We spend a lot of time talking to parents of new Irish dancers, advising them on what is needed to get their child up and running as an Irish dancer. In this article we offer a summary of the advice we offer.

However we always recommend that you talk to the Director to see if she has particular requirements. Some teachers prefer their dancers in one style rather than another and it avoids the frustration of making a purchase only to find out the Director is not too happy with your choice!

We have a Brannock Device for UK shoe sizes to find your correct UK shoe size at the Virginia Beach studio. If you need to find your size email me mikebristol2002@yahoo.com to set an appointment.

Ghillies (soft shoes)

Irish dancing ghillies are for female dancers. The male equivalent is the boys/men's reel pumps (order your son’s street shoe size). There isn’t really one aimed at beginners as such. The differences between them are largely quality of materials and comfort levels. We usually recommend that a beginner starts off with the Loop pump to keep costs down, but if your child has particularly sensitive feet then it may be worth considering one which has a padded insole. Make sure you get an Irish pump and not a Scottish pump. The School store will be carrying them in stock. You can email mikebristol2002@yahoo. com to get fitted in a new pair.

We suggest you order a size lower than the dancer’s street shoe size. It is a false economy to purchase them larger with the view that they will last longer. Pumps which are too large tend to fold under the foot and wear out a lot quicker than normal. They will also make learning the steps a lot more difficult.

For lacing your ghillies click on here

Jig Shoes

Dancers usually start off with reels and advance onto hard shoes once they have got a grip of the basics. We usually recommend they start off with Super flexi jig shoes which have the black suede soles. These soles are easier to point in and looks more uniform when every one has the same black soles.

There is no need for beginners to select an advanced tip. Beginner/ Intermediate tips and heels are more than adequate for the task and more expensive tips are a waste of money unless they are competing at a high level.

For a comparison chart on Jig Shoes, tips and heels click here

With regard to sizing, we suggest you order your child’s street shoe size. Do not use their trainer size as a benchmark! If you are really unsure then you can always send a tracing of the dancer’s foot to the shoe company.

For information on how to take care of your new Jig Shoes click here 

For a step by step guide on how to use sole rosin click here

Socks

There are three types of poodle socks, which are only worn by female dancers. Male dancers wear black socks. The correct one is the Championship length not the knee length.

There is a sock with a seam-free toe which are extremely comfortable, but we don’t normally recommend these unless the dancer has particularly sensitive feet due to the relatively high cost.

Poodle socks can be purchased from the Virginia Beach studio, Dancewear Design or many sites on the web.

Dress Code for Class

For class, wear comfortable shorts or skirts that allow the instructor to see your knees. Hair should be pulled back off of the face, and proper footwear should worn.

School Costume

Item # for the skirt on the French Toast web site are: #1066B size 4-6X/7, #1066G size 7-14, #1066N size 16-20, #1066U plus size.

Peter Pan Blouse: #1040B size 4-6X/7, #1040G size 7-14, #1040N size 16-20, #1040U plus size.

Black bloomers need to be purchased form Dancewear Design at 338 W. 21st Norfolk, VA 23517 phone 627-7544

Second year and beyond students - will be wearing the black one piece mermaid dress. The dress is made of poly shantun silk (I believe) with black glitter dot sleeves & a lavender holographic lining. You will need the dress the head band and the matching bloomers as well as the wig. The dress is pictured below click on to enlarge.

Music

The Director will have some recommendations in this area and may want you to purchase a CD which the dancers are using for class practice. There are CD's at the studio for purchase just check with the director or your teacher. If you want to purchase something else, then here are a few we suggestions for beginners ‘Light n Heavy’ by Gerry Conlon and ‘Sets & Solos Vol. 1’ by Olive Hurley.

Accessories

None of the accessories are essential for beginners, although a shoe bag can be a useful way of keeping everything together to make it easier to remember to bring everything to class! Remember to put you name on everything as for all of the dancer are using items that look the same like shoes and it is too easy for someone to mistake your items for their own.

Home Practice

It is very important for the student to practice their steps at home between classes and as often as possible. You cannot rely on just the class time to work on your steps or as the class learns new steps you will start falling behind. Note books help the students to remember what they went over in class.

Still confused? Then email me at dancingirisheyes@yahoo.com and I would be happy to talk it though.