2026-27 STUDIO YEAR - SYLLABUS
Dear Milwaukee Irish Dance Community:
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We are delighted to welcome dancers back for the 2026-27 Studio Year! We have an exciting year in store. Classes begin Saturday, September 12th. Please carefully read over this year’s syllabus, which serves as a blueprint for studio policies and includes important info related to our schedule, class levels and studio / tuition terms.
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STUDIO INFO:
Our studio is located in Shorewood right off of Oakland Ave. Our entrance is located between
the Select Properties Office and European Food & Gifts. We are down the hallway to the left.
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Sláinte (In health!) from all of the Milwaukee Teaching Team:
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Elyse Transon, ADCRG + Creative Director / Owner
Kendal Griffler, TCRG + Studio Manager
Amanda Krasowski, TCRG + Adult Programs Director
Molly Schmitt, Instructor + Early Childhood Programs Director
Celeste Keyes, Instructor + Performance Coordinator
Cara Connors, Costume + Competition Coordinator
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1) Weekly Studio / Class Schedule
3) Studio Access Info (Directions, Bathroom Entry, Parking)
4) Class / Level Guide - Youth Programs
5) Class / Level Guide - Adult Programs
6) Additional Classes (Workshops, Drop-In Classes, and more)
7) Membership Upgrade: Studio Pass
(1). WEEKLY STUDIO / CLASS SCHEDULE
Note: schedule + dates are subject to change
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Monday
5:00 - 6:55pm Intermediate II
6:00 - 7:55pm Pre-Champ
7:00 - 8:25pm Champ: Soft Shoe Focus
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Tuesday
5:30 - 6:25pm Beginner Adult*
6:30 - 7:25pm All Levels Adult Technique
7:30 - 8:25pm Adult Ceili + Conditioning Class
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Wednesday
5:00 - 5:55pm Junior Company
6:00 - 6:55pm Open Studio**
7:00 - 7:55pm Company Class
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Thursday
6:00 - 7:25pm Champ: Hard Shoe Focus
7:30 - 8:55pm Advanced Adult + Adult Champ
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Saturday
9:15 - 9:45am Kid + Kin*
10:00 - 10:30am Shamrock I
10:45 - 11:30am Shamrock II
12:00 - 12:55pm Beginner I
1:00 - 1:55pm Beginner II
2:00 - 3:25pm Intermediate I
Sunday
2:00 - 2:55pm Champ + Advanced Adult: Modern Set
3:00 - 3:55pm All Ages: Trad Set
4:00 - 4:55pm Intermediate Adult
*denotes our intro class options which are set up as short sessions offered throughout the year.
**denotes a drop in class.
View schedule + book classes a www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/classes
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(2). IMPORTANT DATES
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SEPTEMBER 12 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
SEPTEMBER 12-18 BRING A FRIEND WEEK
for youth beginner - intermediate dancers
SEPTEMBER 26 MILWAUKEE FEIS
This is a dance competition put on by all the local Milwaukee area Irish dance schools. In order to make this event happen all dancers + families are expected to participate and volunteer.
OCTOBER 25-31 HALLOWEEN SPIRIT WEEK
NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30THANKSGIVING BREAK: STUDIO CLOSED & NO CLASSES HELD
NOVEMBER 27-29 MID AMERICA OIREACHTAS
Our regional Irish dance championships. This year will be held in Milwaukee, WI.
DECEMBER 21 - JANUARY 3 WINTER BREAK: STUDIO CLOSED & NO CLASSES HELD
MARCH 1-31 SAINT PATRICK'S DAY SEASON
We are booked and busy around the holiday - be prepared for performance opportunities & schedule changes.
MARCH 12 COMMUNITY OUTREACH DAY
Take the day off of work / school and perform all over town with us.
MARCH 13 SAINT PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
MARCH 29 - APRIL 4 SPRING BREAK: STUDIO CLOSED & NO CLASSES HELD
MARCH / APRIL TBD WORLD IRISH DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
This year will be held in Belfast, Ireland.
MAY 28-31MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: STUDIO CLOSED & NO CLASSES HELD
MAY OR JUNE TBD SPRING SHOWCASE
JUNE TBD CLASS FEIS + MOCK NAIDC
JUNE 24 LAST DAY OF CLASSES FOR THE 2026-27 STUDIO YEAR
Sign up for our Summer Camps and Irish Fest Prep classes for July + August.
JULY TBD NORTH AMERICAN IRISH DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
This year will be held in Calgary, Alberta.
AUGUST 19-22 MILWAUKEE IRISH FEST
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(3). IMPORTANT ACCESS NOTES
Parking and directions:
Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio is located in Shorewood. The entrance to our studio is located between the European Food & Gifts store and the Select Property Group LLC’s leasing office. Once you enter the door, our studio is at the end of the hallway to the left.
MILWAUKEE IRISH DANCE STUDIO
3555b N Oakland Ave
Shorewood, WI 53211
Parking:
Take advantage of the free 2 hour street parking that is available or you may use any of the 4 surrounding parking lots that are owned by the Village of Shorewood located on the cross streets of Oakland Ave.
Drop Off:
Walk your dancer into the studio. We do not allow parents or family members inside the studio while classes are in session. However, you are welcome to observe class from the hallway.
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Pick Up:
All students (under 18 years of age) must be picked up promptly on time by a parent or guardian. A parent (or guardian) must be physically at the interior studio door to pick up their child. We cannot provide supervision after class finishes. Parents who are late for pick up are subject to a supervision late fee (at the hourly rate of a private lesson).
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IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS:
Our bathroom doors are locked. We share this bathroom with the other businesses in the building. You will need a key from the studio to open the bathroom doors. The door will automatically lock behind you! Make sure you do not lock the key inside the bathroom; the key must be returned to its designated spot in the studio and should not leave the premises.
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Bring a water bottle! We have a water jug to refill bottles. If you would like a water bottle, your account will be charged $2.
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(4). YOUTH PROGRAM
Progress / Class Track
Our Studio Progression Track follows the Irish Dance competitive track (keeping in mind that competing at Milwaukee Irish Dance is always optional!). The following class levels are the “core" Milwaukee Irish Dance Youth Program, of which students attend regular classes and register for according to their appropriate level and are subject to teacher discretion. Certain achievements for both recreational + competitive dancers are made in order to advance levels and dancers do not automatically advance levels every year. Please read class descriptions and of course please let us know if you have any questions about appropriate class placement.
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KID + KIN
SHAMROCK I
SHAMROCK II
BEGINNER I
INTERMEDIATE I
INTERMEDIATE II
PRE-CHAMP PROGRAM
CHAMPION PROGRAM
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Competitive Levels do not necessarily correlate with Class Levels. For example, a dancer in “Advanced Beginner Class” still needs to compete and place at “Beginner Level” at feiseanna in order to move up into the next level.
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STEP PORTAL: Dancers are encouraged to utilize the Dancer Step Portal that can be found on our Community Page. This is a password-secured resource provided as a privilege to our fully enrolled students to assist with at-home practice, geared for beginner / intermediate level dancers. This does not substitute in-studio instruction and does not include individual adjustments for steps. All of our steps and teaching resources are property of Milwaukee Irish Dance. Do not share any of this content without permission.
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PERFORMANCE: We offer JUNIOR COMPANY for our Intermediate, Pre-Champ + Champ level dancers as add-on classes, in order to learn a variety of show choreography & performance skills, with special opportunities to perform throughout the year!
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ALL DANCERS will have an opportunity to showcase for parents & families what they have learned throughout the year at our Spring Showcase as well as the annual Milwaukee Irish Dance Class Feis (both are held in the Spring and are optional, but encouraged).
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR COMPETITION REGISTRATION: For a list of upcoming feiseanna, please check the events page on our website or app. It is up to each dancer to ensure their competition registration / level is up to date.
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MAJORS REGISTRATION: It is especially important that all dancer’s info is correct for when we put in Majors registration (which is always put through by a TCRG). Note also that fees for practices will automatically be added to the registration total and posted to student accounts (see fee breakdown in the majors category below). There will also be an admin / teacher expense offset fee ($75) added to each dancer’s registration total for each Major.
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CHOREOGRAPHY + CLASS PLACEMENT: The teaching team spends a considerable amount of time developing choreography and planning classes. Milwaukee Irish Dance TCRGs have final say about all choreography, including which material will be taught / competed / performed. We carefully evaluate each dancers’ progress continually throughout the year and make class placement decisions on an individualized basis in order to best promote each dancers’ growth. All dancers / families are asked to respect these carefully made decisions made related to material and class placement. If you have questions about a dancer’s placement in class or choice for choreography, please ask rather than assume.
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KID + KIN
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SHORT SESSIONS: 9/12 - 10/17, 11/7 - 12/19 *no class 11/28*, 1/23 - 2/27, 4/10 - 5/15
Saturdays 9:15-9:45 am
Program Cost: $95 for each short session
Age 2-3 with a guardian
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Come explore movement and rhythm through Irish music, engaging movement and dance activities, and exciting themes in a joyful and nurturing environment! Our youngest dancers will work on physical skills like balance and coordination, language skills, and social-emotional growth. This class is for children to enjoy with their guardian. Dancers and their guardians are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and gym shoes that they can easily move around in.
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SHAMROCK I
Half Year Programs: Fall (Sept-Jan) and Spring (Feb-June)
Saturdays 10:00-10:30 am (30-minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $55/monthly
Age 3-4
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Previously called Tiny Dancers, this class is for dancers ages 3-4. Little dancers will have so much fun learning the jig, Irish dance technique, and playing creative movement activities! Each class is carefully designed to help dancers develop balance, coordination, rhythm, and important cognitive and social-emotional skills.
Dancers should wear black ballet slippers and clothes that they can move comfortably in.
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SHAMROCK II
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Half Year Programs: Fall (Sept-Jan) and Spring (Feb-June)
Saturdays 10:45-11:30 am (45-minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $65/monthly
Age 4-5, continuing Shamrock I can be placed here with teacher approval
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Previously called Preschool Irish Dance, this class is for dancers ages 4-5 or continuing Shamrock I dancers with teacher approval.
Dancers will love learning the jig, developing their technique, skipping, and so much more in a nurturing, structured, and joyful environment. Classes are carefully designed to develop balance, coordination, rhythm, and important cognitive and social-emotional skills in young children.
Dancers should wear black ballet slippers and clothes that they can move comfortably in.
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BEGINNER I
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Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Saturdays, 12:00-12:55 pm (55-minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $75/monthly
Age 6+, continuing Shamrock II can be placed here with teacher approval
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Dancers will build a strong foundation and love for Irish dance as they learn the jig, grow their confidence, and develop rhythm and their ability to count with Irish music! Dancers will have fun and play skillbuilding games while learning the importance of technique, teamwork, and tradition in each class.
Dancers should wear black ballet slippers and white socks, black shorts, and a black top that they can move comfortably in. Dancers will have the opportunity to be fitted for soft shoes and poodle socks in class.
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BEGINNER II
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Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Saturdays, 1:00-1:55 pm (55-minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $75/monthly
Age 6+, continuing Beginner I can be placed here with teacher approval
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Beginner II is open to dancers who have completed one full year of Beginner I classes or for those who are ready for more challenging material with teacher approval. Dancers will grow their Irish dance skills, work on setting goals, and increase their self-confidence in this year-long session. Dancers will be introduced to the reel and slip jig while continuing to build a strong foundation and love for Irish dance rooted in technique, teamwork, and tradition.
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Dancers should wear soft shoes and poodle socks, black shorts, and a black top that they can move comfortably in. Dancers will have the opportunity to earn their hard shoes during this session!
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Dancers in this level are eligible for a Studio Pass - a $25 / month membership upgrade that includes many perks including Open Studio (a teacher supervised class where students can work on their own material alongside other dancers), 10% off of private lessons and free studio rentals.
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Prerequisite: Beginner Level, 1+ year experience
Shoes Required: Soft Shoes
Material Covered: Reel, Light Jig + Basic Slip Jig
Competitive Level: Competing at Beginner & Advanced Beginner Level (optional)
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INTERMEDIATE I
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Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Saturdays, 2:00-3:25 pm (85-minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $95/monthly
Teacher approval
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Intermediate I is open to dancers who have completed one full year of Beginner II classes or for those who are ready for more challenging material with teacher approval. Dancers will grow their Irish dance skills, work on setting goals, and increase their self-confidence in this year-long session. Dancers will be introduced to the slip jig, hornpipe & treble jig while continuing to build a strong foundation and love for Irish dance rooted in technique, teamwork, and tradition.
Intermediate dancers are eligible to sign up for JUNIOR COMPANY held on Wednesdays at 5pm, in order to learn performance skills and participate in special guest performance opportunities throughout the year!
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Dancers should wear Irish dance shoes and poodle socks, black shorts, and a black top that they can move comfortably in.
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Dancers in this level are eligible for a Studio Pass - a $25 / month membership upgrade that includes many perks including Open Studio (a teacher supervised class where students can work on their own material alongside other dancers), 10% off of private lessons and free studio rentals.
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Prerequisite: Beginner II, 2+ year experience
Shoes Required: Soft Shoes and Hard Shoe
Material Covered: Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig, Hornpipe, Treble Jig
Competitive Level: Competing at Advanced Beginner & Novice Level (optional)
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INTERMEDIATE II
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Mondays, 5:00-6:55pm (115-minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $125/month
Teacher approval
This class is for dancers who have completed at least two years of Irish dance at our studio, have mastered basic soft shoe reels, light jigs and slip jigs, are working on fast-speed hard shoe dances (treble jig & hornpipe), and are ready to transition to learning more challenging material!
Intermediate dancers are eligible to sign up for JUNIOR COMPANY held on Wednesdays at 5pm, in order to learn performance skills and participate in special guest performance opportunities throughout the year!
Dancers in this level are eligible for a Studio Pass - a $25 / month membership upgrade that includes many perks including Open Studio (a teacher supervised class where students can work on their own material alongside other dancers), 10% off of private lessons and free studio rentals.
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Prerequisite: Beginner & Advanced Beginner level, at least 2 years experience
Shoes Required: Soft Shoes and Hard Shoes required
Material Covered: All Beginner 1 & 2 soft steps + advancing hard shoe skills (fast TJ + Hornpipe steps)
Competitive Level: Competing in either Advanced Beginner or Novice
PRE-CHAMP PROGRAM
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Mondays, 6:00-7:55 pm (115-minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $125/month
Teacher approval
Dancers in our Pre-Champ Program are up for a challenge and are ready to increase their knowledge of complex Irish dance steps, rhythm, footwork and fun new soft shoe material! This program is advanced and fast-paced.
Pre-Champ Program dancers are invited to join the JUNIOR COMPANY held Wednesdays at 5pm, in order to learn show choreography & performance skills, with special opportunities to perform throughout the year!
Dancers in this level are eligible for a Studio Pass - a $25 / month membership upgrade that includes many perks including Open Studio (a teacher supervised class where students can work on their own material alongside other dancers), 10% off of private lessons and free studio rentals.
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Prerequisite: 3+ years experience, teacher approval required
Competitive Level: Novice + Prizewinner
CHAMPION PROGRAM
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Mondays: Soft Shoe 7:00-8:25pm, Thursdays: Hard Shoe 6:00 - 7:25pm, Sundays: Sets 2:00 - 2:55pm (225-minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $195/month
Teacher approval
Our Champion Program is designed for experienced dancers who are ready to fine tune their high degree of skill! This program is intended for dancers currently competing in Open Championship, as well as Prizewinner and PC dancers who have qualified for the Oireachtas. Each class challenges dancers both artistically and athletically while supporting competitive goals and individual growth.
Champion Program dancers are invited to join the JUNIOR COMPANY held on Wednesdays at 5pm, in order to learn performance skills and participate in special guest performance opportunities throughout the year!
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NEW this year! We’ve expanded the Champion Program to include an additional weekly class day for even more focused training time. Mondays will now focus exclusively on soft shoe, Thursdays exclusively on hard shoe, and Sundays will be dedicated entirely to set dance training.
Dancers in this level are eligible for a Studio Pass - a $25 / month membership upgrade that includes many perks including Open Studio (a teacher supervised class where students can work on their own material alongside other dancers), 10% off of private lessons and free studio rentals.
Prerequisite: 4+ years experience, teacher approval required
Competitive Level: Oireachtas bound PC + OC Dancers
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MODERN SET (ADD-ON)
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Sundays 2:00 - 2:55pm
Program Cost: $55 /mo (add on)
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Designed for dancers enrolled in our Champ and Advanced Adult programs, this class focuses exclusively on modern set dances. Dancers will refine rhythm, timing, musicality, and all the technical details that make a difference on the competition stage. Competitive dancers are expected to enroll in this class as part of their regular training program.
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Prerequisite: This class is for dancers enrolled in the Champ & Advanced Adult Classes.
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TRAD SET (ADD-ON)
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Sundays 3:00 - 3:55pm
Program Cost: $55 /mo (add on)
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Traditional Set dances have standardized choreography performed the same way by dancers around the world, making them a unique part of Irish dance heritage. This class is designed for dancers competing in Trad Set - either as a standalone event or as their third round of competition - as well as those interested in learning and exploring these dances. The primary focus will be St. Patrick's Day, including both the Original and Molyneaux versions. If time and the competitive season allow, additional Trad Sets may also be introduced.
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Prerequisite: This class is for dancers enrolled in Intermediate II, Pre-Champ, Intermediate & Advanced Adult Classes.
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JUNIOR COMPANY (ADD-ON)
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Wednesdays 5:00 - 5:55pm
Program Cost: $55 /mo (add on)
Open to youth Intermediate, Pre-Champ + Champ dancers, or with teacher approval, Junior Company is our elite performance company class which prepares dancers for the many shows during the St. Patrick’s Day season (and beyond!). The class will teach fun and challenging choreography in an encouraging, non-competitive setting. Ceili / team dances may also taught in this class.
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Intermediate, Pre-Champ or Champ Program or have teacher approval.
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(5). ADULT PROGRAM
We are thrilled to introduce our Adult Class offerings this year, in order to keep up with our talented and committed group of adult dancers! In addition to our weekly classes, our adult dancers are eligible to upgrade to a Studio Pass - an inclusive option that allows you to completely ditch your gym membership - we have all of your fitness + dance needs covered!
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BEGINNER ADULT
SHORT SESSIONS: 9/15 - 10/20, 11/3 - 12/15 (no class 11/24), 1/19 - 2/23, 4/6 - 5/11, 5/18 - 6/22
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:25 pm
Program Cost: $85 for each short session
Irish dance is for all ages! Our Beginner Adults class is a great introduction to Irish dancing for adults of any age. This class will teach you the fundamentals of Irish dance while preparing you for the next level of classes.
Prerequisite: No experience required.
Shoes Required: Soft Shoes / Hard Shoes -or- Clean Tennis Shoes
Material Covered: Basic Reel, Basic Light Jig, Basic Drills/Moves (Hop 123s, Points, 7s, Over 2-3s), Basic Rhythms, St. Patrick's Day
INTERMEDIATE ADULT
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Sundays 4:00-4:55pm
Program Cost: $65 /mo
Designed for adults who have completed at least two 6‑week introductory courses or who already have some Irish dance experience - our Intermediate class offers the perfect next step in your Irish dance journey. This class will focus on learning both soft and hard shoe steps that can be used in competition - or for fun!
Dancers in this level are eligible for a Studio Pass - a $25 / month membership upgrade that includes many perks including Open Studio (a teacher supervised class where students can work on their own material alongside other dancers), 10% off of private lessons, 10% off of Jigs & Swigs® classes and free studio rentals.
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Prerequisite: two 6-week Beginner class -or- prior Irish dance experience
Competitive Level: All Levels / Optional
Material Taught: All Beginner 1 & 2 soft steps + advancing hard shoe skills (fast TJ + Hornpipe steps)
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ALL LEVEL ADULT TECHNIQUE + CONDITIONING
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Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Tuesdays 6:30-7:25pm
Program Cost: $65 /mo
Our Adults All Levels class is perfect for anyone looking to improve their Irish dance technique and overall fitness. This class focuses on refining the fundamentals that make great dancers at every level - think turnout, crossing, toe height, foot placement, etc. while building strength and stamina.
Students who have completed two of our 6-week adult Introductory courses may enroll with instructor approval.
Dancers in this level are eligible for a Studio Pass - a $25 / month membership upgrade that includes many perks including Open Studio (a teacher supervised class where students can work on their own material alongside other dancers), 10% off of private lessons, 10% off of Jigs & Swigs® classes and free studio rentals.
Prerequisite: two 6-week Beginner class -or- prior Irish dance experience
Competitive Level: All Levels / Optional
Material Taught: Foundational Soft + Hard Shoe Skills
ADULT CHAMP
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Thursdays 7:30-8:55pm (85- minute weekly class)
Program Cost: $95 /mo
Geared for intermediate & up adults with prior knowledge of Irish dance who would like to be challenged to learn steps in a fast paced format, this class will support competitive pursuits while promoting a fun environment for adult students. Dancers will work on all material required to compete at major championships in the Adult Champ category.
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Dancers in this level are eligible for a Studio Pass - a membership upgrade that includes many perks including Open Studio (a teacher supervised class where students can work on their own material alongside other dancers), 10% off of private lessons, 10% off of Jigs & Swigs® classes and free studio rentals.
Prerequisite: Prior experience required - new students contact us.
Competitive Level: Nov/PW
Material Taught: Oireachtas-Bound Soft Shoe / Slow Speed Hard Shoe Solo Steps
Dancers at this level planning on competing should also be enrolled in Sunday Set Classes (either trad or modern).
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MODERN SET (ADD-ON)
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Sundays 2:00 - 2:55pm
Program Cost: $55 /mo (add on)
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Designed for dancers enrolled in our Champ and Advanced Adult programs, this class focuses exclusively on modern set dances. Dancers will refine rhythm, timing, musicality, and all the technical details that make a difference on the competition stage. Competitive dancers are expected to enroll in this class as part of their regular training program.
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Prerequisite: This class is for dancers enrolled in the Champ & Advanced Adult Classes.
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TRAD SET (ADD-ON)
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Sundays 3:00 - 3:55pm
Program Cost: $55 /mo (add on)
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Traditional Set dances have standardized choreography performed the same way by dancers around the world, making them a unique part of Irish dance heritage. This class is designed for dancers competing in Trad Set - either as a standalone event or as their third round of competition - as well as those interested in learning and exploring these dances. The primary focus will be St. Patrick's Day, including both the Original and Molyneaux versions. If time and the competitive season allow, additional Trad Sets may also be introduced.
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Prerequisite: This class is for dancers enrolled in Intermediate II, Pre-Champ, Intermediate & Advanced Adult Classes.
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Ceili + Conditioning: 4-Hand Teams (ADD-ON)
Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)
Tuesdays 7:30 - 8:25pm
Program Cost: $55 /mo (add on)
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This class is for dancers who are part of our 4-Hand Teams.
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Prerequisite: This class is invite only for dancers enrolled in Intermediate II & Advanced Adult Classes. Reach out to your teacher if you are interested in being added into this class.
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MILWAUKEE IRISH DANCE COMPANY
Runs full calendar year
Wednesdays starting at 7:00pm
Become an MIDC MEMBER for only $200 /year
Milwaukee Irish Dance Company teaches show style Irish Dance choreography for adult Irish dancers who are interested in performing. MIDC MEMBERS are expected to be at each rehearsal, sign up for performances and attend studio events.
learn more at www.milwaukeeirishdancecompany.com
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Prerequisite: Prior Irish dance experience
MIDC Membership is limited to 20 dancers per season, please reach out to see if there is room to join!
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(6). DROP-IN CLASSES / WORKSHOPS / ETC.
DROP-IN CLASSES
As a complement to our Studio Program, we offer the following drop-in classes, many of which are open to all ages and levels. Be sure to register beforehand as spots do fill up!
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Open Studio
Wednesdays at 6:00pm
Drop-in, no commitment. $20 / class -or- included with a Studio Pass.
Open Studio enables dancers to utilize the studio to practice their steps, gain tips from other classmates and have fun dancing together! These guided practice sessions will include a group warm-up and cool down, and will be supervised by an experienced teacher or advanced student. Must be enrolled in a Studio Program class to attend.
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Jigs & Swigs: The Irish Dance Workout®
Be sure to check out our Jigs & Swigs® classes held at unique venues throughout the Milwaukee area! Visit www.jigsandswigs.com for more information.
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GUEST INSTRUCTORS / WORKSHOPS
At Milwaukee Irish Dance, we believe in collaboration and community which is why we love to bring in special guests and workshop teachers. In the past we’ve hosted:
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Morgan Bullock - Tik Tok sensation, featured dancer on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour, current touring Riverdance cast member
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Lauren Smyth - former Riverdance lead, famous for her Festival style Irish dance
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Tyler Schwartz - former World Champion and world famous show dancer
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Ciara Sexton - 5X World Champion and former lead in both Riverdance and Lord of the Dance - including the Lord of the Dance 3D Film
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Tess McGovern - holds a degree from the University of Limerick in Irish music and dance and currently teaches at Irish Dance Arabia in Qatar
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Kendal Griffler - touring show dancer in multiple productions - she currently resides in Washington DC where she is an on site studio manager for our sister school District Irish Dance.
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Joe Duffey - former cast member of both Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, co-founder of Jigs & Swigs® & choreographer for Dublin Irish Dance along with Miss Elyse AND owner of our sister school District Irish Dance in Washington D.C.
Guest Workshops will pop up from time to time. They will be announced via email and our social media. Take advantage of these opportunities!
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EXTRA PRACTICES
Throughout the year, extra practices may be announced to prepare dancers for upcoming Majors or exclusive performances. Typically extra practices will be held on Friday evenings or on Sundays. Dancers invited to events that require extra practices are expected to prioritize these practices, especially when working with a multi-person choreography or ceili teams where other dancers are relying on you to be there!
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PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are a great way for dancers to get one-on-one attention to fine tune their dancing and keep accountable to their goals. The ability to attend private lessons is a privilege and dancers should come to their lesson prepared with goals in mind.
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To book a private lesson, please reach out to your teacher(s) to confirm their availability. Once you have set a time, visit www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/classes and choose the category ‘studio rentals + private lessons’ to book online. This will block out the studio for you. If you have any questions, or to request a different time, please e-mail your teacher or info@milwaukeeirishdance.com. All private lessons must be processed & approved by Milwaukee Irish Dance. Lessons must end at their scheduled end time and are held at the studio.
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RATES:
Single dancer: $55 for a one hour lesson
Share lesson (two or more dancers): $30 per student for a one hour lesson
A $30 deposit is required to reserve all private lessons. Lessons may be rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice. Deposits for cancellations or reschedules made with less than 24 hours notice will be forfeited.
STUDIO RENTALS
The studio is available to be used for individual practice time, special events, classes, parties and other activities at the rate of $25 per hour. Rentals are non-refundable.
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Studio Pass Members may reserve studio time free of charge for their own use only. If anyone uses the studio during that time who does not hold a Studio Pass, the rental must be paid at the standard rate. Studio Pass privileges may not be shared or transferred. If you reserve the studio as a Studio Pass Member and are unable to use your time, please let us know right away so we can open the space for someone else.
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Reserve your rental time here: www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/studio-rentals
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(7). MEMBERSHIP UPGRADE: STUDIO PASS
Upgrade your membership with our Studio Pass!
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2025-26 STUDIO PASS
additional $25 / mo
Commitment: full studio year (Sept - June)
**Does not include extra workshops, majors practices or special events**
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•10% discount on private lessons
•10% discount on Jigs & Swigs® events
•unlimited free studio rentals (when available) value: $25/ hour
•unlimited Open Studio (must sign up beforehand) value: $20/class
The Studio Pass upgrade is available to youth dancers enrolled in Beginner, Intermediate, Pre-Champ or Champ classes and to adult dancers enrolled in Intermediate, All Levels or Advanced Adult.
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(8). COMMUNICATIONS + STUDIO RULES
Important - Please Review!
COMMUNICATIONS:
General questions/ inquires should be addressed to info@milwaukeeirishdance.com
Each teacher can be individually reached through email:
-elyse@milwaukeeirishdance.com
-kendal@milwaukeeirishdance.com
-amanda@milwaukeeirishdance.com
-molly@milwaukeeirishdance.com
-celeste@milwaukeeirishdance.com
-cara@milwaukeeirishdance.com
Our business phone number is: 414-441-4459.
We also accept texts to this number during normal business hours.
Studio news, class details, cancellations and other important information will be relayed through:
Our Community Page: www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/community - to join the page you will simply need to create a login or use your Facebook / Google account to login. Here you will find upcoming events, sign ups for shows, faqs and more! Please request to join the Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio Group on that page to chat with other dancers / families.
The Monthly Newsletter: each month we send out ‘Milwaukee Irish Dance Monthly’ which will have a recap of special events and activities for the coming month.
Class-Specific Communications: we will periodically send out class-specific communications to our class rosters.
Please check your spam since these emails may sometimes get lost!
Ensure all emails from info@milwaukeeirishdance.com and admin@milwaukeeirishdance.com are saved as contacts.
Everything on our website can also be found conveniently on our app - please download it onto your phone so you can easily access our studio information! Simply go to www.milwaukeeirishdance.com while on your mobile device and you’ll be prompted to download it!
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INCLEMENT WEATHER
We generally follow the Shorewood School District closures regarding inclement weather. Any cancellations will be posted promptly on our app, social media and affected classes will be notified via email. Please note, monthly payments do not reflect the amount of classes per month, but rather are based on an average of 34 weeks of classes per year (September - June). This factors in time off for cancellations due to inclement weather. The most up-to-date class schedule and closure information can always be found on our online calendar at www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/calendar.
GENERAL STUDIO / CLASS RULES
-Arrive to class on time - Students who are late for class MUST warm-up prior to beginning to dance.
-No tree nuts in the studio!
-No street shoes on the studio floor.
-Approved footwear must be worn at all times when dancing; dancers are not permitted to be barefoot or only wear socks, unless per direction of the teacher or the nature of a performance piece. This is for the dancers safety as well as injury prevention.
-No chewing gum.
-No sitting during class time, unless permitted by a teacher.
-No running inside the studio! Dancers who are disruptive or disrespectful to our facilities will be asked to leave.
-Upon registering, Milwaukee Irish Dance classes & programs, participants (or over 18+ guardian) agree to all membership terms & conditions, including a liability waiver and terms that permit us to photograph, video and share relevant class content of participants on our social media platforms and for marketing purposes.
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SPORTSMANSHIP
Irish dance can often be a competitive endeavor, but it is important to remember that the focus should always be on growth as a dancer, competing against oneself, and having fun. While many Milwaukee Irish Dance students participate in competitions, competitive results are not the sole focus of our studio and no specific results can ever be guaranteed.
Regardless of placements or outcomes, we expect all members of our community to demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie at all times toward teachers, fellow dancers within our studio, and dancers from other schools.
With regard to results and other competitive matters, parents should never independently contact the Irish dance governing bodies (CLRG, IDTANA, or IDTAMA).