Irish Dancing
This traditional dance form is one of the best (and most glamorous) ways to get fit along with being a beautiful form of dancing.
We offer Irish dance classes from pre-schoolers through to young adults, whether it be for fun and fitness or a competitive level from Beginners through to Open dancers (see below for more details).
Students can show off their fancy footwork at Irish dancing competitions registered with the Irish Dancing Commission (IDC) in Dublin. This worldwide organisation fostered such talents as Michael Flatley and Jean Butler of Riverdance fame.
Our students have the opportunities to dance out at special events throughout the year including St Patrick's Day events, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Mercantile in the Rocks and other corporate events.
Students can take part in locally run competitions throughout term 2 and term 3 as well as take part in Irish dance exams held by AIDA (NSW). When students reach Open level they are also able to compete at State and National Championships.
Our students have danced at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Ireland as well as winning titles at the NSW and Australian National Championships.
In 2023, three of our boys took out State titles at the NSW State Irish Dancing Championships - 20 years Senior Men - Liam Costello (current World Champion), 14 years - Eric Lawonski (also current National Champion), 10 years Minor Boys - Leon Russell - we also had Lexi (4th place State) and Zoe (5th place State) qualify for World Championships in 204.
Classes are fun for Beginners up to Championship level (see below photos for all levels). For further information visit the IDC website www.clrg.ie or https://aidainc.com
For all our latest Irish news please check out our Irish Facebook page
Competitions/Feis
Irish dancing competitions are held around Sydney throughout the year. These are also called "Feis". CSOD students dance at this events under the name of Scoil Rince Creer. Competitions are not compulsory. However, students are encouraged to participate in at least one feis a year so they have a goal to work towards in class.
Irish grades for class and competition
There are five different levels of Irish dancing. Students may win their way out of a grade or be promoted by their teacher once they have reached a level of competence.
Beginners
This is where the journey of all Irish dancers starts!
Students learn dances such as the light jig and reel.
Only soft shoes are worn. Leotard and skirt/ trousers and shirt are worn at competitions.
Primary
Steps start to become more complicated but there are restrictions on certain movements.
Hard or `heavy’ shoes are introduced. Leotard and skirt/ trousers and shirt are worn at competitions.
Elementary
Steps are more advanced. Dancers can attempt more complicated moves. There are no rules about what steps can be danced
It is only when students reach this level that they can wear an Irish dancing costume.
At CSOD we have costumes students can hire for this level of dancing.
Intermediate
More advanced steps
Open
The highest level of competition.