Question 1

How do I sign up for classes?

Accepted Answer

Send us an email at quigleyacademy@gmail.com! From there, we'll send you pricing information and everything you'll need to know.

Question 2

What age can I begin Irish dancing?

Accepted Answer

All beginner dancers are welcome to start classes at the age of 4! We just ask that your child has already turned 4 or will turn 4 during the Fall session.

Question 3

Can boys Irish dance too?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! There are dances and steps catered specifically to boys and competitions just for them, from the local-level all the way up to the world championships!

Question 4

What should I wear to a dance class?

Accepted Answer

Girls: T-shirt and shorts (or skort), poodle socks* (or regular socks for beginners), dance shoes, and hair tied up, out of face.

Boys: T-shirt and shorts, socks and dance shoes.

*Poodle socks can be purchased from various vendors, such as Fays Shoes (https://fayshoes.com/product-category/socks/).

Question 5

Do I have to compete?

Accepted Answer

No! Healthy competition makes for better dancers and while we encourage all of our dancers to give the competition scene a whirl (you might just end up loving it!), competing is not required.

Question 6

What are Irish dancing competitions like?

Accepted Answer

Irish dance competitions are called feiseanna or feises (pronounced "fesh-ah-nah" or "fesh-es"). Local feises allow dancers to move through the various dancing levels, to ultimately make their way up to the championship level.

At each feis, dancers will compete with other children (or adults) their age and level and receive feedback on their dancing from judges.

The levels are: 
- Beginner
- Advanced Beginner
- Novice 
- Prizewinner 
- Preliminary Championship
- Open Championship

Once a dancer reaches a certain level, they are eligible to compete at the regional level. There, they can qualify to compete at national and world-level competitions.

Question 7

What kind of performances do you do?

Accepted Answer

Since Irish dancing is year-round (and not just performing on St. Patrick's Day), we perform throughout the year. Performances include: parades, Irish festivals, fundraiser dinners, local restaurants and pubs, private events, etc., just to name a few. There are countless opportunities to showcase our dancers' talent all year long!

Question 8

Do I need prior experience to dance as an adult?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! There are countless dances that are fun, easy, and a great way to get you accustomed to Irish dancing.

Question 9

What age is your adult class for?

Accepted Answer

Adult classes are open to all adults, ages 18 & up! Whether you've danced as a child or this is your first time in the studio, we'll learn, laugh, and exercise together in a fun and supportive environment.

Question 10

Where can I purchase Irish dancing shoes?

Accepted Answer

There are multiple, reputable Irish dance shoemakers throughout the world, but we recommend a few:

- Fays Shoes (https://fayshoes.com/) 
- Rutherford Shoes (https://www.rutherfordshoes.com/)

Ask at class for what type of shoes you should get!

Frequently Asked Questions