Children's Irish Dance Classes

Ages 2+ | New Beginners to Champions

Our children's dance classes offer training and development in a supportive, professional and positive environment to students ages 2 & up.

Dancers develop self confidence and body control for themselves, and build a sense of community and camaraderie through teamwork with their fellow dancers.  

Winter/Spring 2023 Schedule

Our youth classes run from September to June, but registration is always ongoing! It’s never been a better time to join class.

Mondays
Manhattan

5:30-6:30 Junior Champs

Thursdays
Long Island City

6:00-7:00 Beginner II & Intermediate

Saturdays
Long Island City

11AM-11:45 Beginner I ages 3-6
11:45-12:30 Beginner II ages 6+
12:30PM-2:30 Junior & Senior Champs

Class Descriptions

We offer classes for every dancer, whether you're just starting or have been dancing for years.

If you have any questions about which class is right for you, email hello@odonnellacademy.com for more information.

All classes are subject to sufficient enrollment. In the event of insufficient enrollment, classes may be combined or cancelled, and any unused tuition and fees will be refunded.

Tiny Toes - Grownup & Me

For tiny dancers ages 2-4 and their grown ups!  A wonderful introduction to dance that explores creative movement, flexibility, coordination, rhythm, musicality and develops a greater sense of spacial and body awareness.  Focus in class will not only be about the basic foundations of dance and movement, but learning about Irish culture, music and storytelling.

Beginner Irish Dance I

For dancers ages 3.5+ who have no Irish dance experience. This class will focus on the fundamentals essential to Irish dance, such as foot placement, body alignment and awareness, and the basic steps to jigs and reels. We will also explore rhythm and timing by listening, clapping and dancing along to traditional Irish music. 

Beginner Irish Dance II

For dancers ages 6+ who have under one year of Irish dance experience OR dancers who have completed Beginner Irish Dance I. This class will continue to focus on the fundamentals essential to Irish dance, such as foot placement, body alignment and awareness, and the basic steps to jigs and reels. We will also explore rhythm and timing by listening, clapping and dancing along to traditional Irish music, and begin the basics of hardshoe dances. 

Intermediate Irish Dance

This class is for dancers who have at least one year Irish dance experience OR who have acheived Novice/Prizewinner status at local feisanna. Class will include both soft shoe and hard shoe dancing, focusing on more advanced choreography and technique. 
Enrollment by teacher placement only - please contact us to determine if this class is an appropriate fit for your dancer.

Advanced/Champs

This class is for dancers who have achieved Preliminary or Open Championship status at local feisanna. Class will focus on preparation of all dance forms for major championships and performances.
Enrollment by teacher placement only - please contact us to determine if this class is an appropriate fit for your dancer.

Private Instruction
By appointment only

All current students at ODA can schedule additional private lessons with our instructors. Location and pricing is dependent on time and availability - please email for more information and to schedule a session.  

Class Etiquette and FAQ

Dancers are required to wear appropriate shoes & attire during class

Dress codes help students perform better and see themselves as a cohesive unit, and makes it easier for the teacher to spot someone out of form or behind the music and give corrections. Having a dress code also helps young dancers focus during class by:

  1. Understanding they are going to be a structured class setting

  2. Ensuring that the clothing is not a distraction during class

  3. Makes certain that a dancer is appropriately and safely dressed to be performing the material.

ODA Dress Code

  • For all in-studio classes, dancers should wear an ODA shirt OR a black t-shirt with gym shorts or leggings and white socks. NO jeans, long dresses or baggy pants please!

  • Ballet, Tiny Toes and Beginners may wear black jazz shoes or black ballet slippers.

  • Intermediate and Advanced students should always have appropriate Irish dance shoes (soft shoes and hard shoes) for class, competition and performance. NO dancing in socks or bare feet is allowed.

  • Hair should be tied back, neatly off the face, and all jewelry should be removed prior to class.

School Policies

  • Arrive on time ready to dance - this means dance clothes and shoes ON by the time class begins

  • Take a bathroom break before class begins

  • Bring a water bottle for water break

  • NO TOYS in dance bag - any dance bag in the studio should contain dance shoes, change of clothes (if necessary) and water bottle only. Anything else should stay with the parents outside the studio - any toys, books or distractions that are brought into the studio will be taken away and returned at the end of class.

  • Parents, grandparents or babysitters are not permitted inside the studio during class. 

  • Students should be picked up promptly after class - please call to alert us if you will be late. The O'Donnell Academy cannot assume responsibility for students before or after their assigned class time.

  • Parents may ask questions after class, but please note that time is limited. Questions asked through email or text will be answered promptly - if you need to speak in person or on the phone an appropriate time can be arranged.

  • Any acts of gross misconduct, bullying, theft or harassment will not be tolerated. Dancers and families should refrain from inappropriate or negative behavior in person or via social media. Failure to do so will be grounds for suspension.

How do I register?

You can register and pay online through the website here. Venmo payments are also accepted on first day of classes.

Can I do a trial class?

Yes! Dancers are always welcome to come and try a class and see if it is the right fit. Please email us at hello@odonnellacademy.com or fill out the contact form below to schedule your trial class at the location best for you.

What if I miss a class?

You can schedule a make-up class in the same level of classes within the same session of the class missed. Please email us to schedule a make up class!

Is there a recital?

Dancers in our Semester-based classes will have an opportunity to showcase their dances to parents and friends at the end of each semester. Dancers enrolled in our Spring session or in our year round classes will also participate in our end of year showcase, and will also have the opportunity to compete at a local Irish dance competition.

Am I allowed to watch class?

Students focus better in class and learn more when they can be in the studio without any distractions. Parents and guardians are welcome to wait on-site in the waiting room during class, and will have the opportunity to see what their dancers have learned at the end of the semester.

Why dance with O’Donnell?

Our faculty are certified, highly qualified and have many years of experience working with children. The O’Donnell Academy is a certified Irish dance school, registered and regulated by An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland. We are proud to offer dance classes as an opportunity for children to exercise, learn to perform, build confidence, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.  

Ready to dance?

Sign up for a free trial class today!