FAQ
Q. What is a good age to start?
A. The most common age to start lessons is from age 4 to 10. For students that fall below or above that range, we make every effort to see that older students are moved up quicker if the routines come easy to them, and that our youngest learners are given extra attention when needed. By popular demand, adult lessons are also available!
Q. How much do lessons cost, and when is it due?
A. Beginner lessons during the regular year (Sept-June) can be paid by month, by term, or by year. For one class a week, tuition is $40/month, $110 a term, or $300 for the entire year. (There are discounts in place for paying by term or year, as well as family rates for those with more than 1 child enrolled.)
DUE DATES: Monthly payments are due the 1st of every month from September to May. Term payments are due 3 times yearly - September 15th, December 1st, and March 1st. Yearly payments are due September 15th.
Starting in our 2010 year, for a minimal extra fee dancers can attend two classes per week. This is in attempt to encourage extra practice! FOR ALL LEVELS - To dance twice a week simply add $20 to your monthly payments, $45 to term payments, or $65 to your yearly payment.
Q. What should my child wear to class?
A. This is the easy part! We do not require a uniform of any kind. Students should wear COMFORTABLE (cotton) shorts that fall above the knee (no pants/capris), any t-shirt or tank top, and white socks. They do not need Irish Dance shoes right away! Wait a few weeks to gauge the child's interest. When you're ready for shoes, they can be purchased used within the school (through logging into the Members Area) and at Bailey Slipper Shop in Williamsville.
Q. What should I expect in the first year?
A. Classes run September to June with 2 weeks off at Christmas and Easter. Besides attending regular class, families can choose their level of participation with other events such as parades, fundraisers, etc. Plenty is encouraged but nothing is mandatory. There is an end of the year recital, and at the teacher's and parent's discretion, children 5 & up may be eligible to take part in feisianna (dance competitions) if interested.
Q. Can boys learn Irish Dance?
A. YES!
Q. Does my child have to compete and perform? What if they don't want to?
A: All Clann Na Cara students are taught from a young age to take pride in the quality of their dancing, whether there is an audience or not. While we do promote a healthy competitive spirit, participation is up to each individual student/family. The only real requirement here is to work hard and have fun!