Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dress my child for the first class?
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!
Will my child need to have shoes and if so, where can they be purchased?
Yes, your child will need to purchase shoes eventually, but we want them to love it first. Dance Sneakers or ballet shoes are acceptable at class until your child is ready to purchase the Irish Dance Shoes. If you take class in Allentown – no street shoes on the dance floor – socks are fine until you get the shoes! Special Irish Dance socks -$8 Girls wear a ghillie, or soft shoe and the cost is $25. Remember that they do run smaller than their sneaker size and you do not want them to be too big. Your teacher will help you purchase either a new or used shoe. Boys wear black jazz shoes. They can be purchased at any dance supply store near you or check the used bin! Irish Dance socks -$8
What time should my child arrive?
You should show up 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time. Please adhere to the parent observation policies of each location. Parents are welcome to wait in the designated parent waiting room at our Easton Location and in the hallway or waiting area of the Allentown Ballet Studio.
Will my dancer be allowed to take a drink to class?
All dancers receive a water break at class. Please remember to only bring water! We do not want sports drinks, juice or milk in the studios. Please label their water bottles.
How often should my child practice at home?
All dancers should practice at home but the length of time depends on the age of the child. Your teacher will guide the parents or send home practice hints and suggestions.
What music can my child practice to and where can I purchase it?
There are many songs that can be downloaded on to your i-tunes account to help your get their steps in time with the music. Be sure to download the proper beginner speeds.
- Reels – speed 122
- Slip Jigs- speed 122
- Light Jigs – speed 115
If you would like to download an entire album…David Lindqust – Step this Way has a lot of the songs at the correct speeds.
When is my child ready to dance out or compete?
It all depends. It will be your choice if you want your child to participate in community events or to compete in competitions. Everything is voluntary! We want your child to love Irish Dancing and we will do everything in our power to foster a love of dance in a structured, yet positive environment. There are students who love to compete and students who choose not to – and that is fine! Every dance family may set their own journey. At the end of the year there is a recital for the entire school. Beginner Participation in the recital is optional by highly suggested!
When will my child begin hard shoe lessons?
Any beginner wanted to try out hard shoes should consider buying used shoes first. Please visit our used shoe bin in the Easton Studio.
What is a feis
A feis (pronounced fesh) is the name for an Irish dance competition. OGQ is registered with An Chomhdháil, and therefore all of our dancers compete with feiseanna that are registered with the An Chomhdháil or may also, as an North American An Chomhdháil organization, compete in Open Platform feisanna organized by other Irish dance affiliations.