Beginner Info

The LYNN Academy welcomes children of all ages, but prefers your child to be at least 3 and a half years old for Reel Tots & 5 years old for our Level A (beginner) classes. If your child is older than 5 — don't panic! Michael Flatley did not begin Irish dancing until the age of 11. IF your child has talent and determination, he or she will move through the ranks very quickly no matter what age they start.

Our beginner Irish dance class consists of a 45 minute lesson in which students learn the basics of Irish dance. The basics consist of the “Side-Step” and the “ones two threes” danced in reel time. After learning “the basics” students can perform any Ceili (Gaelic for Group Dance) with fellow students. When the basics have been mastered, the students will be trained to dance the beginner reel and beginner jig. Students will also be taught proper stretching, posture, and exercise routines. During the year new students will receive a workbook with information about beginner steps and exercises.

It is very important that students attend all classes their first year since Irish dancing is like building a house – if there is not a strong foundation, a weak house will be built.

All beginning female students should wear:

• LYNN Academy Shorts and tee shirt – Order online
• White socks
• Hair is pulled back & OFF FACE – NO headbands
• Black soft shoes – gillies
• Please do not wear jewelry to class

All beginning male students should wear:

• LYNN Academy Shorts and tee shirt – Order online
• White/dark socks
• Black Jazz Shoes or Irish dance shoes

***No sweat pants, long pants, or jeans allowed since it is difficult for the teacher to see if the student is crossing his or her feet and knees and can cause injury.

There are special shoes for Irish dancing that are required for class. They are called “Gillies” or soft shoes”. Our school has several pairs of second-hand shoes available for resale, so be sure to ask your child’s teacher about used shoes. New shoes can be purchased via https://www.shop.celticchoice.com/Antonio-Pacelli-Side-Loop-Loop.htm. New beginners are permitted to wear their socks or ballet slippers until they are able to purchase proper Irish Dance shoes. Remember shoes should be double knotted & tightly tied.

There are three 12 week sessions during the year; Fall, Winter, and Spring. However, beginners are welcome to start at anytime and tuition is prorated accordingly. We also offer week-long summer camps, which are great for new beginners as well.

If the Academy must close do to inclement weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, this information will be emailed out to all families and posted on our Facebook page. If we close for inclement weather, please feel free to do a make-up class at any of our other classes throughout the week.

We offer multiple beginner classes during the week at all of our locations. If your child misses a class, they are welcome to do a make-up class at another beginner class during the week. Unfortunately, we can not give refunds or credits for missed classes. We ask that if your child has been sick that you wait 24 hours after they are better to send him or her to class.

Tuition is billed in three installments throughout the year, and payments are due on the following dates:

• Fall Session – September 15
• Winter Session – December 1
• Spring Session – March 1

A $20 a month late fee will be assessed on any overdue payments on the 15th of each month. You can pay online.

If you have questions about your invoice, contact our business manager at lynnbusinessmanager@gmail.com

Yes! Every year we host an end of the year showcase in one central location to our studios. This is a great opportunity for your dancers to show off what they have learned, make new friends from our other locations & get excited about the show routines they can learn in the years to come!

The LYNN Academy hosts two Annual Feisanna, our Feis at the Castle (Parsippany NJ) in February & our Sweets of May Feis (Orangeburg NY) in May. A feis is an Irish dancing competition. We encourage all of our new beginners to participate! The LYNN Academy dancers also take part in St. Patrick’s Day parades and performances during the year. We have a ton of fun throughout our dance year!

• Promotes and teaches Irish culture and traditions
• Great form of physical fitness/exercise
• Increases endurance
• Strengthens listening skills
• A self-esteem booster
• Provides the opportunity to travel within US and to Canada/Europe/Australia
• A family event
• Provides the opportunity to form new friendships around the world
• Keeps one busy and out of trouble!
• Confidence builder
• Teaches discipline and organizational skills
• A weight reducer
• Forms good posture
• Develops stage presence – increases confidence
• Forms healthy competitive outlooks
• Coaches students on how to handle high pressure situations
• Provides the opportunity to win trophies, medals, & crystal
• Teaches how to work in a team environment and to be a team player
• Encourages creativity
• A wonderful interview topic!
• Helps to obtain academic scholarships
• Opportunities now exist to perform professionally (Broadway!)
• Fun!
• Why not??!!

See our alumni section for testimonials on how dancing with the LYNN Academy has helped student’s achieve their life goals.