BIG ISLAND CLASSES

Classes are structured to encourage students of all skill levels, beginner as well as intermediate adult dancers. No previous dance experience is required! Dancers work on skill- and strength-building exercises, ceili dances, as well as soft and hard shoe step dancing.
Class begins with basic steps for brand new students, who are encouraged to stay and participate in the remaining classes. If you have always wanted to go to Ireland and know the dances being performed by locals at the pub, then this is the class for you. You will learn Irish Dance fundamentals as well as traditional dances that are still performed to this day.
The location is approximately one hour driving time from Kailua-Kona or Hilo and about 20 minutes from Waimea. For instructions on how to access the ranch, please contact us at BigIsland@HawaiiIrishDance.org
5:30pm New Beginners / Children

Instruction on basic steps and proper dance form and technique. Once you have mastered the basic moves you will be able to combine these moves to perform the majority of dances.

Curriculum:

Irish dance basics: Posture, carriage, foot placement

Basic dance steps: Skips, Sevens, Hop Back 2-3s and Over 2-3s

6:00pm Ceili Dancing

Ceili Dancing is Irish social dancing which can include an unlimited number of couples to set routines, some of which can have advanced choreography. Ceili dances may have a caller, as we are familiar with in Square dancing. These dances are fun for the group and are performed to this day in pubs across Ireland. Come out and join in the fun!

Curriculum: Traditional Irish ceili dances including

  • Walls of Limerick
  • Galway Reel
  • Fairy Reel
  • Siege of Ennis
  • Waves of Tory
  • Haymakers

 

7:00pm Step Dancing - Soft Shoe

Step dancing is form of Irish dance which emphasizes a solo routine. While often done in groups, these dances can be performed individually and emphasize foot work and arrangements of steps. Step dancing falls into two broad groups, soft and hard shoe, which each have their own routines and techniques.

Curriculum:

  • Beginner-level solo steps
  • Choreography at the appropriate level for St. Patrick’s Day and other performances
  • Reels and Jigs
7:30pm Step Dancing - Hard Shoe

Step Dancing is a form of dancing which emphasizes a solo routine. While often done in groups, these dances can be performed individually and emphasize foot work and arrangements of steps. Step dancing falls into two broad groups, soft and hard shoe, which each have their own routines and techniques. Hard shoe is noted most in the stage show performances like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. This could be considered the Irish equivalent of Tap Dancing, using a special shoe to create the tapping sound.

Curriculum:

  • Beginner-level hard shoe techniques
  • Hard shoe routines
  • Choreography at the appropriate level for St. Patrick’s Day and other performances
  • Reels, Hornpipe and Jigs

Please wear comfortable, non-restricting workout clothing. There is no required uniform for class, but you should be able to move and sweat. Do not wear heavy or dangling accessories that could get caught on someone’s clothing or hair. Please tie long hair back neatly.

New students should wear sneakers or other supportive shoes. Those who have them should bring dance sneakers or leather dance shoes such as jazz shoes or ballet slippers. Irish ghillies and jig shoes are of course welcome and encouraged.

  • You may want to bring a notebook to write down what you learn.
  • Water is available at the fountain, but you may wish to bring your own water bottle as well.
  • The room is air-conditioned, but you may want a sweat towel.

  • Location: Waikii Ranch near Waimea

    Classes are held at the gym at Waikii Ranch. Please contact us at BigIsland@HawaiiIrishDance.org for directions and gate code.

  • When: Every Thursday

  • Times

    Children/New Beginners 5:30pm-6pm

    Ceili Dancing 6:00pm-7:00pm

    Step Dancing- Soft Shoe 7:00pm-7:30pm

    Step Dancing- Hard Shoe 7:30-8:00pm