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2024-25 STUDIO YEAR - SYLLABUS

Dear Milwaukee Irish Dance Community:

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We are delighted to welcome dancers back for the 2024-25 Studio Year! We have an exciting year in store. Classes begin Saturday, September 7th. 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. After listening to valuable input from our dancers and families, we have made some changes to our schedule in order to offer the best class experiences we can.

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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, TCRG, Creative Director / Owner

Kendal Griffler, Studio Manager

Amanda Krasowski, Instructor + Jigs & Swigs® Coordinator 

Molly Schmitt, Instructor + Early Childhood Programs Director 

Celeste Keyes, Instructor + Performance Coordinator

Cara Connors, Costume + Competition Coordinator  

(1). Weekly Studio / Class Schedule

(1). WEEKLY STUDIO / CLASS SCHEDULE

Note: schedule + dates are subject to change

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Monday 

5:00 - 5:55pm  Novice Soft Shoe Focus

6:00 - 6:55pm  Novice + Pre-Champ Hard Shoe Focus

7:00 - 7:55pm  Pre-Champ + Champ Soft Shoe Focus

8:00 - 8:25pm  Champ Set Dance Focus

 

Tuesday

5:30 - 6:25pm  Beginner Adult*

6:30 - 7:25pm  All Levels Adult Technique + Ceili

7:30 - 8:25pm  Open Studio**

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Wednesday

5:15 - 5:55pm  Creative Choreography

6:00 - 6:55pm  Junior Company

7:00 - 7:55pm  Company Class

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Thursday

6:00 - 7:25pm  Champ Hard Shoe Focus

7:30 - 8:25pm  Advanced Adult

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Saturday

9:15 - 9:45am  Kid + Kin*

10:00 - 10:30am  Tiny Dancers*

10:45 - 11:30am  Preschool Irish Dance*

12:00 - 12:55pm  Beginner*

1:00 - 1:55pm  Advanced Beginner

*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
(3). Important Access Notes
(4). Youth Program

(2). IMPORTANT DATES


SEPTEMBER 7-13 BRING A FRIEND WEEK 

This is for Beginner - Novice / Intermediate level dancers only. All friends must register HERE prior to attending class.
 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 MILWAUKEE FEIS 

This is a dance competition put on by all of the local Milwaukee Irish dance studios. In order to make this event happen, all dancers + families are expected to participate and volunteer. 

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NOVEMBER 27- DECEMBER 3  THANKSGIVING BREAK STUDIO CLOSED & NO CLASSES HELD

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NOVEMBER 29- DECEMBER 1 MID-AMERICA OIREACHTAS 

Our regional Irish dance championships. This year will be held in Schaumburg, Illinois. 

DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 4 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 and schedule changes during this time.
 

MARCH 15 SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 

MARCH 17 
COMMUNITY OUTREACH DAY 
Take the day off of school / work and perform with us all over town! 

MARCH 23-29 SPRING BREAK WEEK STUDIO CLOSED & NO CLASSES HELD

 

APRIL 13-APRIL 20 WORLD IRISH DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS held in Dublin, Ireland.
 

MAY TBD MILWAUKEE IRISH DANCE STUDIO SPRING SHOWCASE


MAY 23-26 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND STUDIO CLOSED & NO CLASSES HELD

 

JUNE TBD MILWAUKEE IRISH DANCE STUDIO CLASS FEIS + MOCK NAIDC 


JUNE 22-28 LAST WEEK OF CLASSES FOR THE 2024-25 STUDIO YEAR

Sign up for our Summer Camps and Irish Fest Prep Classes held in July and August!


JULY TBD NORTH AMERICAN IRISH DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS held in Washington, DC.

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AUGUST 14-17 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:

Please walk your dancer to 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. 

 

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: 

You will need a key from the studio to open the bathroom doors. Please knock prior to using the key - we share this bathroom with the other businesses in the building. 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.

 

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

TINY DANCERS

PRESCHOOL

BEGINNER LEVEL

ADVANCED BEGINNER LEVEL

NOVICE / INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

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 (formerly Performance Troupe) for our Pre-Champ + Champ level dancers and CREATIVE CHOREOGRAPHY for our Beginner - Novice 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

 

SHORT SESSIONS: 9/7 - 10/12, 11/2 - 12/14 *no class 11/30*, 1/25 - 3/1, 4/12 - 5/17

Saturdays 9:15-9:45 am

Program Cost: $75 for each short session

Age 2-3 with a guardian

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An Irish inspired creative movement class for children ages 2-3 to experience with a guardian. This is the perfect class to introduce Irish music and basic movement with the help of a grown up nearby. Children will learn general dance concepts such as following and moving in different directions, creating big and small movements, musical rhythm and patterns as well as balance and coordination

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TINY DANCERS

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SHORT SESSIONS: 9/7 - 10/12, 11/2 - 12/14 *no class 11/30*, 1/25 - 3/1, 4/12 - 5/17

Saturdays 10:00-10:30 am

Program Cost: $75 for each short session

Age 3-4

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This class is for dancers ages 3-4. Students will target isolated gross movement skills and balance while learning small Irish dance combos (ex. jump knee, rocking horse) including beginning the skipping progression and lateral movement.

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PRESCHOOL IRISH DANCE

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SHORT SESSIONS: 9/7 - 10/12, 11/2 - 12/14 *no class 11/30*, 1/25 - 3/1, 4/12 - 5/17

Saturdays 10:45-11:30 am

Program Cost: $75 for each short session

Age 4-5, continuing Tiny Dancers can be placed here with teacher approval

 

This class is for dancers ages 4-5 or continuing Tiny Dancers with teacher approval. Students will work on developing gross and fine motor skills, continue along the skipping progress and lateral movements as well as the basic jig.

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BEGINNER IRISH DANCE

 

SHORT SESSIONS: 9/7 - 10/26, 11/2 - 12/21 *no class 11/30*, 1/11 - 3/1, 4/5 - 5/17

Saturdays, 12:00-12:55 pm 

Program Cost: $110 for each short session

Age 6+, continuing Preschool Dancers can be placed here with teacher approval

 

This class teaches the fundamentals (focus on the FUN!) of Irish dance, using games and skill-building activities while adhering to our three tenets of technique, teamwork, and tradition. These sessions are a little longer as this class will be taught the skills and steps needed to progress into our Advanced Beginner class. Students may repeat the Beginner Irish Dance short session as many times as they would like before moving into the next level.

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ADVANCED BEGINNER

 

Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)

Saturdays, 1:00-1:55 pm (55-minute weekly class)

Program Cost: $55/month

Age 7 and up with teacher approval

 

Advanced Beginner is open to dancers age 7 & up or continuing Beginner dancers with teacher approval who are ready for more challenging material.  Each class continues to emphasize the fundamentals (focus on the FUN!) of Irish dance, using games and skill-building activities while adhering to our three tenets of technique, teamwork, and tradition. Pending instructor discretion, dancers in Advanced Beginner may start hard shoe in this class. Dancers will be invited to perform in our Spring Showcase at the end of the year and are eligible to sign up for CREATIVE CHOREOGRAPHY.

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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 and free studio rentals.

 

Prerequisite: Beginner Level, 1+ year experience

Shoes Required: Soft Shoes (Hard Shoe in 2nd half of year)

Material Covered: Reel, Light Jig + Basic Slip Jig, Hard Shoe Basic Drills

Competitive Level: Competing at Beginner Level (optional)

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NOVICE / INTERMEDIATE 

 

Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)

Mondays, 5:00-6:55pm (115-minute weekly class)

Program Cost: $105/month

Age 8 and up with 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! Advanced Beginner/ Novice dancers are eligible to sign up for CREATIVE CHOREOGRAPHY 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 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 (Optional)

 

PRE-CHAMP PROGRAM

 

Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)

Mondays, 6:00-7:55 pm (115-minute weekly class)

Program Cost: $105/month

Advanced dancers (ages 10+ or with teacher approval)

 

Prizewinner program dancers 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 that meets on  Wednesdays 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 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, 7:00-8:25pm (soft shoe + set focus), Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:25pm (hard shoe focus)

Program Cost: $155/month

Advanced dancers (ages 12+ or with teacher approval)

 

Our Champion program is for experienced dancers who are ready to fine tune their high degree of skill! Each class will challenge dancers artistically and athletically; competitive pursuits are accommodated but performance opportunities are also encouraged. Champion Program dancers are invited to join the JUNIOR COMPANY that meets on  Wednesdays 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 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: 3+ years experience, teacher approval required

Competitive Level: Prizewinner, PC, OC

 

CREATIVE CHOREOGRAPHY (ADD-ON)

 

Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)

Wednesdays 5:15-5:55pm

Program Cost:  $45 /mo (add on)

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Creative Choreography introduces Advanced Beginner/Novice level  dancers to show - style Irish dance technique. This class promotes building confidence, stage presence, and skills for the stage. These dancers will have special opportunities to dance out in the community throughout the year, including the busy St. Patrick's Day season! Ceili / team dances are also taught in this class.

 

Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in Advanced Beginner or Novice / Intermediate class.

 

JUNIOR COMPANY (ADD-ON)

 

Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)

Wednesdays 6:00 - 6:55pm

Program Cost: $55 /mo (add on) 

 

Open to Pre-Champ + Champ Program, 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 are also taught in this class.

 

Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Pre-Champ or Champ Program. 

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(5). Adult Program

(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! We will be offering three weekly classes (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday), as well as 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: 9/10 - 10/16, 10/22 - 11/26, 1/21 - 2/25, 4/1 - 5/6, 5/20 - 6/24

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:25 pm 

Program Cost: $75 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 

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ALL LEVEL ADULT TECHNIQUE + CEILI

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Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)

Tuesdays 6:30-7:25pm

Program Cost: $55 /mo

 

Who said kids are the only ones who can have fun?! Our Adults All Levels class offers a great way to learn Irish dance technique and improve fitness in a friendly, recreationally-focused  setting. A variety of hard and soft shoe steps, as well as group ceili dances are taught in this class.

 

Students who have completed one of our 6-week adult Introductory courses are eligible to enroll in this class, pending instructor approval.


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: 6-week Beginner class -or- prior Irish dance experience

Competitive Level: All Levels / Optional

Material Taught: Foundational Soft Shoe, Traditional / Fast-Speed Hard Shoe, Ceili Dances

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ADVANCED ADULT

 

Runs for full studio year (Sept-June)

Thursdays 7:30-8:25pm

Program Cost: $55 /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.

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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 & up

Material Taught: Oireachtas-Bound Soft Shoe / Slow Speed Hard Shoe Solo Steps

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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. 

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Prerequisite: Prior Irish dance experience

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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

Tuesdays at 7:30pm

•Drop-in, no commitment. $15 / 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 and current touring Riverdance cast member

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Lauren Smyth - former Riverdance lead dancer, 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 - current 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® along with Miss Elyse, 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 Sunday afternoons. 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!   

 

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. The last 5 minutes of each lesson will involve an overview of what was worked on during the lesson. 

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All private lessons are booked conveniently via our website. Visit www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/classes and choose the category ‘studio rentals + private lessons’ to book online. If you have any questions, or to request a different time, please e-mail 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

 

STUDIO RENTALS

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

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Students who are Studio Pass Members may rent the studio free of charge. Please note: if you reserve the studio and are unable to make your time, let us know immediately so we can free up the space for someone else. 

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Reserve your rental time here: www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/studio-rentals 

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(6). Drop In Clases / Workshops

(7). MEMBERSHIP UPGRADE: STUDIO PASS

 

Upgrade your membership with our Studio Pass! 

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2024-25 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: $15/class

The Studio Pass upgrade is available to youth dancers enrolled in Advanced Beginner, Novice / Intermediate, Pre-Champ or Champ classes and to adult dancers enrolled in All Levels or Advanced Adult.
 

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(7). Studio Pass

(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.

 

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.

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

Irish dance is oftentimes a competitive endeavor but it is important to remember that no matter what, the focus should always be on having fun, growing as a dancer and competing against oneself! Keeping in mind that competitive results are not the main focus of Milwaukee Irish Dance and we do not guarantee any sort of results, no matter what happens we EXPECT everyone who is part of our community to demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship, respect and camaraderie AT ALL TIMES towards all teachers, other dancers in our studio, and those from other schools.  With regards to results and other competitive matters, parents should never attempt to independently contact the Irish dance governing body (CLRG, IDTANA or IDTAMA).

 

PARENT OBSERVATION

We know that our parents want to see their dancers shine in class, however, in our experience, parent observation is very disruptive to the dance class environment. In order to promote independence and confidence in all of our dancers, we do not permit parents inside the studio during class time. We do, however, allow parents to watch from the doors in the hallway as long as it is not a distraction. 

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(8). Communications / Studio Rules

(9). CLASS UNIFORM + COSTUMES

 

ATTIRE / UNIFORM 

For all Youth Program Classes, students will need:

•Black shorts

•Black top -or- Milwaukee Irish Dance apparel

•Poodle socks (available for purchase through our website for studio pickup) -or- plain white socks

•Irish dance shoes -or- black ballet slippers (for new beginners)

•Water bottle (or dancers may purchase water for $2 at the studio)

•Proper shoe wear is required at all times inside our studio! We do not permit socks or

barefoot to be worn on our studio floor.

•No jeans or movement-restrictive clothing may be worn.

Adhering to a uniform helps to promote class cohesion, minimizes student distraction and assists teachers in identifying and correcting technique as effectively as possible. 
•Dancers who are not in uniform and / or proper shoe wear may not be permitted to participate in class. 

•Dancers in our short sessions and our Adult classes are encouraged to follow our uniform, but it is not required.

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DANCE SHOES

Dancers start in soft shoes - they can also commonly be called ghillies, light shoes, or pumps. These are similar to ballet slippers. After a year or so of dancing, they will add on hard shoes which resemble tap shoes. There are a number of different brands. Amazon or non-Irish dance retailers will sell knock-off Irish dance shoes. We do not recommend these!

 

What we do recommend is purchasing your shoes from a store that specializes in Irish dance shoes. Each brand will fit each foot slightly differently. We work with a local shop called Gibson Irish Dance Imports.  Paula is great at working with you to find a shoe that will fit well for your dancer.

 

We also sell used shoes at the studio ($20 for soft shoes / $50 for hard shoes). We do not adjust the price based on the condition of the shoes - they are donations to the studio and therefore offered at a very steep discount. 

 

STUDIO COSTUMES 

Information regarding costuming can be found at www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/look-book

 

Competitive dancers that take 1st place in a dance at the Novice Level (consisting of at least 5 competitors) are eligible to wear a solo costume! These are unique to each individual dancer. At this point, dancers can also choose a different wig / hairpiece to complete their looks.  

 

Color matching for wigs, solo costume approvals and any other costume related questions should be directed to cara@milwaukeeirishdance.com

 

Please note: dancers may be asked to purchase special costumes for specific performances or competitions (ex. Bucks). There also may be times where our studio will provide dancers with certain costumes for specific performances (ex. plaid skirts, black dresses, etc). 

 

To borrow a costume: dancers will take their name tag (located to the right of the costume rack) and place the tag on the hanger of the costume they are borrowing. Following a performance, dancers should wash the costume and then return it to the rack along with their name tag. This is for us to track who has what costume! We understand that accidents happen and that normal wear and tear may occur; however, costumes or props that are damaged due to performer carelessness or negligence must be replaced by the performer.

 

MERCHANDISE

•Merchandise / uniform items may be purchased at: www.milwaukeeirishdance.com/shop

•Most of our items are conveniently fulfilled on-demand, shipped directly to your home.

•We also have a limited number of in-stock items on display at our studio (these will be designated as “studio pickup only” on our Shop Page).

•We release new designs / seasonal collections throughout the year.

•Printing your own gear using Milwaukee Irish Dance logos / branding materials without permission is not allowed.

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(9).Class Uniform / Costume

(10). PERFORMANCES / EVENTS 

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Choreography for shows will be taught on Wednesdays during our performance classes: Creative Choreography (Beginner - Novice), Junior Company (Pre-Champ - Champ) or Milwaukee Irish Dance Company Classes (Adult dancers). Students who wish to participate in performances can view and sign up for upcoming shows online via the community page on our website. 

 

The webpage for the event will also be a resource for show details (arrival time, set list, etc). There is also a ‘discussion’ for each performance / event where you can ask questions to other dancers who will be attending

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(10). Peformances / Events

(11). TUITION / ENROLLMENT

 

Registration Fee: $45 Annual Registration Fee Per Student. Assessed upon first settled payment for all full-year program classes. 

 

Discounts: For families with multiple family members dancing, we offer a family maximum of $450 / month. Students may also elect to pay tuition balance in full for a 5% discount. 

 

Tuition Payment Plan Schedule: The default payment option for regularly scheduled classes is through a 10-month payment plan, processed via auto-pay on the 1st of each month, Sept-June. Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable. If a student chooses to pause classes, the studio must be provided with 60 day notice via email at info@milwaukeeirishdance.com.

 

Upfront Payment Discount: Dancers can opt for a one-time yearly payment for tuition in full for the 2024 - 2025 dance season for a 5% discount. 

 

Billing: We process payments conveniently & securely through Square or WIX Payments depending on your class selection. An email receipt will be issued for all payments.

 

Tuition that is 5 days past due is subject to a $10 late fee. For your convenience, you can opt to save your card on file.

 

Prorated Class Fees, Freeze Payments:

We do not prorate tuition payments. Payment freezes for any length of time are not permitted.

 

Cancellation Policy: All purchases are final and we do not issue refunds, credits or exchanges. If a student chooses to pause classes, the studio must be provided with 60 day notice via email at info@milwaukeeirishdance.com. Please inform your instructor via email if you will not be in class. 

 

SIGNING UP FOR A STUDIO PROGRAM CLASS CONSTITUTES BEING IN AGREEMENT WITH OUR WITHDRAWAL POLICIES AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF TUITION RESPONSIBILITY.

 

 

All policies + protocols are subject to change at any time.

Thank you dancers & families — we are so excited for classes, competitions and performances this year! 

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(11). Tuition / Enrollment
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