Cabe Academy Irish Dancing School, Dublin
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS IRISH DANCING?
Irish Dance is a performance art, generally consisting of choreographed pieces of movement. It originated in Ireland around the 16th and 17th centuries. Traditionally danced with hands by the side, modern day Irish dance can be performed encompassing the whole body. Some of the biggest stage shows of all time are Irish dance shows, i.e. Lord of the Dance and Riverdance.
Do I need experience?
No. We cater for complete beginners.
DO YOU CATER FOR ADULTS?
At present, we are not running any adult classes.
When Can I start?
You may join anytime throughout a term and fees will be pro-rated.
How much does it cost?
Fees vary slightly depending on class location and level. So please fill out an enrolment form for more information.
How do I pay term fees?
When you come drop your son or daughter off, please have the money ready in an envelope with your child's name and the classes they attend on the front. That way when you give it to one of the teachers, we are easily able to mark it in our books that you have paid for the term!
If I have to Miss a class, can i take that money out of my term fees?
Unfortunately, you would still have to pay the full amount for the term if you have to miss a class. Only in the cases of serious illness or injury with a doctor's note can we allow for a lower term fee. You would be able to make up the class at a later date by coordinating with a teacher beforehand!
What do i need for my first class?
All that's needed is sports wear. So that's tracksuit bottoms or leggings, and trainers or runners. No dresses please. Pumps aren't necessary when first coming to class, but are highly recommended after the first few weeks. A bottle of water is also necessary as student's will be dancing around a lot and this is thirsty work.
Lastly, parents or guardians must fill out a short registration form with contact details on it.
Lastly, parents or guardians must fill out a short registration form with contact details on it.
Should i bring any food or drink to dance class?
We ask that you only bring water (and lots of it!) to classes. That is the best way to stay hydrated during a dance class! There is no food or drink allowed in the studio (besides water) in order to keep the space clean.
Where can I buy irish dancing shoes?
Irish dancing shoes can be bought at Savvy Schools around the corner from Roselawn Shopping Centre in Dublin 15. The lady there will fit you for the perfect dance shoe.
What is a feis?
A feis (or feiseanna plural) is an Irish dancing competition. They are a great way to progress in your dancing and really aren't as scary as they are made out on the TV. Beginner feiseanna especially, are really enjoyable and good spirited.
Do I have to go to a feis?
No. We believe every student must choose their own path in Irish Dance. There is no obligation to partake in feiseanna.
What are irish dancing grades?
Grade exams are a great way to progress through Irish dance, in a structured way, working towards an achievable goal. They are similar to piano or ballet grades. Grade exams are an important part of progression whether the student is dancing purely for recreation, health & fitness, competition or pursuing a career in Irish dancing.
There are 12 grades, each one becoming increasingly difficult. As we are a registered Academy with CLRG (AN COIMISIÚN LE RINCÍ GAELACHA) all our grades are awarded by an official examiner through CLRG. Upon completion of the 12 grades, students are awarded a diploma of Irish dance from An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, the internationally recognised governing body of Irish Dance. Candidates are individually assessed by an examiner from An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha and are given a detailed written report on their knowledge and skill of the exam being attempted. Throughout the exams, students must demonstrate proficiency in Solo Dance, Ceili Dance, Music and Irish Language.
The 12 grades must be completed to be eligible to apply for the Teagascóir Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha Exam (TCRG exam). This is the teaching qualification required to teach Irish Dance.
Although many schools are focused solely on competition. At Cabe Academy, grade examinations are compulsory. All students at Cabe Academy must work towards their grade exams, as we believe it is so important for our students to be able to achieve a diploma in Irish Dance and a teaching qualification, that they can use anywhere in the world.
There are 12 grades, each one becoming increasingly difficult. As we are a registered Academy with CLRG (AN COIMISIÚN LE RINCÍ GAELACHA) all our grades are awarded by an official examiner through CLRG. Upon completion of the 12 grades, students are awarded a diploma of Irish dance from An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, the internationally recognised governing body of Irish Dance. Candidates are individually assessed by an examiner from An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha and are given a detailed written report on their knowledge and skill of the exam being attempted. Throughout the exams, students must demonstrate proficiency in Solo Dance, Ceili Dance, Music and Irish Language.
The 12 grades must be completed to be eligible to apply for the Teagascóir Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha Exam (TCRG exam). This is the teaching qualification required to teach Irish Dance.
Although many schools are focused solely on competition. At Cabe Academy, grade examinations are compulsory. All students at Cabe Academy must work towards their grade exams, as we believe it is so important for our students to be able to achieve a diploma in Irish Dance and a teaching qualification, that they can use anywhere in the world.
Will I be allowed into Class if i am late?
Of course! We understand these things happen - we just ask that you put your shoes on in the car or outside the studio, so class disruption is kept to a minimum.
Why Can't i wear street shoes in the studio?
As dancers, we do have to sit on the ground to stretch and do exercises. By keeping the street shoes out of the studio, we are trying to keep the dance floor as clean as possible for when we do have to sit down or put our hands on the floor. Also, it just helps to preserve the floor as long as possible!
Can i record my child when they are in class?
For safety reasons, we ask that you please refrain from filming your child while class is in session. This is to avoid any accidents that might happen from distracted kids. Also, some parents might not be comfortable having their child on camera.
