Dance Class and Expectations
Eileen and 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, please e-mail your questions as 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.
All students are expected to be polite and attentive to others and respect the property at the dance sites.
Also dancers are expected 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 and a teacher will 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.
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/skirt, 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 the teacher's criteria.
The required placings for each level vary.
Please check with a teacher before advancing to the next level.
Please keep the teachers 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”.
What if I have a question?
Mc-Aleer Paulson has an “open door” policy with regard to any questions or concerns.
Should youhave any questions about any issue related to the school or dancing, please speak directly with a teacher
FIRST as they cannot fully address what is not communicated to them.
Eileen and 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, please e-mail your questions as 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.
All students are expected to be polite and attentive to others and respect the property at the dance sites.
Also dancers are expected 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 and a teacher will 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.
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/skirt, 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 the teacher's criteria.
The required placings for each level vary.
Please check with a teacher before advancing to the next level.
Please keep the teachers 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”.
What if I have a question?
Mc-Aleer Paulson has an “open door” policy with regard to any questions or concerns.
Should youhave any questions about any issue related to the school or dancing, please speak directly with a teacher
FIRST as they cannot fully address what is not communicated to them.
