How to Sign up for Irish Dance Lessons

Kick up your heels with Irish step dancing. This intriguing form of folk dance accompanies jigs and reels at nightlong dances regularly enjoyed by the Irish community. Everyone is welcome at these events, called cèilis (pronounced kay-LEES), where beginners learn the basic steps and join in the fun with seasoned dancers. This centuries-old tradition entertained peasants and noblemen alike. Sign up for Irish dance lessons and learn how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Know Irish Culture

1. Get behind the scenes and learn about Irish music and dance culture. Socially and family oriented evenings of music and dance have evolved to the beat of the Celtic drum and melody of the harp, accordion and fiddle.

2. Read more about the instruments and people who make the music in "The Heartbeat of Irish Music" at Amazon (see Resources below).

3. Hear the music. With its signature lilt and strong vocalizations, Irish dance music provokes the taps, leaps and twirls of the various dances. Check your local paper or phone book for Irish restaurants or nightclubs that feature music and dancing, or sample a dance CD like "Ceilidh Dance Party" at Amazon (see Resources below).

Sign up for Irish Dance Lessons

4. Sign up for in-home lessons after learning dance steps from a video. Find DVDs on beginner technique at specialty Irish dance shops or websites, or move up to advanced steps with "Jean Butler's Irish Dance Master Class," available at Amazon (see Resources below).

5. Get an impromptu lesson at an Irish cèili in your area. Connect with the Celtic community via regional social clubs or public radio shows that feature Irish music and issues.

6. Sign up for conventional lessons for full instruction in Irish dance. Find an instructor through a local dance studio, Irish dance shop or a contact at a cèili.

7. Keep on dancing. Maintain your new skills by attending local Irish dances and performances and by practicing often.

Tips & Warnings

• Many Irish communities in the U.S. hold dances and dance festivals regularly. Find them through local ethnic social clubs or nightclubs that feature Celtic music.
• Irish dance is almost exclusively practiced at Irish social and community functions, performances or competitions.
• Special clothing for men, women and children is necessary at the competition level.

Resources

• Music for an at-home cèili (dance party)
• On Celtic music and musicians
• Learn and practice with a DVD

[FeisForFood]

on 8/20/2007 It's actually KAY-Lee, not kay-LEE. And really, you should never take lessons from a DVD and think you know what you're doing. It's always best to go through a certified school.