Where to Take Irish Step Classes in Atlanta
Burke Connolly Academy of Irish Dance
Put on your dancing shoes and leap into a class.
You may have seen Irish step dance performed at festivals or on TV, but have you ever thought of letting your child try it? The quick movement of the feet and stiff upper body require much practice and concentration, but it can be a fun way for your child to try another type of dance away from traditional ballet or jazz. Check out these Atlanta Irish dance schools and try a lesson.
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Mulligan School of Irish Dance
They offer beginner classes to learn the elementary movements of Irish Step Dance all the way to “Ceili” level, which is a dancer who has been dancing for more than one year. Adults can also take a class to learn the basic movements.
4355 Shallowford Industrial Park Rd., Marietta. 678-591-6975
Drake School of Irish Dance
Founded by a Dublin, Ireland native, the Drake School has locations from Georgia all the way to China. The school offers classes of different levels from ages 3 and older and an adult class on Thursday nights.
Six metro locations
Burke Connolly Academy of Irish Dance
From into-level classes to learn the Irish Jig and Reel to the competition level, they have something for every interest. On March 18 from 10 a.m.-noon the school is hosting an open house for ages 4-10 to meet teachers and see performances.
349-D Fourteenth St., Atlanta. 770-500-0301
What Should I Bring to an Irish Step Class?
Emma Burke, co-founder of Burke Connolly Academy of Irish Dance shared some tips that she gives a first-timer to the studio.
-Water: “Our dancers need plenty of water! We dance non-stop the entire class period.”
-White socks: “Dark or multicolored socks keep us from being able to see the arch of the foot.”
-Hair ties: “Hair should be tied back and away from the face.”
-Fitted workout gear: “We need to be able to see the dancer’s knees. No jeans, dresses, or loose-fitting bottoms.”
-Correct dance shoes: “Beginner girls need soft shoes called ghillies and boys need boys reel shoes. Soft shoes are part of the traditional Irish dance costume, but for the first class, dancers can wear old dance shoes (ballet or jazz) or white socks.
