O’Grady Quinlan Academy

Competitive Irish Dance offers students an opportunity to compete with other dancers of similar skill levels at the local, regional, national, and international competitions. O’Grady Quinlan is proud to offer dancers interested in competing the high level, the intensive training they will need to succeed. Dancers who choose competition dedicate their life year round to Irish dance. They attend as many classes as they can every week, train at home many times per week, attend many feiseanna per year as well as major championships nationally and internationally. Commitment is key for a competitive Irish dancers – they must work hard and train as an athlete. To achieve their goals, a path is set forth in a collaborative way between the student, teacher and parents. O’Grady Quinlan offers classes and workshops all year long which encompass not only dance, but also address the fitness, mental and nutritional needs to help them meet their goals. Beginning at the novice level, a dancer, with the guidance of their parents and their TC’s, may choose the competition route which is specifically designed to help a dancer excel in this beautiful artform. A competitive dancer will still be expected to participate in community events/shows/parades but their main focus is competition.

A recreational Irish dancer is one who takes dance for the love of it and may attend just a few or no competitions throughout the year. Recreational dancers may compete as much or as little as they choose. This is the perfect option for children who wish to be involved in different sports and activities and Irish Dance is one of them! Providing a positive learning environment where every dancer is reaching personal goals and growing as a person and as a dancer is our top priority – and non-competitive dancers are a huge part of our OGQ family.

Once a dancer achieves this level, the LOQC Academy will further prepare your dancer to meet his/her goals in Irish Dance.

Students begin to learn much harder moves and steps to prepare them for the Championship level of Irish Dance. Exhibiting good technique is crucial at this level.

A dancer who demonstrates good technique with their Bun Grad A steps and knowledge of a Traditional Set will move to Bun Grad B with Teacher approval. The speed of the music gets slower and the intricacy of the steps are raised. Technique is very important at this level. Dancers at this level are eligible to compete at reels, light jigs, hop jigs, slip jigs, treble jigs, hornpipes and traditional sets.

After a beginner learns their reels and light jigs, they will expand their dance knowledge to include hop jigs, slip jigs, and might even begin learning hard shoe dances once they are ready. The focus of the classes is on timing, technique and posture. Once students learn the basics of hard shoe, the first goal is to be able to perform the traditional set dance St. Patrick’s Day in time with the music.

Our beginners are our newest dancers. They learn the basics of Irish dance and work on mastering their steps in a Reel and Light Jig. Usually students remain at this level for a calendar year, or until the teacher deems it necessary to move to the next level. Beginner classes are enrolling year-round and tuition can be prorated for a mid-month registration.

We offer classes for students ranging in age from preschool age through college age. It is never too early or late to learn the basics of Irish Dance!