Farrell School of Irish Dance
Contact Michael Farrell, TCRG at 518-965-2352
Serving New York's Capital District: East Durham, Albany and Schenectady
Discover Your Rhythm at the Michael Farrell School of Irish
Kids' Dance Classes
Introduce your child to the joy of Irish dance from the age of 4, on up. New students will be able to perform a beginner Irish jig step in no time. As the dancer develops, more complex movements will be incorporated, eventually hard-shoe routines are introduced. As there is advancement in skill, more complex and difficult moves will be incorporated. Dancers are allowed to learn at their own pace.
Students are categorized (for class purposes) in to Beginner, Novice, & Advanced.
Adult Dance Classes
NO EXPERIENCE OR PARTNER NEEDED... Join us on Wednesdays for our adult Irish dance class. Students range from brand new, the never danced anything type, through the "retired" upper level dancer returning for fun and exercise. The adult class is lighthearted, a great source of exercise, and there's usually a lot of laughter. Instruction includes ceili (group dancing) and solo dancing. Meet other adult dancers, practice your moves, and have a great time!
Structure
The Farrell School does not operate like the typical dance school. Instead of having scheduling multiple classes for multiple dance disciplines, the Farrell school merges the disciplines in to one longer class, adding flexibility to focus on what the need or interest is. There's no need to register a dancer for 2 or more classes a week, no extra class tuition, and no extra commute to the studio.
Performances
The Farrell School strives to include all levels and ages of our dancers in our performances. Unlike some schools, we do not build a performance team. We encourage all our dancers to participate in our shows.
Many of our shows are at community events. Dancers understand that they are performing a community service when participating in shows at schools, fundraisers, nursing homes, etc. Many of our dancers log these shows to meet their obligated number of hours doing community work, usually as part of Confirmation or a school project.
RECITAL? Well, that's not what we do. The Farrell School has held an annual "school dance" for decades. It's a family outing and opportunity for dance families, friends and family to enjoy a choreographed performance by the dancers.
Competitive or non-competitive? WHAT IT MEANS……
They are best defined as certified and non-certified schools or instructors. Certified schools, like the Farrell School of Irish Dance, meet the requirements of a sanctioning body on safety, ethics & quality, and therefore MAY compete. They provide the best in instruction and an opportunity to compete. A feis (Irish dance competition) is a family outing for the entire family. Dancers make friends from across the US, work as a member of a team, and learn to win/lose graciously, While Farrell students are encouraged to compete, it is not our goal. Our dancers are expected to expand capabilities, learn about Irish culture, perform community service (shows), support each other and HAVE FUN!
Schedule a Visit, Try a Class
Let us know if you would like to visit with us or try a complimentary class.