Rhythm of Ireland Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of shoes do I need? Where do I get them?

For the first few weeks, you can wear ballet slippers. However, you will need to buy a pair of soft shoes (called ghillies) or boys/men's reel pumps. Both can be purchased from several sources; try Rutherford Shoes, Antonio Pacelli, or The Ceili Company. If you stick with it, you'll need hard shoes - these are NOT tap shoes. They have no metal plates; instead, they have fiberglass tips and heels. They can be purchased from the same sources.

2. What do I wear to class? Is there a school/recital costume that I need to buy?

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 be worn. First year female students will need to purchase the first year costume for the recital and for any competitions (feiseanna) that they attend. It consists of a black leotard, black pleated skirt (both of which can be purchased from J.C. Penny), a gold cumberbund and cape (available from the school seamstress), poodle socks and ghillies. Poodle socks are available wherever you purchase your ghillies. Second year and beyond female students as well as members of the performing company will want to acquire the green school costume. This is a green velvet leotard with an embroidered green velvet skirt, gold cumberbund and cape, poodle socks, and ghillies/hard shoes. You can contact the director to order this costume. Female students also need to consider whether they will curl their hair or wear a hairpiece for proper "Irish" curls. Our links page has links to purchase both the Soft Spikes curlers and high-quality, easy to put in hairpieces. There are also some local Virginia dealers who offer hairpieces; see the director for more info on those.

Boys have it easy! The costume is a black dress shirt and pants (no cords or jeans) with the gold cumberbund. Reel pumps and/or hard shoes complete the outfit.

3. I don't want to compete - can I still take lessons?

Absolutely! We have lots of students who take "just for fun".

4. I do want to compete - how many classes a week should I take?

For the student who wishes to compete, two classes a week is recommended

5. How do I join the performing company?

Auditions are held for the performing company on a yearly basis. Auditions are judged by an outside adjudicator who has no connection to the school.

6. What are some good practice CD's and where can I get them?

The Ceili Company has some excellent CD's - you really can't go wrong with any of them. You can also try Rego Records and Irish Records International

7. Am I too old/young for Irish dance?

We have had dancers from 5 to 74! As long as you're in good health, join us!

8. When will I be ready for hard shoes?

That is a very individual thing, but the average is anywhere from one to three years.

9. When will I be ready to compete?

Again, this is very individual and at the director's discretion, but the average student is ready to compete at the beginner level within a year.

10. How do I find a feis to go to?

Go to www.feiseanna.org and look!

11. When is tuition due? Can I pay with a credit card?

Tuition is due at your first class of the month. You can pay with a credit card from our website through paypal.

12. Are private lessons really that helpful?

Absolutely! The instructor can give intensive attention to both strengths and weaknesses in this one-on-one setting. In addition, feis routines can be choreographed to suit the individual's strengths.

13. What is a T.C.R.G. and why should my school have one?

There is a world-wide governing organization for Irish Dance that exists to promote and perserve this cultural expression. It is known as An Choimisiuin Le Rinci Gaelacha (roughly translated Irish Dancing Commission). The T.C.R.G. is a diploma awarded by the commission upon the sucessful completion of a battery of tests designed to determine not only the person's ability to dance, but their knowledge of the limitations and intricacies of Irish dance. It guarantees a certain level of knowledge necessary to teach Irish dance. In addition, only students of a T.C.R.G. are eligible to participate in sanctioned feiseanna.

14. Do you pay for a full month if you miss a class?

Yes. Missed classes may be made up at another suitable class. If you must miss a month or more of classes, you will need to pre-arrange this with the director

15. When does the instructional year begin?

The instructional year for new students begins in September. Students transferring in from another school may be admitted mid-year at the director's discretion.

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