At EIDS/Branton Academy, dancers learn traditional solo dances, as well as ceili (pronounced kay-lee, group dancing). Boys and girls from 4 and up are welcome, from absolute beginners through world champions. Classes run year-round, and new dancers can get started at any time. All classes incorporate traditional Irish music.

 

Our Branton Academy certified TCRG instructor (in Gaelic, Teagascóir Choimisiúin le Rinci Gaelacha) is endorsed by An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha, Ireland. Experienced, retired dancers also assist during classes, so students receive lots of individual attention. The curriculum focuses on proper technique and poised performance, and the classroom atmosphere is both challenging and encouraging.

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Branton Academy also enjoys an affiliation with the McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy, England. This affiliation helps our TCRG keep abreast of the latest teaching techniques and trends in Irish dance worldwide. It also affords our advanced students unique opportunities to train with accomplished dancers and instructors from around the world.

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As our dancers master skills and gain confidence, they progress through these class levels:

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• Beginner - Students typically attend class for one hour per week. Students learn basic soft shoe technique and progress to more complex steps as skills develop. 

• Advanced Beginner - Students learn additional soft shoe dances and begin hard shoe basics.  They are introduced to team dancing concepts as well and attend two to times per week.  Advancement to the next level is between one and two years.

• Novice -  Students will see a change in class pace and work ethic as the complexity of choreography starts to really increase, and as such, the need to practice and improve strength, flexibility and agility really kicks in.  Student attend classes three times per week, and begin to earn opportunities to compete at higher level competitions.  Advancement to the next level is based on achievements at competitions as it is for each level going forward.

• Prizewinner - The pace continues, and some dancers will earn opportunities for competing in solo categories at regional championships as well as obtaining "unique" solo costumes.

• Preliminary and Open Champions - Students learn complex form and technique, and a high level of endurance is required. Dancers have unique opportunities to attend workshops with world-renown instructors.

 

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