  Tradition. Passion. Dedication. Welcome to Scoil Rince Luimni, also known as SRL Irish Dance Academy! We’re a small, independently-owned Irish dance studio located in South Windsor, Connecticut and we’re so happy you’re here. A little about us: SRL was founded in 2014 by Courtney Jay, TCRG after she finished her BA in Irish Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. (In fact, that’s why we’re SRL—in Irish Gaelic Scoil (scull) is school, Rince (ring-ka) is dance, and Luimni (lim-nee) is Limerick!) Miss Courtney, as the dancers call her, has been an Irish dancer her whole life and has been teaching and mentoring younger dancers since she was 13. During her time in Limerick, Courtney trained at the Fleming-Ball School of Irish Dance, where she danced her way to 2 solo world medals, regional titles in solo and team championships, and top 10 at every international major competition. Before leaving Ireland, Courtney was certified by the CLRG (the largest and oldest governing body of Irish dance in the world) and then came home to Connecticut to create SRL!  8 years later and SRL is a tight-knit community that instructs in the storied tradition of Irish dance for those as young as 2-years-old (check out Tiny Jig to learn more!) into adulthood (check out SRL After Dark to learn more!) We take this highly athletic and artistic sport and apply our modern, paced approach to training that helps our dancers find their own, personal goals—whether that be recreation, casual performances, or the competitive track. In this supportive environment, we focus on the whole dancer: technique and whole-body conditioning to be sure, but also the promotion of healthy life skills (such as setting and achieving goals, teamwork, focus, and dedication.) In line with that, SRL offers mentoring opportunities at every turn—from class helpers to buddies at dancers’ first competitions and performances—and cultivates a spirit of support and community that’s really what Irish dance is all about! Our small, but passionate staff is ready to help guide and encourage your dancer—whether they be just starting out or qualifying for Worlds—through structured lessons that optimize their opportunities to grow both as dancers and as people. While Irish dance has a long tradition (read more about its origins here!) and strong ties to Ireland’s national identity, you don’t need to be Irish to do Irish dance. As the Irish diaspora has spread across the world, Irish dance has become more than a traditional art form (though it retains those roots and music)—it’s a global community. All you need to join in is passion, dedication, and someone to teach you—and we’d love to help out!  SRL is registered with the CLRG, the Irish Dance Teachers of North America, and the New England Irish Dance Teachers. Classes run on a school year schedule from September to June--sign up now for a trial class to lock in your preferred class time, or take a look at our 4-week taster sessions to really get a feel for it before signing up for the year! Please feel free to reach out to our Office Manager at [email protected] with any questions. They’re happy to help!
This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post, all dancer testimonials, here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.
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  Something we love about Irish dance? How it sets obtainable and clear goals to work hard toward! This is an element that exists in every level of SRL’s classes—certain skills are a pre-requisite for moving onward and upward from Tiny Jig to Pre-Beginner, from Novice to Prizewinner, and beyond. It’s one of the reasons we think Irish dance is more than exercise and artistry—it’s a place to gain life skills that will serve your dancer across the board as they learn and grow. It’s never too early to learn patience, process, and the importance of persistence and hard work. Check in on any level of class—from our Championship dancers to our Beginners just starting out—and you’ll notice something you might not see at another kind of dance studio: a mixture of ages across all levels. While most other dance disciplines organize students both by age and skill level, Irish dance tends to organize only by skill level, something we hold to here at SRL. For students starting out in the early levels, this can be a surprise: if you’re starting Irish dance at 11 and are in class with 6-year-olds, you might feel like you’re late to the party or in the wrong class. That couldn’t be further from the truth! We’re here to talk through the benefits of mixed-age classes, and why SRL thinks they’re a benefit to our dancers.  First off, Irish dance isn’t just about dancing—it’s a hard-won skill that builds upon itself. You have to learn your jump-2-3s before you can learn your reel! Much like other forms of exercise that require openness and mindfulness to the process (such as other forms of dance or yoga,) Irish dance encourages dancers to understand their movements (and the paired music) on a fundamental level before they move on to more difficult moves and more complex choreography. When you watch an Irish dancer perform, what you’re really watching is many more basic, singular movements learned over many years that the dancer is in full control of. It’s why they look so light and graceful—practice, practice, practice! This way of determining skill level also functions as a safety measure. With Irish dance’s high-flying moves, proper technique is required to avoid injury. You can’t skip any steps! Secondly, Irish dance holds all dancers to the same standard no matter their age, race, gender, or experience. The strict regulation of Irish dance by the CLRG has led to the establishments of clear benchmarks that any dancer needs to clear before moving on. That means we can have 17-year-old students in class with 10-year-old students, because while these students may differ greatly in many ways, they all have the same foundational skills that makes them equals in the eyes of Irish dance. While the world isn’t always so fair, it does teach an important lesson to our dancers about the benefits of working hard to improve—you only get as much out of Irish dance as you put in and no one is rewarded by moving up a level simply for the fact they had a birthday!  Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, here at SRL we love our mixed-age classes because of the peer-to-peer learning environment in encourages! Much like a Montessori school, we find that our mixed-age classes better stimulate all age groups’ development, improve social skills across the board, boost self-esteem, increase the taking on of leadership roles, and better simulate actual community environments. Beyond bonding with your classmates, we also encourage friendships and mentorships amongst age groups through buddy pairings for competitions and our student assistant program. This gives our younger students strong role models within the studio that they’ll then strive to emulate as they grow, but also gives our older students a chance to become those role models and try out teaching at a young age. We find this way of teaching mutually beneficial and motivating for dancers of any and all ages (with our instructors’ guidance, of course!)
So, parents, don’t worry if your Beginner (or not-so-Beginner) dancer is initially unnerved by the older or younger students in their class—it’s all part of the process! While initial misgivings are understandable, especially as most dancers will have only interacted with peers of their same age, there’s benefits they might not be able to see at first glance. At SRL, we look at everything that happens inside our walls as a learning opportunity for our students…whether it be a new step or adjusting to a class they didn’t expect. As long as a dancer is putting their all in, there’s nowhere to go but up! This post is part of a series. Read our last 411 post, all about communicating with your teen, here. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  Part 2 Interested in trying out Irish dance, but aren’t entirely sure? We could talk all day long about the benefits Irish dance has, physically, mentally, and socially (and we have—check out these posts to learn more!) but why don’t we let some of our dancers tell you a little more about why they love Irish dance here at SRL! We hope you’ll join us! Looking for: far-reaching life skills? “Irish Dance trained me to have a very high stamina, physically and mentally. Courtney was the best at pushing her dancers towards their goals. I know how to work towards long term goal without being worn out, and to push through to the very end.”—Lindsey Looking for: competitive spirit? “My favorite thing about dance is the competition. I like that in Irish dance you can show off how much you've learned and progressed.”—Magnus  Looking for: enjoyment and self-expression? “When there are no words to explain how you feel, you express yourself through dance. I remember there would be nights when…I was tired, but when I walked through those studio doors I knew it was my time to work. And when I walked out of those doors at the end of the night, I felt like a better person.”—Lindsey Looking for: an online option? “My favorite thing about online class is I can dance at home safely and there’s more one on one with the teacher. Plus, my mom is there to help if I'm struggling.”—Avonlea Looking for: inspiration? “I look up to Courtney because she has given me a second home and something that I truly love.”—Ellie Looking for: friends? “Dance has given me the ability to have friends all around the world that share the same love and passion for Irish dance that I do.”—Christian  Looking for: somewhere to learn and grow?
“Irish dance was a life changing experience that provided me with so many opportunities to learn and grow. It was a daily challenge, which inspires my work ethic today. I always aim high and dream big. Through Irish Dance, I learned by working hard and practicing my craft, I could achieve anything.”—Tara Looking for: something to be passionate about? Just take Tilly’s word for it: “I like Irish dance and you will too!” If your dancer is looking for it, SRL has it! While classes run on a school year schedule from September to June, we have a special offer to let new dancers get a taste before they sign up in the fall! SRL’s Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp sign-ups are now open for new dancers 2-12, with two sessions available at work-friendly drop off times for parents. Learn more about the program here, or feel free to reach out to our Office Manager, Devon, at 860-385-1107 or shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s happy to help! This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post—tons of testimonials from parents!— here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  Part 2 Is your child interested in dance, but you’re not sure where to start? Why not Irish dance? We won’t try to convince you (check out these multiple posts in case you want some more convincing—we do have a strong case,) but thought we’d let our amazing community of parents tell you why SRL is the right choice, instead! Looking for: exercise with purpose? “Physically it’s helped with coordination and strength. But it’s also helped with focus and determination. And it’s given them a fun way to get their wiggles out and make new friends.”—Evelyn Looking for: cultural enrichment? “I’m Irish, I’m involved in the Irish community, and I thought this might be another way to engage my daughters in an activity that would be great for them and also tied to their ancestry.”—Siobhan Looking for: a confidence boost? “Dance has built [my dancer’s] confidence and has opened her up to experiencing new things.”—Christina  Looking for: dance that teaches life skills? “I think Irish dance has taught [my dancer] perseverance, grace under pressure, humility and the understanding that its ok to not be ok! Do your best work and enjoy the journey.”—Christine “I love the way the classes are structured to challenge the students just so much that also pushes them forward in their learning.”—Andrea Looking for: a way to encourage goal-setting? “[My dancer] is competitive and she wants to do well, but she’s a little girl who can be easily more interested in other things. Dancing with SRL and Miss Courtney has given her ways to practice at setting goals and working toward them. This was never more true than her second year when she was struggling with reading in first grade and simultaneously did poorly at a feis. Right after that, she set two goals—which she even wrote down—to get better at reading and to get better at Irish dance. By the end of that year, she had improved dramatically at both.”—Siobhan  Looking for: a unique, year- round activity? “If your child loves to dance, they should try Irish dance. It’s different than any other style of dance…[My dancer] has been doing other types of dance for years, but Irish dance is beautiful and unique.”—Christina Looking for: an outlet for male dancers? “On an uncommon comparison, I often think it has similar qualities to karate with the discipline, athleticism, and focus. But, Irish dance has joy and musicality that takes it to another level; this is why I think it’s also very good for boys even though it may not be the first thing one thinks.”—Siobhan Looking for: community and support? “I’m amazed at the choreography [my dancer] memorizes. I was so proud that she quickly gained the confidence to participate in a public performance and also do her first feis. I enjoyed watching her teach a dance to some younger Girl Scouts at one of our meetings last year, and I love that she has volunteered to help out at SRL classes with younger children—it’s all been a great growing experience for her in many ways.”—Becca “I wanted [my dancer] to get involved in something, but she did not want to try the traditional tap, jazz, ballet route. I got her to try a class at SRL the summer she was 4 years old and she fell in love with the dancing, the older kids, and of course Miss Courtney.”—Andrea  Looking for: options?
“Irish dance is great because it is completely up to you and your dancer as to how involved you want to be. Competition and performances are optional or you can choose to compete every weekend if you want. It’s a unique skill to have and fun to get to show it off!”—Jill L. If you’re looking for it for your dancer, SRL has it! While classes run on a school year schedule from September to June, we have a special offer to let new dancers get a taste before they sign up in the fall! SRL’s Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp sign-ups are now open for new dancers 2-12, with two sessions available at work-friendly drop off times for parents. Learn more about the program here, or feel free to reach out to our Office Manager, Devon, at 860-385-1107 or shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s happy to help! This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post—tons of testimonials from dancers!— here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  Part 1 Interested in trying out Irish dance, but aren’t entirely sure? We could talk all day long about the benefits Irish dance has, physically, mentally, and socially (and we have—check out these posts to learn more!) but why don’t we let some of our dancers tell you a little more about why they love Irish dance here at SRL! We hope you’ll join us! Looking for: exercise? “I love all kinds of dance but Irish dance is a fun fast kind of dancing!”—Rooney Looking for: long-lasting life skills? “As an adult, my time at SRL taught me the value of time management, passion and persistence. Until college, I was a multi-sport athlete, competitive dancer and a participant in various other extracurricular activities. I learned quickly how to manage my school load with these other commitments to keep everything in balance. I hold myself to a high standard to do everything the best I can, so being able to manage that while maintaining a passion for the sport taught me so much. Today, I approach everything I do with passion and persistence while remembering I have to manage my time well to accomplish all of my goals.”—Tara  Looking for: enjoyment and self-expression? “I believe there are many reasons behind why people dance, including because friends or family members did it in the past or currently do it now. But I think that some people dance for the same reason I did: for a way to escape reality from time to time. I remember going to the studio, totally forgetting about the outside world, and just living in the moment that was happening throughout dance class.”—Christian Looking for: cultural enrichment? “I think people dance because it is freeing. In Irish Dance, it is you and the floor working in harmony to produce something beautiful and culturally significant. It is a personal challenge…where the only opponent is yourself. It is also an opportunity to celebrate a culture very few understand. To represent and celebrate my Irish heritage through dance has connected me more with my family’s ancestry.”—Tara Looking for: a supportive environment? “SRL is an amazing community where all the dancers and teachers are very motivating, inspiring, and caring.”—Bailey  Looking for: friends?
“SRL has provided me with so many opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime.”—Lindsey Looking for: peer mentors? “I always loved my time as an assistant teacher for Courtney and still keep in contact with some of my students today. When they finally got their jumps or skips, it was such a proud moment for me. I miss working with them!”—Tara Looking for: something to be passionate about? Just take Colby’s word for it when asked what he loves most about Irish dance: “Everything.” If your dancer is looking for it, SRL has it! While classes run on a school year schedule from September to June, we have a special offer to let new dancers get a taste before they sign up in the fall! SRL’s Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp sign-ups are now open for new dancers 2-12, with two sessions available at work-friendly drop off times for parents. Learn more about the program here, or feel free to reach out to our Office Manager, Devon, at 860-385-1107 or shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s happy to help! This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post—tons of testimonials from parents!— here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram  If you can walk, you can dance! Think your preschooler is too young to start dance? Think again! SRL Irish Dance Academy is proud to offer the Jump’n Jig program for our littlest dancers, aged 2 to 5! Split into two age groups (2-3 Tiny Jig and 4-5 Pre-Beginner,) this program was designed by early-childhood expert and ADCRG, Fiona Holmes. Classes start with helping our newest dancers learn how to act and engage within a dance class and move on to developing motor skills and musicality (all while making sure there’s plenty of fun in the meantime!) And with each class starting with a friendly welcome where they can bring along their favorite stuffed friend from home, SRL’s adoption of the Jump’n Jig program has helped get even the most reticent new dancer into the studio! There’s plenty of benefits to starting your child in Irish dance (and starting them early!) and both our Tiny Jig and Pre-Beginner classes cover all the bases: safe social interactions with peers, instructors, and student mentors, working on not just foundational dance skills, but listening skills, and a way to grow a sense of personhood and independence. Beyond that are the physical benefits! We utilize two movement stations—circle time for direct interaction and a “track” across the room to practice skills solo—to work on single leg balancing (adding accessory movements gradually,) leg and foot strength, foot placement for Irish dance, moving on or around markers and targets, and concepts like right/left and front/back. These skills form a strong base for all forms of movement (think about football players taking ballet!) and many Tiny Jiggers move on through the levels and become life-long Irish dancers!  Irish dance has a long and rich tradition and history behind it, but you don’t need to have Irish heritage to be an Irish dancer. While the steps and the music are part of Ireland’s cultural heritage, Irish dance has become a global community—and SRL is a tight-knit and supportive community within that larger sphere. In this encouraging environment, dancers are exposed to a culture beyond their own while they develop a strong sense of musicality and rhythm—learning to actively listen to the music, find the beat by clapping, and utilizing props so they can dance with the music instead of to the music (the hardest thing to teach a dancer!)
A successful SRL dancer isn’t just strong on technique—we see success as a confident, happy, and comfortable dancer! While classes run on a school year schedule from September to June (with every class available as in-person, online, or a hybrid model,) we have a special offer to let new dancers get a taste before they sign up in the fall! SRL’s Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp sign-ups are now open and is a perfect way to judge your littlest dancer’s interest before committing more fully. With two sessions available at work-friendly drop off times for parents, your session also includes discounts on registration and your first four weeks of classes come September. Learn more about the program here, or feel free to reach out to our Office Manager, Devon, at 860-385-1107 or shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s happy to help! This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post, all about our studio, here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  Miss Courtney encouraging dancers before a performance. Tradition. Passion. Dedication. Welcome to Scoil Rince Luimni, also known as SRL Irish Dance Academy! We’re a small, independently-owned Irish dance studio located in South Windsor, Connecticut and we’re so happy you’re here. A little about us: SRL was founded in 2014 by Courtney Jay, TCRG after she finished her BA in Irish Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. (In fact, that’s why we’re SRL—in Irish Gaelic Scoil (scull) is school, Rince (ring-ka) is dance, and Luimni (lim-nee) is Limerick!) Miss Courtney, as the dancers call her, has been an Irish dancer her whole life and has been teaching and mentoring younger dancers since she was 13. During her time in Limerick, Courtney trained at the Fleming-Ball School of Irish Dance, where she danced her way to 2 solo world medals, regional titles in solo and team championships, and top 10 at every international major competition. Before leaving Ireland, Courtney was certified by the CLRG (the largest and oldest governing body of Irish dance in the world) and then came home to Connecticut to create SRL!  Hard shoe class! 7 years later and SRL is a tight-knit community that instructs in the storied tradition of Irish dance for those as young as 2-years-old (check out Tiny Jig to learn more!) into adulthood (check out SRL After Dark to learn more!) We take this traditional art form and honor the artistic components while taking a modern approach to what has become a highly athletic discipline. We train our dancers to identify and work towards their own, personal goals—whether that be recreation, casual performances, or the competitive track. Our structured environment, supported by our knowledgeable instructors, focuses on the whole dancer: technique and whole-body conditioning to be sure, but also the promotion of healthy life skills (such as setting and achieving goals, teamwork, focus, and dedication.) In line with that, SRL offers mentoring opportunities at every turn—from class helpers to buddies at dancers’ first competitions and performances—and cultivates a spirit of support and community that’s really what Irish dance is all about! Our small, but passionate staff is ready to help guide and encourage your dancer—whether they be just starting out or qualifying for Worlds—through structured lessons that optimize their opportunities to grow both as dancers and as people. While Irish dance has a long tradition (read more about its origins here!) and strong ties to Ireland’s national identity, you don’t need to be Irish to do Irish dance. As the Irish diaspora has spread across the world, Irish dance has become more than a traditional art form (though it retains those roots and music)—it’s a global community. All you need to join in is passion, dedication, and someone to teach you—and we’d love to help out!  SRL is registered with the CLRG, the Irish Dance Teachers of North America, and the New England Irish Dance Teachers. While classes run on a school year schedule from September to June (with every class available as in-person, online, or a hybrid model,) we have a special offer to let new dancers get a taste before they sign up in the fall! SRL’s Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp sign-ups are now open for new dancers 2-12, with two sessions available at work-friendly drop off times for parents. Learn more about the program here, or feel free to reach out to our Office Manager, Devon, at 860-385-1107 or shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s happy to help!
This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post, all about the benefits of Irish dance, here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  The question Irish dancers get asked the most is: why Irish dance? There’s a lot of amazing things to love about this artistic sport—its long and storied history, cultural enrichment, and beautiful costumes, to name a few—but the benefits of this particular type of dance can be wide-reaching, both physically and mentally, and even life-long! Let’s explore some: Motor Skills & Mind-Body Connection: At the youngest age range—we offer classes starting a 2-years-old!--we concentrate on motor skills and correcting any left/right imbalances early in their development. Starting dance at any age is beneficial, but check out our post about the benefits of starting your dancer early here. Flexibility, Balance, Coordination, and Strength: While many dance studios in the past concentrated more on the steps than the conditioning, SRL has always been committed to providing balanced training that looks at what the whole dancer needs, not just their feet! All age groups are doing more than learning to dance, they’re stretching and completing exercises in class that strengthen the whole dancer. Independence: Whether your dancer is 12 or 2, they’ve been spending A LOT of time with you over the last year. Going into dance class by themselves can be the first step toward forming their own personhood in this time when kids have been isolated at home more than ever. It’s also a fun, safe space for your dancer to make new friends without parental influence!  Musicality: Irish dance is unique in many ways, but its connection to music is particularly strong! (Learn more about music in Irish dance here.) Dancers not only develop their sense of rhythm and a deeper understanding of music, but also cultivate an appreciation for traditional Irish music, often choosing to supplement their dancing by learning to play an instrument. Social Skills and Teamwork: Not all of Irish dance is a solo performance! Dance class is a great time for your dancer to practice appropriate social skills, as well as make new friends. Later goals can include céilí dancing and teams, where dancers learn to dance in unison and work together. Goal Setting and Self-Determination: Whether the goal be big (going to Nationals!) or smaller (getting to perform in a fancier dress,) SRL is all about small, every day steps leading to larger goals. We help each dancer set personal goals in their dance career, and this example has proven to carry through in many dancers’ school performance and at home behavior. Irish dance is more about building up skills over time, and is less about instant gratification and more about hard work and dedication—skills that will serve them all their lives!  Community: SRL is a community-focused studio where we’re all about supporting each other, even when we’re competing! But Irish dance is more than our studio, it’s a tight-knit, but also global community. All you need to enter that community is a love of Irish dance, and then you’re welcome!
Interested in seeing all that Irish dance has to offer? Check out SRL’s Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp for your dancer! This is a low-commitment way for students 2-12 (and their parents) to gage interest before signing up for classes. Check out the details (and the deals your session will include!) here. We hope to meet you soon! Have any questions? Feel free to call or text our Office Manager, Devon, at 860-385-1107 or shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s happy to help! This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post, a longer explanation of our Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp program, here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  SRL campers in 2019! Does your child love to jump, wiggle, and move? Have they been bouncing off the walls all year? Are they obsessed with watching dance videos on YouTube when they get their coveted screen time? (Us, too!) Maybe it’s time to find a new outlet for all that excess energy…and why not try Irish dance? With Scoil Rince Luimni’s Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp program, dancers from ages 2 to 12 will spend a week of classes letting that built up energy out, learning a new skill, and having safe, positive social interactions with new friends! This program is designed to really let your child try out this extremely active and fast-paced artistic sport in a secure and fun environment, but also to let you, as a parent, see if this is the right fit for your family. During one of our two Intro Summer Camp sessions, your dancer will take one class each evening (at a work-friendly time for parents,) for a full week to help them gage their interest (and get in some social time and physical exercise!)  One of our Beginner classes! As Irish dance has innumerable benefits (like increased coordination, flexibility, balance, and strength…along with musicality and life skills such as goal setting, teamwork, and self-determination,) we’ve added extra value to the Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp program, as well! While you’ll be able to meet our staff, explore the studio, and get a feel for what Irish dance is all about, your purchase of a session also waives your Fall 2021 registration fee and gifts you the first four weeks of classes come September for free! For our littlest dancers in our Tiny Jig or Pre-Beginner programs (2-5) this is a $155 value for only $82.50, and for our Beginners (6-12) a $216 value for only $132.
Sign up and see the full details here: Session 1: July 19-23 or Session 2: August 16-20 Ages 2-3, 5:00-5:25PM Ages 4-5, 5:30-6:00PM Ages 6-12, 6:00-6:45PM Have any questions? Feel free to call or text our Office Manager, Devon, at 860-385-1107 or shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s happy to help! We look forward to dancing with you soon! This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post, all about the general benefits of summer camps, here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  Name: Christian Cairone TCRG
Position: Instructor How long have you been working at SRL? Almost 2 years. Why SRL? I loved the atmosphere that Courtney had created and wanted to be a part of the team. How long have you been dancing? I was a competitive dancer for 20 years, but I've been dancing since I was 3. Why Irish dance? My older brother saw Riverdance on TV and wanted to start doing it. I went to the first practice and was hooked. My teacher at the time didn't allow for children to dance at 2, so I would go to class and dance in the back of the room doing everything everyone was doing in class. My teacher let me start the following year and I haven't looked back! What did you want to be when you grew up when you were little? Why? I always wanted to be a veterinarian because I loved animals so much growing up. What are you interested in that most people aren’t? Star Wars and culinary arts. What weird food combination do you enjoy? As a chef I love many different flavor combos, but the strangest might just be: a piece of toast with peanut butter, topped with an over-easy egg. (Trust me, you need to try it!) How has dance affected your everyday life? Dance has given me the ability to have friends all around the world that share the same love and passion for Irish dance that I do. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!) The Azores, which is a subsection of islands off the coast of Portugal. What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of? Why? Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It was a story my grandfather would read to me all the time when I was a kid and whenever I watch it I always remember him and the different ways he would tell the story. If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I would love to time travel! Why do you think people dance? I believe there are many reasons behind why people dance, including because friends or family members did it in the past or currently do it now. But I think that some people dance for the same reason I did: for a way to escape reality from time to time. I remember going to the studio, totally forgetting about the outside world, and just living in the moment that was happening throughout dance class. What advice do you have for aspiring dancers? The best advice I have is this: "Believing in yourself is the first step to achieving greatness." This post is the last in the series (at least for now!) Meet our whole staff: Courtney, Bailey, Codi, Devon (and, of course, Christian, above,) through their Q&As. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram. To Wear Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a child in your life who loves to dance, wiggle, or move? Our taster session will give them the gift of dance! This week on our Irish dancer gift guide series, we’re looking at apparel! Whether it be to relax in or for class (don’t worry, almost everything is available in SRL Academy colors,) these items are sure to excite an Irish dancer of any age. Though you’ll find some bigger business links throughout, we’ve tried our best highlight small businesses in the Irish dance community wherever possible and we hope you’ll join us in that goal!  1. Masks While I’m sure everyone’s already ordered their SRL masks, we’re suggesting a few more options for both in the studio and out. So much has changed this year and that can be scary—personalized and/or decorative masks that show off your dancer’s interests can help demystify and normalize something that’s become our new reality. (And we all know we need more masks than we have if we want to wash them as directed—it’s time to start collecting!) Additional Options: Ghillie Mask “Keep It Reel” Mask Tiara Mask  2. Sweatshirts While your dancer’s SRL hoodie is cozy, it does have to go in the wash sometimes. Here are a few options so they can rep their love of Irish dance no matter how long it takes to get to the laundry. The above option and the last option are unisex! Additional Options: “Keep It Reel” Hoodie Irish Dance Outline Hoodie “Keep Calm and Feis On” Crewneck  3. Practice Tanks and Tees While it might be getting chilly outside, once your dancer starts dancing, the studio can really heat up! Help them layer with a fun tank for under their sweatshirt and coat or gift them something new to sleep in at night. While most of these suggestions are for our female dancers, see the last one below for a great unisex option! Additional Options: “Keepin’ It Reel” Tank Harry Potter/Irish Dance Tee “Keep Calm and Feis On” Tee  4. Light Tote I know we all have a million tote bags, but don’t you use them all the time? From dance class to grocery shopping, school to a sleepover (fingers crossed we get back there,) a tote bag is one of the most versatile gifts you can give. For those dancers who don’t necessarily want to wear a dance tee, this can be the perfect way for them to show their passion for dance in a more understated way! Additional Options: Irish Dancer Outline Tote Custom Tote with Pocket Dance Sets Print Tote  5. Key Chains/Bag Accessories Then, there’s always an even more understated way to show your love of Irish dance: with a small bag accessory! For the male or female dancer (some non-glittery options below,) this is a great way to know which one is yours while also adding a fun and decorative element to your dance gear, purse, or school bag. And with so many personalized options out there, there’s something for everyone! Additional Options: 5, 6, 7, 8 with Tassel Assorted Irish Dance Bag Tags “I Love Irish Dance” Key Chain  6. Charm Bracelets
While this might not be the right thing for every one of our dancers, jewelry that commemorates their love of Irish dance could be a smash hit this holiday! Charm bracelets have a classic, old-fashioned appeal with the added bonus of being able to be added on to year after year. We’ve given some additional jewelry options below in case your dancer would be more interested in something with a little less jangle. Additional Options: Irish Dancer Dangling Earrings Personalized Bar Pendant Necklace Modern Charm Bracelet This is Volume IV of a series. Come back next Saturday for the next installment or read last week’s for some décor gift suggestions for your dancer. And check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  Name: Courtney Jay TCRG
Position: Director and Instructor, all levels How long have you been working at SRL? Why SRL? It was my dream to create SRL! Since I was 12 years old I knew I was going to own an Irish dance studio. While I did not fully comprehend what that meant at the time, I had files upon files of documents on my computer with all my plans and visions. Looking back, it is pretty incredible that I had an idea at a young age that I committed to and brought to life in adulthood. I opened SRL in 2014 when I was 22 years old and since then it has taken on a life of its own, much bigger and faster than my 12 year old self could have ever envisioned! My work at SRL includes the day to day operations, managing our team, teaching classes, protecting and executing the vision, and implementing business strategies to ensure we continue to grow and thrive. Everyday is different! What are you interested in that most people aren’t? Two things – competitive gymnastics (Elite and NCAA) and The Sims. Gymnastics is the only sport I’m interested in, and I can tell you in great detail what skills are being done while watching routines, about NCAA line ups, and watch every meet I can for both divisions. The Sims is something I indulge in during my VERY rare and sporadic moments of free time and I love to build things and get lost in my imaginary world. How long have you been dancing? Why Irish dance? I started Irish dance when I was six, after starting gymnastics and ballet as a two year old. I was really drawn to the quick movements and the driving music as a kid who was getting bored at the ballet barre. I begged my mom to let me switch to Irish for an entire summer before she agreed to sign me up, on the condition that I continued ballet. I was the kid who liked to quit everything, so I’m sure she wasn’t very confident I’d stick to Irish dance but here we are 23 years later! As I got more into Irish dance, the draw that has kept me after all this time is you’re never done learning. There is always something new to learn or create – movements that trend and work their way into our repertoire each year, new rhythms that come to you in your sleep, and different pieces you’re creating to showcase a particular dancer’s strengths. No matter how good you get at it, there is always something more you can do, improve, or learn! What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of? Why? I actually prefer to watch the same movies over and over again – my go to’s are: Any of the Harry Potter movies, Mean Girls, and Catch Me If You Can. I hate the process of picking something new to watch and wondering if I’ll like it, so I’m perfectly content to watch something tried and true. How has dance affected your everyday life? There aren’t very many areas of my life Irish dance hasn’t touched – my best friends and closest social circle is from Irish dancing. My oldest friends and I grew up dancing together elementary through high school and now we’re experiencing adulthood together. So many of my best experiences in life have been because of my involvement in Irish dancing – traveling the globe for competitions, attending events that have made me a better and stronger person, and building this business living out my dream career. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!) Hawaii; if it wasn’t so far away and expensive, I would have already gone back. I really love the beach but there’s something about Hawaii that feels more magical and exotic than other beach destinations I frequent. Why do you think people dance? Ultimately I think it brings people joy – you get to move your body and release the endorphins that make you happy. Your mind gets to focus on something outside of the ‘everyday’ thoughts, worries, and stressors that we often get lost or caught up in. You are surrounded by people drawn to the same activity and have a common interest that bonds you. Going to dance class is like being surrounded in pure joy. What did you want to be when you grew up when you were little? Why? For quite some time, I wanted to be an architect. Part of that may come from my love of the Sims, which I’ve played since it was released in 2000. I was always drawing floor plans on paper, building in the Sims, and then in high school took drafting and architecture classes. While it ultimately wasn’t for me, I’m glad I got to experience those classes before I needed to make college decisions. What advice do you have for aspiring dancers? It sounds cliché, but never give up. I was not naturally talented and Irish dance was not easy for me when I started. I struggled until I decided I wanted to get better at it, started practicing at home, and then eventually reaped the benefits. Even once I had success, there were still times where certain steps, dances, or competitions challenged me and required me to be patient and dig deeper. If I had given up early on or once I was frustrated for a period of time, I wouldn’t be where I am today! This post is part of a series. Read our Q&A with another instructor, Bailey, here. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  Name: Bailey
Position: Instructor, assists all class levels How long have you been working at SRL? Why SRL? I have been working at SRL for the past month, and absolutely love it! SRL is an amazing community where all the dancers and teachers are very motivating, inspiring, and caring. How long have you been dancing? Why Irish dance? I have been dancing for 18 years! My mom chose Irish dance for me and my sister when we were very young to help express our Irish heritage. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!) The coolest place I have ever visited was either Vancouver, BC or Edinburgh, Scotland. What are you interested in that most people aren’t? Math! I love math, as I am currently pursuing my graduate degree in Secondary Education with concentration in mathematics! Why do you think people dance? People dance to feel something and to express emotion. I dance because it made me feel strong, powerful, and motivated. What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of? Why? Harry Potter (any of them!)… I am a huge fan! How has dance affected your everyday life? I cannot go a day without thinking about Irish dance, listening to Irish music, or dancing! What do most people not know about you? I have 2 different colored eyes. Who’s your biggest inspiration? Aly Raisman (2012 & 2016 Olympian) because she is such a hard worker, but also, she is a team leader and always wants success for her teammates. What advice do you have for aspiring dancers? Always be the hardest worker in the room; hard work goes a long way. This post is part of a series. Read our Q&A with another instructor, Codi, here. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  If you’re reading this, it’s fair to say that you’re probably browsing the SRL site. And if you’re browsing our site, you may be considering signing your child up for Irish dance. One of the most common questions any studio gets asked is: how old does my child need to be to start dance lessons? Our answer is always the same: If you can walk, you can dance! While dance has been proven to be beneficial to all age groups and we’ll never discourage an older student from beginning, there’s upsides to starting early. First of all, let’s acknowledge the elephant in every single room: it’s 2020, so your kids have been spending ALL their time with you. And as much as some extra family time has been the major benefit of this year, it does mean less opportunities for your child to develop a sense of independence and personhood, as well as for practicing social skills outside the home. There’s no “Mommy and Me” classes at SRL—we see even our Tiny Jig classes (for 2 to 3-year-olds) as a way for our students to not only learn to dance, but also: practice taking turns and sharing attention with others, being kind and respectful to peers and adults, learning about personal space boundaries, as well as a myriad of other not just social, but developmental skills they may not have a lot of chances to practice right now. Beyond the developmental benefits dance can foster, are the physical benefits. Our youngest classes concentrate not only on dance skills, but help improve motor skills, as well as help catch and correct any issues with right-left dominance. And, of course, it’s excellent exercise. (Especially during New England’s winter months!) Innumerable studies confirm that dance also improves cognitive ability and can led a better quality of life. Why? While there can’t be a downside to forging a mind-body connection early in development, dance classes also help kids practice patience, goal setting, and routine—all things that will benefit them in their future studies—as well as musicality. We’ve all seen the reports about how stimulating music is for the brain—why not develop that appreciation early? Additionally: if your child is already interested in dance, they may want to continue with it as they get older. Early dance classes aren’t a requirement, but they will lay a good foundation for your dancer’s success later on by instilling technique and creating a well-rounded dancer. In fact, it will be beneficial for any physical activity they choose—haven’t you heard the stories about NFL players taking dance classes to improve their coordination, flexibility, and footwork? With fewer children attending in-person preschool or even elementary, SRL’s dance classes provide a safe, socially distant space (with small class sizes to assure safety and close attention to all students and online options) for your kids to grow, learn, and play. It may not be easy right away—your kids may get discouraged or have the occasional tantrum or issues listening—but that’s what dance is about: learning, growing, and pushing through. Irish dance, like life, only has a couple moments of instant gratification…but isn’t that what makes real, earned successes all the sweeter? Here at SRL, students get moved up levels as soon as their skills have progressed, not by any specific age designation (that’s just to start!) Your child’s hard work is the only thing rewarded. And what better lesson to instill in your kids at a young age than that? Hear our Director, Courtney Jay, TCRG, discuss the benefits of our programs (for children as young as two!) here: This is our second Saturday bonus post! Check out our first here, all about battling back to school burnout. And check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram
 Does anyone recognize what princess Codi is cosplaying? Let us know in the comments! Name: Codi
Position: Instructor: Tiny Jig, Pre-Beginner, Beginner, Adult classes What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of? Why? Pretty much every Disney princess movie. They remind me of going to Disney world with my family when I was little and just always make me happy! What do most people not know about you? I cosplay once a year, dressing up as a twist on a Disney character and hanging out with other people who do the same. How long have you been working at SRL? Why SRL? 2.5 years, after college I stopped dancing because I couldn't find somewhere to continue but a few years later I found SRL's adult class. Once I was there, I got to talking to Courtney about my previous experience and that I had taught before. I started with subbing in some classes for her that year then started teaching full time that spring. It's a joy to be able to help the students develop all of their skills and watch them grow. How long have you been dancing? Why Irish dance? I’ve been Irish dancing for 19 years now. I chose it because at the time it was something new and exciting but continued because it was always a challenge to improve and learn new skills. How has dance affected your everyday life? It's a fun thing to connect with others about, and a little crazy sometimes to see how many people actually have some experience with something you might think is not as widespread! What’s your secret talent? Normally this would be the question I answer "Irish Step" to, but I don't think I can do that here, haha. My secret talent is that I can drive miniature horses. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!) The coolest place I've ever visited is France. I was able to go up the Eiffel tower, walk down the Champs-Élysées, and visit Normandy. Why do you think people dance? I think people Irish dance to give them a fun challenge. The feeling of satisfaction after mastering something becomes a little addictive and drives you to accomplish more and more. Dance in general is also a great way to connect with others and form friendships. What advice do you have for aspiring dancers? There is always something to work on, whether or not what you’re practicing seems challenging. Add an element to keep improving, for example if you think your turnout is good, work on your upper body posture, holding yourself straight and keeping your arms still, while practicing your turnout skills. What’s the most important quality to have in life? Perseverance, the ability to continue to work towards what you want even if you're pushed backwards or have to find a new path. This is part of a series. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.  So we can’t sit this close together right now - don’t let that deter you from the many benefits dancing can offer your little one!
We know how important it is for toddlers and pre-schoolers to interact with their peers. Interacting with other children their age is a huge part of their social development and it can’t be recreated at home with siblings and parents. This has always been a huge part of our Pre-Beginner program and it is more important now than ever before. In our small dance classes (maximum of 8 students), tiny dancers learn to take turns, share the attention of their instructor, follow directions, and most importantly build their independence from their caregivers. After months of staying home or with close family, it will be very normal for children to experience separation anxiety. The longer you avoid independence building activities, like dance class, the more severe the anxiety may become. Our popular Jump’n Jig program has been adapted to allow for physical distancing without sacrificing any fun! We want you to feel safe joining us and allowing your little dancer to enjoy time to jump, wiggle, and jig with us!  We are so excited to re-open our doors this Monday June 29, 2020! It has been too long since we've heard giggles in our halls, seeing practices of the latest Tik-Tok craze, and the sound of trebles on our wooden floor. While the reopened studio will look and feel different than pre-pandemic times, the heart and soul of our community will bring the warmth and comfort we're all seeking.
Our last in-person classes were Friday March 13 and I will never forget how that week unfolded in slow motion as we all watched our world change in disbelief. Right in the midst of St Patrick's Day excitement, events that our dancers look forward to and work hard for as long as 6-months prior, everything came to a sudden halt. Schools were announcing two week closures, businesses were shutting down, and families sheltered in their homes to stay safe and healthy. Never again will we take for granted trips to the grocery store, play dates with friends, or hugging others for greetings or goodbyes. During our time at home, students continued their dancing online in our virtual studio (thanks Zoom!) and we heard so many times from parents how dancing was the bright spot in their child's day, the meeting they most looked forward to, and how on days they had dance class their mood was better. Others struggled with only being able to connect with their instructors and classmates through the computer screen or losing the huge dance floor and mirrors they were used to. Our re-opened studio is outfitted with changes for everyone's health and safety - small class sizes, physical distancing during classes and within the building, mask wearing when less than 12ft apart, restrooms outfitted with new faucets and dispensers to prevent surface contact, new entry/exit and drop off procedures, and of course - lots of hand sanitizer. While on the surface it looks cold, clinical, and that some of the joys have been taken away, we're confident that our people make the studio: our dancers, their families, and our staff. We know that bringing together (6 or more feet apart, of course) our community safely, the mental and physical health of our dancers will improve long after they've left the studio from the in-person interaction, returning to a familiar place, and experiencing class outside of their computer screen. Stay tuned for program options for new students. We know there are families who are looking for safe activities for their children to resume movement and social interaction over the summer and we want to be your destination for dance!  What’s the best way to get 2-4 year olds started Irish dancing? It’s Jump’n Jig, and Scoil Rince Luimni is the only school in Connecticut to offer this program for pre-schoolers! The program was designed by Irish dance teacher, adjudicator, and early-childhood expert Fiona Holmes ADCRG and is tailor-made for our youngest dancers to learn and understand how to be in a dance class, develop their motor skills and musicality, and of course enjoy every moment of their class. Each portion of class is designed with the preschooler in mind, from the inviting welcome, a reminder of our expectations and manners within the studio, social engagement between the dancers, working on our listening and dancing skills, and rewards and positive reinforcement. There are two movement stations within the class - one in a circle so all students can engage closely with each other and the instructor and a long line acting as a ‘track’ for dancers to practice various skills. We open and close class in the circle and incorporate props kids love - teddy bears, wands, musical instruments, and more! Along the track, we work on our single leg balancing, single leg balancing with accessory movements, leg and foot strength, moving on or around markers and targets, foot placement for Irish dancing, and the concept of right/left and front/back. As dancers become more proficient with their motor skills, they progress to dance skills that will help them transition to our Beginner program when they are old enough. Dancers also practice actively listening to the music and finding the beat by clapping and utilizing props so they can dance WITH the music instead of TO the music (the hardest thing to teach a dancer!). Our Pre-Beginner program is all about setting each preschool dancer up for success - and by success we mean happy, confident, and comfortable with their abilities and in their class. Dancers who love to dance and have strong foundations will grow to work through the inevitable bumps in the road or challenges they may face as they progress. Ready to join in? We have limited space in our Saturday morning class and we have a brand new class opening Friday mornings in October.   Join us in celebrating St Patrick's Day at Scoil Rince Luimni! On Sunday March 10th, we are holding a free class and open house at our South Windsor studio!
We’re opening our studio for you to come experience our classes, tour our studio, and see if Irish dancing could become part of your child’s life in the future. You don’t ever need to be Irish to enjoy Irish dancing - it’s an artistic sport that has so many amazing benefits for children & adults! Irish dance is fast paced, highly social, and has infectious music which make it exciting and dynamic for kids to learn. We celebrate our milestones and successes along the way while always presenting a new challenge to keep students motivated, engaged, and proud of their work. Our young dancers experience:
 Scoil Rince Luimni is thrilled to welcome Christian Cairone TCRG to our studio family! Christian has been Irish dancing since he was 3 years old. He trained under Irene and Maureen Horgan who helped instill the love and passion for dancing he has today. While there, he assisted teaching with all levels of classes which helped to increase his love of dancing and teaching.
Christian has competed around the globe with career highlights including: becoming Senior Men's Oireachtas champion, placing 4th at the All Ireland's, and medalling at both the North American Championships and the World Championships. At the 2018 World Championships, he had the opportunity to perform with the Fusion Fighters during their performance and would love to dance in a professional show in the future. Since passing his TCRG exam in January 2018, he is focused sharing his love and passion with his dancers and helping them to reach their goals. Aside from dancing, Christian majored in Culinary Arts and Culinary Nutrition at Johnson & Wales University. He is currently working on becoming a Registered Dietitian to eventually specialize in Sports Nutrition to help dancers understand proper nutrition and to also give them easy recipes to use as well! We are excited to have additional feedback, expertise, and support for all of our dancers as well as bring our growing contingent of male dancers a role model they can aspire to emulate in their dancing! One of our most frequently asked questions by parents at the beginning stages of the dance journey is:  How can I tell if my dancer enjoys this? OR How can I tell if this is right for my child? Of course every child is different but we have some common threads and patterns that have emerged over the years to help guide you. 1. Some children will happily show you EVERYTHING they did in class that day. Others won't, and it's a common misconception that the shy variety of dancers aren't enjoying class. Dancers that are reluctant to share what they've learned are often very protective of their new skills and have early signs of perfectionism that you may not have seen before. 2. Little by little you may notice your dancer skipping, jumping, and hopping from place to place more than they are walking. While it's not formal practice or dancing, their more expressive movement is a CLASSIC sign that they are taking in everything from classes and learning to move like a dancer. Soon you won't be able to go anywhere without them dancing along next to you. 3. You may hear that your child is teaching their friends and classmates at school or other activities how to dance. It is quite common for new dancers to feel more comfortable sharing their dancing with their peers than their parents, though the more outgoing personality will share with just about everyone! Teaching others what they are learning in class shows a very deep understanding and enjoyment for dance and is a huge step towards a loving relationship with learning more! You can support your dancer's journey into dance by not forcing them to show or tell you more than they are comfortable. Each dancer takes a unique path through the early stages of dancing and there is no 'right' or 'wrong' one. Ultimately, your dancer leading their journey with you in the supporting role will result in the best outcome.
"[I appreciate] Courtney's structured, patient, and kind approach. She has her finger on the pulse of her students, knowing what they need and when, and I believe she had a lot to do with [my daughter's] growth this year."  We’ve just come off of a grand total of 145 hours of camps for both new students and our returning dancers. It’s a humbling juxtaposition of dancers who are falling in love with Irish dance for the first time and those who love the sport and are chasing every aspect of it with everything they have.
Dancers ages 2 through almost 30 worked to develop their repertoire, technique, and joy for dance over the last four weeks. Each with different goals - some just finding their feet and others chasing big dreams - they came to the studio each day with open minds, purpose, and their unique personality that reminded me why we take an individual approach for each dancer. We have standards and expectations that set a framework of mutual respect between teacher & student, commitment to the process from both sides, and the support of classmates and teammates while pursuing individual goals at the right pace for each dancer. I’ve always held the belief that two dancers that appear very much the same on paper will end up with two very different journeys on two very different timelines. Some journeys require more patience, more sacrifice, more sensitivity, or more reassurance from either parent, student, or teacher. It’s like we’re all walking through the same park but taking different paths and some will arrive on the other side later than others - and that’s okay. Our goals at Scoil Rince Luimni are to first and foremost develop a love for Irish dancing - all of it, some of it, or simply an appreciation for movement, fitness, or expression. Next we aim to expose dancers to different routes of exploring dance outside the studio walls - performing, competing, exams - whether they try one, all, or a combination of the three. Some dancers will respond well to all avenues while others will have one or two that really speak to them. Finally, we support the whole dancer as they walk their chosen path(s). We make sure they are supported in just about every way - mind, body, and soul by bringing in outside experts where appropriate, continuing to innovate and adapt to new research and technology, and checking in with the dancer often on their approach, goals, and expectations. Every dancer’s journey is met with challenges along the way - scheduling conflicts, choosing their primary activity, injuries, slumps in motivation and results, etc. While the road isn’t always smoothly paved, we like to help guide parents and dancers through the detours with our expertise and dancer-centric approach.  In many families, Monday morning (or even Sunday night) through Friday afternoon feeling running the gauntlet - school, work, activities, homework, projects, meetings, CCD, scouts, the list just never seems to end. You might not even have a free night, but on the rare occasion you do it might be your only chance to have a family dinner or have time to slow down. We totally get it, and in our effort to make Irish dance classes as accessible as possible we hold classes on Saturdays in addition to our weekday schedule! Designed for first and second year students, our pre-beginner and beginner classes on Saturday mornings are perfect for busy families. Whether sports are on the calendar in your house or not, there’s something about Saturday morning that just has more ease to it. Our Saturday classes are open and ready for new student enrollment! Irish dance classes are very active - even for those who aren’t into sports (psst, I never was!) - while also being extremely social and engaging. We have dancers from all over Connecticut so there are so many new friends waiting for your young dancer to meet. We have fun at every class while learning strong basics and encouraging a love of dance. Children ages 3-5 are able to join our pre-beginner program from 9:30-10:00am each Saturday while children ages 6+ can join our beginner program from 10:00-11:00am. We have weekday offerings for both programs but they are filling fast! You can register on our website, https://www.irishdancect.com/register.html  Have you been wanting to try a class but waiting for the right time? Are you counting down the days until the kids go back to school and looking for something to do? Has your calendar looked more like advanced calculus all year and summer has finally opened up some time? No matter the reason or occasion, we hope you can join us for a free "Try It Out" class on Monday July 23 Monday July 30 If your little dancer is age 3-5 you can join us on either day at 5:30 for a 30min class. If your dancer is 6 or older, you can join us either day from 6:00-7:00pm. This "Try It Out" trial class opportunity is in conjunction with our 2018 summer camps for new students, so there will be plenty of first timers in class for your dancer to meet. Irish dancing is ⚡ High energy 👨👩👧👦 Enjoyable for boys and girls 🎵 Upbeat with infectious music 👋 Social and encourages students to meet new friends And most importantly, FUN! Come see what all the buzz is all about! You can RSVP by sending in the form below.  Today, Wednesday February 7, is Girls and Women and Sports Day. Most of our audience is in full acknowledgement that Irish dance is a highly athletic, artistic sport. It might not be played on a field, but our dancers train, think, and live as athletes each and every day. My biggest pride, and perhaps my biggest responsibility, as the director of Scoil Rince Luimni is the influence and impact I have in our students. While Irish dance is an activity for boys and girls, the majority of our students - like other dance forms - are girls and women. Boys will always be welcomed by us and other dance studios alike, there’s a part of me that feels so joyful that dance studios are a place where girls and women are the majority, feel safe, and can be unapologetically themselves. From our tiniest little dancers that are often taking dance for the first time, I want them to fall in love with dancing. Even when we get distracted and just want to twirl around the room, I can’t get too upset as at the heart of the matter - they are enjoying movement, expressing themselves, and finding their confidence. I want them to always make the proud, excited faces I see when I encourage them or congratulate them on doing a step or movement correctly for the first time. I want them to continue to tell me all the little things on their minds while we stretch because it shows me they feel safe and comfortable in the studio and with me as their teacher. These are the moments that make build these little girls into well adjusted women someday.  For our school aged crew that are finding Irish dance for the first time, they sometimes come in with reservations or fears. It might be a bad experience with a different activity that keeps them guarded or just carryover from other events in their life - a move, academic stress, and school bullying - that brings them into dance class as a shy, skeptical student. Week to week I see them start to flourish as they can’t help but let go and enjoy their class. The music, the movement, the other students - it lights up these students from the inside out. I see their love of dance grow alongside their love for life. The transformation that takes place over the first few months of classes is something that I will never grow tired of. These are the moments that build girls into happy, vivacious women someday.  For our developing dancers who are moving up the ranks and getting older and wiser every year, they are starting to struggle in one way or the other. Whether it’s getting harder to pick up choreography, a first injury, or a mental block that starts to creep in, each dancer will have a personal struggle to face. I want these dancers to know that we all face challenges in life and one day they will have a challenge much bigger than this. I want these ‘big girls’ and pre-teens to develop the grit and tenacity to face these challenges head on and work through them. It’s a much quieter celebration than seeing the little ones’ proud faces, but the subtle signs show me I’ve done my job. I start to see dancers who were once too afraid to take a risk start to step up. I start to hear them passing on words of wisdom to others that up until recently they needed to hear themselves. These are the moments that build big girls into mentally and physically strong women someday. For our teenagers and young adults, you’re working your way through some of the toughest phases of life. Dance class becomes your escape - your stress relief, your outlet, and your social hub. No one wants to go back in time and be a teenage girl but everyday I get to help students through this phase of life. These dancers live the student athlete life even though their schools likely don’t give them the same treatment as the football or basketball teams. They wake at the crack of dawn, attend eight hours of classes, only to come home and complete another few hours of homework, and a couple hours of physically demanding dance classes. These young ladies are wise beyond their years when it comes to time management, assessing priorities, and doing whatever it takes to meet their goals. I want these young ladies to know that as a former teenage girl, I commend their daily commitment, effort, and desire to be part of our community. These are the moments that build young women into warrior women.  Irish dance is an amazing vehicle for girls and women of all ages who want to be active. The goal of sports isn’t solely to be “good” at that sport - it’s to develop skills and the character to face real life in the future. It brings me great joy to be part of the evolution of our girls whether they’re in the studio for half an hour each week or for many hours each day. I hope that my leadership, influence, and experience makes a positive impact on each of them. - CJ |
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