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| What's all this technical stuff about Irish Dance, anyways? |
Starting into the Irish Dance World can be a little intimidating--Even if you have taken dance classes before! You'll be learning a whole new language of dances, as well as be introduced to new concepts like Ghillies, Hardshoes, and Poodle socks! Here is a little guide to get you through your first couple of weeks of class with minimal confusion! |
| Certification (& different types of Schools) |
Certification: Teachers of schools can have different certifications ranging from no certification to ADCRG. You always want to know your teacher's education and philosophy before starting dance with them. Be very wary of an Instructor who is reluctant to discuss their education. No Certification: Most Teachers without certification are fantastic able bodied people with a passion to teach. You do want to be wary of teachers who are uncertified that follow Riverdance "verbatim". Good Irish Dance teachers can have a range of backgrounds: Moms or Dads with a side-job that they love to Students of Irish Dance who have not yet earned their Certification. An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha: (the Irish Dance Commission) decides who will be certified: They have a strict ruling during the tests. Each test must be passed with a high percentile in order to get certification. TMRF: Certification in Rince Fada (Long Dances). This is the Ceili Certification. Teachers with a TMRF can send their students to regional competitions with Ceili Dances only. TCRG: Teagascóir Choimisiúin Le Rinci Gaelacha. These are certified instructors who have tested through Solo, Traditional and Ceili Dances. Schools with this certification will host regional Feisanna, allow their students to compete in Solo and Ceili Dances, and maintain a rigorous standard for their students. ADCRG: Ard Diploma Coimisiuin le Rinci Gaelacha. These are certified instructors who are allowed to judge a competition. This is the highest diploma in Irish Dance. |
| Costumes and Shoes: |
Soft Shoes: Girls wear ghillies, a black shoe that has a short toe and is laced from the toe to the ankle and (typically) around the arch of the foot. Boys wear either jazz shoes, or a shoe that resembles hardshoes without the front tap. These shoes are used for Reels, Jigs, and Slip Jigs. Hard Shoes: Hardshoes are leather soles and uppers with a hard heel and tap (typically made of wood and resin). These shoes are used to dance Treble Reels, Treble Jigs, and Hornpipes. Poodle Socks: Poodle Socks are named so because of the "poodle knit" on the top portion of the sock. Girls typically wear poodle socks hiked up to their knees. Class Outfit: Most schools (including Farraige Mhór Academy) requires that students wear black shorts and white shirts to class. This helps the instructors see the line of the dancer without distraction of long skirts, or sparkly shirts. School Costume: Each school has their own costume designed by the instructor (or instructor/designer collaboration). These dresses typically have a simple celtic design for Beginner Costumes, then as you move up in levels of dance, you can purchase or rent a more intricate costume. Solo Costume: Once you reach the Novice/Advanced (Prizewinner) levels of Irish Dance, you can purchase your first Solo Dress. Through Farraige Mhór Academy, please speak with Kody before thinking of purhcasing a Solo Dress. |
| And Last, but not least! |
Students who choose to attend Certified schools do get a different Irish Dance experience than through schools who are not certified. However, the decision is yours to choose the environment you want to be in. If you are looking for a chance to meet new people, learn a new dance, and have fun doing it--Every Irish Dance School should offer those basics. Find a teacher and a school that meet your needs, and enjoy your time! |