Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

New Beginner FAQ

Q: How do I dress my child for the first class?

A: A t-shirt and shorts are appropriate dress for dance class. After two months of dancing, they will be asked to purchase the school uniform. This allows you time to see if your child is going to continue dance before purchasing!

Q: Will my child need to have shoes and if so, where can they be purchased?

A: Yes, your child will need to purchase shoes for the first class. Girls wear a ghillie, or soft shoe. You can purchase them at Donegal Square or check on our trading post for used shoes. Remember that they do run smaller than their sneaker size and if purchasing off the trading post, you may want to try them on first! Boys wear black jazz shoes. They can be purchased at any dance supply store near you!

Q: What time should my child arrive?

A: You should show up 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time. This allows you to put on their shoes and say goodbye without rushing!

Q: Will my dancer be allowed to take a drink to class?

A: All dancers receive a water break at class. Please remember to only bring water!

Q: How often should my child practice at home?

A: Depending on your child’s age, 15 minutes a day 3 times a week is minimum practice time. Most 4-5 year olds do not practice or express no interest in practicing. A great idea is to have them teach you what they know. This allows them to go over and over the steps with you when you “can’t get them”.

Q: What music can my child practice to and where can I purchase it?

A: There are many great CD’s that can be purchased for practice. Maureen and Colleen tend to use the following CD’s the most:

Rhythm and Roots Mike Shafer
Sets and Solos Vol. 5 Olive Hurley
Tempo I and Tempo II Brian Glynn

All of these can be purchased at Donegal Square in Bethlehem. You can also purchase them at almost any feis or on the internet. A great site for dance supplies is www.ceili.com

Q: When is my child ready to dance out or compete?

A: Depending on age and their practice schedule at home, your child may be ready in as little as 2 months or as long as 1 year. Either way, Maureen and Colleen will keep you informed!

Q: When will my child begin hard shoe lessons?

A: Generally, it takes about 6 months of dancing before your child will be ready to start classes in hard shoes. If a child is between 4-5, it may take up to a year depending on ability.

Q: How much are the hard shoes and where can they be purchased?

A: The hard shoes run approx $112 brand new. You can purchase them from Patrick Fay at any feis or over the internet at www.fayshoes.com
You can also buy used shoes from our trading post!