Did you know SRL offers yoga? That's right, certified LivFree yoga instructor Colleen Macsuga teaches Vinyasa yoga here at our studio. A popular program with parents, students, and the public, Colleen guides everyone through a practice that is suitable for their level. If you're a beginner, Colleen will make sure you have the foundations down while being encouraged and uplifted - this is absolutely a #judgementfreezone. If you're an improver or a veteran yogi, Colleen will modify for you to ensure your practice is appropriately challenging.

Yoga is on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30pm from Wednesday November 1 through December 20. Classes are drop in, however you must register to appear on our class roster. Create an account and then log-in to select "Yoga for All" from the yoga tab. Once you've registered, you'll store the card of your choice on file so we can auto-debit it after only classes you've attended. 

Come see us on Wednesday with a mat and comfortable clothing. SRL Studio is located at 400 Chapel Road 1A, South Windsor CT 06074. 

Back to school is coming! Along with the paperwork, getting those back to school supplies, and the settling those first day of school jitters, it’s time to start thinking about after school activities! Most parents want to expose their children to a variety of activities while they’re young to see what their natural talents may be, allow them to experience different communities, and fill up that after school time while the homework load is light.

If you’re considering Irish dance as an activity this year, you’re probably also weighing up the risk of your picky, finicky, young one rejecting your choice. It's a common predicament, kids really can be so fickle when it comes to activities. To help with your decision, here are some popular archetypes of kids who end up loving Irish dance:

1. The Energizer Bunny: never stops moving, twirling, running, jumping, and maybe even more dangerous moves. These energizer bunnies need something to channel their energy into, and I'm sure you've made this realization. But why is Irish dancing such a good choice? If your young one is a mover and groover, they need music! Sports aren't done to a backing track and Irish dance combines the best of sport and art! Both the dance and the music is high energy, so your active little man or lady has plenty of stimulation at dance class to tire them out before bedtime.
2. Mommy’s Extra Leg: sometimes you may feel like you have a third leg because your child. Just. Won't. Let. Go. Of. You. You want some time for yourself and you know your extra appendage needs time to develop on their own too. Why is Irish dancing such a great choice? Well, this might be an SRL unique draw, but our classes are very structured which helps nervous, vulnerable, new dancers find comfort in the routine, focus on their lesson, and slowly grow confidence and independence. Our teachers really go the extra mile to ensure these dancers are engaged and immersed in the moment rather than worrying about mommy.
3. The Closet Extrovert: chatty, energetic, and even a little sassy at home or with family but transforms into a shy, withdrawn, and stoic little person in front of new people. Sound like someone you know? I bet your biggest worry with dance is, “but how are they going to get on stage and do a recital at the end of the year? I don't want to traumatized him/her!” A worthy concern - especially since most dance forms do build up to once big recital at the end of the year. At SRL, we actively work on students comfort and familiarity of being on stage from the beginning. From performance opportunities at libraries, farmers markets, schools, and more - all open for beginners - students associate being on stage with fun, friends, and praise rather than getting nervous or upset. By the time we get to our year-end dinner dance, even the shyest of students are ready to go!
4. The Rule Follower: always serious, usually focused, and never puts a toe out of line! Our structured classes, consistency in giving feedback, and opportunities to reward hard work speak to our rule followers who just love to impress. These types of kids live off making corrections to hear positive feedback, showing that they’re always prepared and ready to learn more, and their desire to be a model student. Teachers love them, their classmates love them, and most importantly - the kids love to dance!

Do you know someone who fits into one of these categories? Send them this article and see if Irish dance is an activity they'd consider for this year!
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Dancers, do you want to impress your teacher(s), make steady progress, or become the best you can be? Here's 5 ways you can make your teachers say WOW!
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1. Come prepared - Bring everything you need for class including shoes, a water bottle, and anything else your teacher requires. Make sure to be dressed appropriately or according to the dress code and leave distractions - like toys, games, and devices - at the door.
2. Listen - Teachers have so much knowledge that they want to pass on to students but you have to be listening to soak it all up! Aside from teaching you steps, your teachers will often point out life lessons or share personal experiences during classes that are valuable to each student’s dance education. Your teacher will give you corrections and feedback on how to make your dancing better, so listen to your own corrections as well as feedback given to others to maximize your potential.
3. Ask (relevant) questions - If you don’t understand something or need clarification, don’t be afraid to ask! Your teachers are here to help you become the best you can be and appreciate a student who takes the time to think about something deeply enough to have a question. It shows your teachers that you’re interested, engaged, and have initiative. Just make sure to ask your teacher by raising your hand at an appropriate time so you don’t disrupt their lesson or your class.
4. Set goals - Goal setting helps everyone take action steps towards achieving something big! Think of a long-term that you want to achieve - dancing in hard shoes, making a ceili team, or qualifying for a certain competition - and each week set smaller goals to help you get there! Get your friends and family involved to help keep you accountable or document your progress in a practice log or journal.
5. Practice, practice, practice - Think about how long you spend at school each day and how much homework you do each night in order to stay on track with your grade level. As a young dancer, you spend as little as an hour a week at dance class and go as long as a whole week before your next class. If you practiced for even 10 minutes each day you’re not at class, you’re already doubling your dance time and can improve so much faster! Practice can be anything from going over a step that’s been giving you trouble to pulling out the dress up closet and putting on a show for your family. The most important thing is that you’re dancing outside of class with a goal in mind.

Upon reading the title you're probably thinking one of three things:

• "Sounds like fun!"
• "I'm not so sure...."
• Or, "I can do that?!"

Adults CAN take up Irish dancing even as a 20, 30, 40, 50-something, or beyond! Even studios with competitive programs for children can have recreational programs for adults too! 

Irish dancing is such a great form of exercise (with adults burning up to 400 calories an hour!) that is also enjoyable and socialable. Why let the kids have all the fun?!

At SRL, our adult program is made up of students who are first time learners, "boomerangs" who danced as children, and even moms of former/current Irish dancers. These men and women range from 20 somethings to over 60, so there's room for anyone of any age to learn.

Classes consist of a mixture of styles including solo step dancing, ceili and set dancing (group dances), as well as old style sean-nos dancing so you're guaranteed to find something you love and never get bored. If you decide through your journey that you wish to pursue Irish dancing at a deeper or competitive level, we have programs for that too!

Ready to try it yet? Come along for a free trial class and see for yourself! Our adult classes are on Tuesdays in Farmington from 8-9pm and Thursdays in South Windsor from 8-9pm. Hope to see you soon!

Our annual summer camp was Olympic themed this year, with dancers placed on teams and competing for points awarded for good sportsmanship, effort, enthusiasm, and challenge wins. Dancers worked on their dancing technique and skills, learned new steps, and participated in yoga, nutrition, and speed masterclasses. At the end of the week, dancers nominated others for individual awards such as Best Effort, Most Spirited, and Best Overall Performance. We also presented the winners of the team challenge.

Camp is every July and August with day camp options for returning students and evening options for new beginners! Save our 2017 dates - July 24-28 and August 7-11!

We have added a class for new beginners on Fridays from 6:00-7:00pm! This class will begin following our Winter Break and run through June 26. To request more information or register, please contact Courtney at Scoil Rince Luimni.

Summer is over, kids are back in school, and now we're back to dance! The 2014-15 season of Irish dance classes at Scoil Rince Luimni has officially begun! Last week SRL welcomed new students and caught up with returning students to kick off the new year. The year is still young and SRL will allow open enrollment for any of the beginner classes offered in Farmington or South Windsor until we're full. Free trial classes are offered in both locations to new beginners, but please email or call to arrange your trial class prior to your arrival. Prospective students can request an information pack at any time, no strings attached.

SRL hopes to see you soon!

SRL wants boys to give Irish dancing a try to see just how fun and physically demanding it can be! Still not convinced? 

A former Irish dancer has written a great article on his blog about why Irish dancing (or any dancing for that matter!) is a worthwhile activity for boys and men. 

His experience in Irish dance taught him that it's masculine and athletic. Irish dance in particular is very physically demanding, on par with your typical sports, but is also a very manly form of dance. Male Irish dancers must dance with strength, sharpness, and power. The author also learned many skills beyond steps and technique, just as I try to do at SRL. He says that Irish dance taught him chivalry, confidence, cultural awareness, and self-awareness. These are important skills for any young man to discover, and what better way than an artistic sport? He also acknowledges the many opportunities Irish dancing affords young boys and men. Due to the smaller ratio of boys to girls in Irish dancing, boys often move up the competitive ranks faster, have more opportunities to tour with shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, and are always popular with the female dancers later in life! Irish dancing also gives both young men and women the chance to travel the world, the country, or your own backyard and make lifelong friendships. 

So why not give Irish dancing a try this year? Your first semester is free, so you have nothing to lose! I hope to see you soon at SRL!

Article full text: http://theirishatheist.wordpress.com/2014/05/20/ten-reasons-to-let-your-boy-dance/