our programs
ADC offers both performance and competition training.
Our performance classes run on a 10-month season (Sept-June), where dancers are grouped by age and level. The focus is on learning steps and ceili for recreation and group performance. Classes perform multiple times per year including at St. Patrick’s day, summer festivals and our annual show, Celtic Celebration.
Our Feis program runs year-round with focus on competition (feis) including solo dancing and ceili. Dancers progress through levels (Beginner thru Champion) based on competition results. Feis dancers progress individually and may be at a different level from their performing class. The focus in feis class is on precision in rhythm and technique and goal setting.
Dancers may choose performance, competition or both!
With multiple opportunities to help you grow your skills, stay active, and have fun, ADC has something for everyone. We also offer private lessons, couples classes (Spring), and Oireachtas training, each designed to provide additional learning, practice, and connection.
ADC has classes for pre-school aged children through adult and teaches beginners thru champions.
Summer session
Our studio offers exciting Irish dance classes for kids, teens, and adults who want to stay active, have fun, and learn a new skill. Our summer Irish dance lessons are perfect for both beginners looking to give Irisih dance a try and our experienced Irish dancers too keep up on technique or try something new. We also offer feis training and workshops for our competitive dancers.
Each dance class is designed to build skill, confidence, and a sense of dance family community. Enroll today and experience the rhythm, tradition, and joy of Irish dance all summer long!
Soft Shoe
Dancers learn rhythm, footwork, and posture in this fundamental Irish dance class. This is where all dancers begin their Irish step dancing journey learning the reel and jigs.
Hard Shoe
When dancers are ready, they are introduced to the foundations of Irish hard shoe, learning trebles, timing, and progressively more challenging rhythms in hornpipe, jig and treble reel.
Performance classes
Dancers enrolled in our performance classes get multiple opportunities to take the stage throughout the year at festivals and St Patrick’s day events. The focus is on learning steps and group choreography and gaining confidence in front of an audience. The year culminates in a professional production showcasing our dancers’ progress during the year.
Competition (feis)
Competing in feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) provides dancers with opportunities to build self-confidence, discipline, and to excel in both solo and céilí dancing. Our Feis classes are offered separately from performance classes and are designed to prepare students for local, regional, and national competitions in a fun and supportive environment.
While participation in competitions is optional, ADC recognizes that goal setting can be highly motivating for many dancers—much like earning belts in martial arts or training for and completing a marathon. For dancers who wish to pursue personal excellence, challenge themselves, and track their progress, the competitive pathway offers valuable opportunities for growth and achievement.
Traditional Set Dances
Both performance and feis dancers learn classic traditional set dances that have been handed down through generations. These hornpipes and jigs build hard shoe foundation and musicality through traditinal footwork. ADC also loves to explore styles that enrich our dancers’ training, including Sean-nós, Festival style, and show choreography. We take a fun and well-rounded approach to training that helps dancers grow in both skill and artistry.
céilí
Céilí brings out the best parts of Irish dance! Dancers, including beginners, learn traditional ceili dances which build teamwork skills and improve technique. It’s a great way to stay active, be part of a group, and enjoy the community that makes Irish dance so special. Optionally, intermediate dancers may compete in 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 hand dances with a team at local and regional Feiseanna (competitions),
Private Lessons
We offer personalized and private Irish dance lessons for current dancers at our studio. These are designed to help our dancers reach their individual goals. Whether you’re brushing up on technique, or just looking for focused one-on-one attention, our private sessions are ideal for both beginners and experienced Irish dancers that attend our studio.
Couples Class
Bring a friend, parent, or partner to our couples’ Irish dance class at ADC Irish Dancers! This class is open to anyone aged 12 and up, regardless of experience. You’ll learn timing, connection, and basic Irish dance steps with a partner in a relaxed, inclusive environment. Offered exclusively in the spring, the session begins in March and runs through our annual June performance, offering a fun performing opportunity for partners to get involved.