kirsten by Aris Allen available at Teddy’s Shoes. Or the Camille by La Duca with hard leather soles, no taps.
This class, designed for beginners and all levels, will introduce students to Irish social dance traditions. Set and céilí dances are lively, interactive group dances that create beautiful patterns of movement. Taught on a rotating basis by Kieran Jordan, Jackie O’Riley, and Tara Mullan Rousseau, this class will break down the figures of each dance as well as the appropriate footwork for each style. Students will change partners frequently and do not need to bring a partner to class. Wear dance sneakers or other supportive shoes with a smooth sole.
This class will introduce the basic rhythms and techniques of Irish “hard-shoe” step dancing, as well as continuing technique in “soft shoe” steps. Students in this class should already have one semester worth of Irish dance training, or comparable experience.
This class focuses on traditional Irish step dance technique, as well as group céilí dancing and original choreography. Each class will include a thorough warm-up and strengthening exercises followed by a solid workout of technical elements. Students enrolling in this class must have at least two years of experience in soft and hard shoe dancing.
This class focuses on traditional and original performance material in step and céilí dancing. Each class will include a thorough warm-up and strengthening exercises followed by steps and repertoire. Choreography, improvisation, and somatic techniques will also be included. Students enrolling in this class should have intermediate-advanced level proficiency in soft and hard shoe dancing, creative spirits, and a willingness to try new things.
Sean-nós is the “old style” of Irish step dancing – an improvised solo form, with a loose and relaxed upper body and natural placement of the feet. This class will focus on rhythm, style, and improvisation. This is a mixed level class – some experience is required.