Beginner Irish dancers learn how to clap hands to the beat of music, how to stand ready to dance, how to point their toes, and how to push up onto their toes in a movement similar to what ballet dancers call "releve".  From there, our future Riverdance stars learn the most basic movement of Irish dance, which is called the "1-2-3".  This is how Irish dancers move forward direction on a dancefloor!  It is then learned in reverse, which is how the dancers move backwards.  The next lessons are in how to move to the left and right, while crossing our feet and dancing up on our toes!  At each stage, mastery of these movements teaches young learners physical fitness, balance, coordination, timing, rhythm, and patience through repetition.  Classes at the beginner levels use lots of games and music to teach these concepts and skills, so that their minds and bodies are challenged in a positive, engaging way!  Friendship is also a focus, as the classmates learn to help one another and encourage one another as they learn their first steps as an Irish dancer. Older beginner dancers are progressed rapidly through these first movements, so that they can move into a class that fits their age, ability, and provides an enjoyable social environment.

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