FAQ - ABOUT IRISH DANCING

• WHAT IS IT?

Traditional Irish Dancing is the basis for shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. All of the performers from the shows started at registered Irish Dancing Schools and likely competed as youth.

• WHY IRISH DANCE?

Irish Dancing promotes fitness and flexibilty as well as performance technique and confidence. It's also great cross-training for other activities. We have had dancers that became Olympic Athletes and professional performers. Dance is amazing for teaching dedication, perseverance and discipline. We have had dancers become successful doctors, physiotherapists, engineers, artists, and athletes. Our graduates credit their journey in Irish Dancing for playing a huge part in their success as young adults!

• WHAT IS THE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY? WHY BLAKEY O'BRIEN?

We are a boutique school, with small class sizes. We love getting to know our students, their families, and all of the teachers are engaged and invested in the best quality Irish Dance instruction and personal development. Commitment to an activity fosters relationships outside of the collegiate environment, and builds self-esteem and confidence. Dancers learn how to perform, to compete, to win and to lose. Teachers and coaches work with dancers and their parents to create an enjoyable and enriching experience - and some great memories along the way!

• WHAT IS THE COST?

At Blakey O'Brien, we aim to offer introductory lessons for beginners at a reasonable cost. Fees start at $70.00 per month plus GST. A small registration fee is charged which includes a class t-shirt. We have a second-hand shoe and costume program. We have an optional fundraising program to help families fund their dancers activities. Irish dancing does not need to be an expensive venture!

• WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY CHILD PROGRESSES?

At the height of championship level tuition, dancers can expect to pay $220.00 per month for 5 hours a week of class, with several teachers on hand and small group instruction. Dancers at any level can choose to attend pay-as-you-go workshops, private lessons, or personal training sessions in fitness / ballet / stretching to enhance their practice. These are all optional and not mandatory. Financial assistance is also available for top-performing dancers who cannot afford the extras. Fundraising is available as a tool to reduce expenses.

• IS THERE MANDATORY PARENT FUNDRAISING OR VOLUNTEERING?

We get it - you are busy! We don't do bingos or other major fundraising at this time. Parents are asked to volunteer at our annual TDL Society / Blakey supported Feis (Competition) each January at the Hyatt Downtown Calgary. We have various social events during the year and we ask parents to pitch in to make these gatherings awesome. The goal is to have a great time together and support our dancers in their growth.

• WHAT SHOULD MY DANCER WEAR TO CLASS?

Dancers can wear a t-shirt and shorts, or other apparel suitable for exercise. No jeans or other restrictive apparel. If you don't have shoes, you can either wear an old pair of ballet slippers, light soled runners, or sock feet. We have a second hand shoe program to help families sell gently used items. We also have a shoe vendor that visits the studio in September and sells shoes at local competitions. Dancers start in soft shoe and graduate to hard shoe once they have mastered the basic soft shoe dances.

• HOW DO COMPETITIONS WORK?

We do recommend that most dancers try a "feis" - pronounced "FESH", a dancing festival. Usually this is at some point at the end of the first year, or in their second year, to get their feet wet. Beginners compete in a non-pressured environment with kids at the same age and level. Most dancers do the local competitions (4 a year) and some move on to compete at the Worlds, North Americans, and Regionals. Dancers can also choose to be recreational, doing only classes and performances locally. We also send dancers to the All Ireland, Great Britains, and Australian Open. We encourage families to design a program and schedule that works for you.

• QUESTIONS? NOT A PROBLEM, WE WOULD LOVE TO CHAT!

We do our best to communcate regularly with our dancers and dance parents. If you have any questions please contact us!