About Irish Dance

What is Irish dancing?

Irish dancing is a form of cultural dance originated in Ireland hundreds of years ago. It is a dance rich in tradition and ethnicity. It is a form of dance where a dancer's arms and hands are not used. Dancers perform intricate movements with their feet while holding their upper bodies straight and tall. Irish dancing is very different from other forms of dance such as ballet, tap or jazz. Most people will recognize Irish dance when seen in performances and such shows as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. It is a beautiful form of dance which many people enjoy watching.

What does Irish dancing do for a child?

Irish dancing gives children a sense of pride and confidence in their own abilities. It shows them how to dance and learn steps improving memory and cognitive abilities. Irish dance shows them how to collaborate and work with other children of different ages. It lets them learn how to have a healthy competitive drive and it teaches them to be a gracious winner and loser. It gives them a sense of where they come from by allowing them to get back in touch with their family's roots and history. Overall, the benefits are physically, mentally, and emotionally productive to a child’s well being.

Do you have to be Irish to do Irish dance?

The answer is no! You can have not a drop of Irish blood in you and can still participate in and enjoy Irish dance.

Does my child have to become competitive?

No, competition is not a mandatory part of Irish dance. Dancers, if they choose to, can compete in a feis (pronounced "fesh") or many feisianna (plural for feis).

Feis is the Gaelic term for competition. Feisianna are held on Saturdays or Sundays, all year long, at venues all across the United States. Check the North American Feis Commission site to see how many there are every year! Students dance to live music and perform their steps in front of judges. They can sometimes win medals or trophies if a judge scores them high enough. It is a very fun and exciting experience that helps bring Irish dance to a different level.

Why should my child join the McFadden

Academy of Irish Dance?

If you want your child to have fun, work hard and be part of the only certified dance school in Northern Vermont…then this is the place for you! Come on in and join the fun today!!