Dance Class and Expectations
Veronica, initially, will select the appropriate class for you or your child based upon the
level of ability of your child. If the student is an adolescent or older, age may be a factor in
that decision. It is strongly recommended that parents drop off their children and pick them up.
If you must stay at the class, please sit in an area away from the instruction area so that the
class is not disrupted. Bring something for siblings to do who do not dance, and please
make sure they are under your supervision at all times. Please drop off/pick up your child
IN the building if they are under age 12; do not ask them wait outside of the building for
you. If you have a question for Veronica or her assistant, please e-mail them your questions. In
this way, time will not be taken away from the students in your child’s class or the next
class. You may also leave a note with your name, dancer’s name, your message, and
when you can be reached. Students should arrive ten minutes ahead of time to change their shoes, stretch and prepare to work.
Veronica expects all of her students to be polite and attentive to others and respect the property at the dance sites.
Veronica also expects dancers to keep talking to a minimum during class. Please eat before arriving at the studio or after being dismissed. No food, beverage, or gum will be permitted in the classroom; however we do encourage our students to bring water to stay well hydrated.
Never leave the classroom until class is dismissed or without your teacher’s permission. If you need to use the restroom, you must ask your teacher for dismissal.
Do not miss class unless absolutely necessary; progress depends heavily on proper
attendance. Missed classes must be made up within 30 days. Veronica can help you select the appropriate class for make-ups. Please indicate “make-up” on the sign-in sheet so you won’t be charged the extra fee for class.
And…PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
Home practice plays a vital role in class advancement. Nothing can be accomplished just
by thinking about it! Each student must take the responsibility to learn techniques properly
and thoroughly by: attending classes regularly, allowing time for personal practice, and
practicing faithfully and sincerely. Veronica expects her students to practice steps five times a week for at least twenty minutes per practice.
All students should have a dance step book (the marble kind with the cardboard cover).
Copies of all the dance steps will be distributed at class
and will be written or stapled directly into the student’s copy book.
Class Attire and Costumes
Proper dress enables the student to participate fully in class and maintain a disciplined
attitude. Street clothes and loose or baggy clothing hinders the teacher’s ability to monitor
body placement and make the appropriate corrections. Proper dress includes, comfortable
shorts, poodle socks, tee shirt, ghillies, and hard shoes; hair tied back; no jeans or jean
shorts. Please put your name on all belongings, ESPECIALLY DANCE SHOES. Beginner
through prizewinner should come with a copy book to write down steps and choreography.
Levels of Dance
Levels for Irish dancers are beginner, advanced beginner, novice, prizewinner (open),
preliminary championship, and open championship. Dancers advance through the levels
according to the NAFC criteria and by Veronica’s criteria. The required placings for each
level vary. Please check with Veronica before advancing to the next level. Keep Veronica
apprised of you or your child’s progression and she will tell you/your child when it is time to
move up. Irish dance technique is not easy to master. It is the only form of ethnic dance depending
solely on natural balance without the use of arms. The steps are generally more
complicated than most forms of traditional or folk dance. Before they can go on to
compete, students must master the basics of Irish dancing known as the “sevens and
threes”. The rigid upper body and intricate footwork make for an interesting contrast which
has been referred to as “the unusual style of the ice of body and fire of feet”. The almost
regimental discipline is rewarded with grace, beauty, and elegance of movement which are
characteristic of Irish dancing. The colorful costumes feature ancient and modern designs
and each dance school has its own.
What if I have a question?
Veronica has an “open door” policy with regard to any questions or concerns. Should you
have any questions about any issue related to the school or dancing, please call Veronica
FIRST as she cannot fully address what is not communicated to her.
Veronica, initially, will select the appropriate class for you or your child based upon the
level of ability of your child. If the student is an adolescent or older, age may be a factor in
that decision. It is strongly recommended that parents drop off their children and pick them up.
If you must stay at the class, please sit in an area away from the instruction area so that the
class is not disrupted. Bring something for siblings to do who do not dance, and please
make sure they are under your supervision at all times. Please drop off/pick up your child
IN the building if they are under age 12; do not ask them wait outside of the building for
you. If you have a question for Veronica or her assistant, please e-mail them your questions. In
this way, time will not be taken away from the students in your child’s class or the next
class. You may also leave a note with your name, dancer’s name, your message, and
when you can be reached. Students should arrive ten minutes ahead of time to change their shoes, stretch and prepare to work.
Veronica expects all of her students to be polite and attentive to others and respect the property at the dance sites.
Veronica also expects dancers to keep talking to a minimum during class. Please eat before arriving at the studio or after being dismissed. No food, beverage, or gum will be permitted in the classroom; however we do encourage our students to bring water to stay well hydrated.
Never leave the classroom until class is dismissed or without your teacher’s permission. If you need to use the restroom, you must ask your teacher for dismissal.
Do not miss class unless absolutely necessary; progress depends heavily on proper
attendance. Missed classes must be made up within 30 days. Veronica can help you select the appropriate class for make-ups. Please indicate “make-up” on the sign-in sheet so you won’t be charged the extra fee for class.
And…PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
Home practice plays a vital role in class advancement. Nothing can be accomplished just
by thinking about it! Each student must take the responsibility to learn techniques properly
and thoroughly by: attending classes regularly, allowing time for personal practice, and
practicing faithfully and sincerely. Veronica expects her students to practice steps five times a week for at least twenty minutes per practice.
All students should have a dance step book (the marble kind with the cardboard cover).
Copies of all the dance steps will be distributed at class
and will be written or stapled directly into the student’s copy book.
Class Attire and Costumes
Proper dress enables the student to participate fully in class and maintain a disciplined
attitude. Street clothes and loose or baggy clothing hinders the teacher’s ability to monitor
body placement and make the appropriate corrections. Proper dress includes, comfortable
shorts, poodle socks, tee shirt, ghillies, and hard shoes; hair tied back; no jeans or jean
shorts. Please put your name on all belongings, ESPECIALLY DANCE SHOES. Beginner
through prizewinner should come with a copy book to write down steps and choreography.
Levels of Dance
Levels for Irish dancers are beginner, advanced beginner, novice, prizewinner (open),
preliminary championship, and open championship. Dancers advance through the levels
according to the NAFC criteria and by Veronica’s criteria. The required placings for each
level vary. Please check with Veronica before advancing to the next level. Keep Veronica
apprised of you or your child’s progression and she will tell you/your child when it is time to
move up. Irish dance technique is not easy to master. It is the only form of ethnic dance depending
solely on natural balance without the use of arms. The steps are generally more
complicated than most forms of traditional or folk dance. Before they can go on to
compete, students must master the basics of Irish dancing known as the “sevens and
threes”. The rigid upper body and intricate footwork make for an interesting contrast which
has been referred to as “the unusual style of the ice of body and fire of feet”. The almost
regimental discipline is rewarded with grace, beauty, and elegance of movement which are
characteristic of Irish dancing. The colorful costumes feature ancient and modern designs
and each dance school has its own.
What if I have a question?
Veronica has an “open door” policy with regard to any questions or concerns. Should you
have any questions about any issue related to the school or dancing, please call Veronica
FIRST as she cannot fully address what is not communicated to her.