Farrell School of Irish Dance
Contact Jeanne Farrell at 518-965-2352
Farrell School of Irish Dance
Contact Jeanne Farrell at 518-965-2352
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, reels, slipjigs and ceili (group) dances. Eventually hard-shoe routines are introduced beginning with the classic traditional set pieces like St. Patrick's Day, Blackbird, Garden of Daisies and more. 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, but these levels will frequently practice and perform together.. Farrell students encourage each other and form supportive bonds and friendships - across varying skill levels.
BEGINNER, NOVICE & ADVANCED CLASSES FOR CHILDREN ARE HELD IN EAST DURHAM (Tuesdays) and ALBANY (Thursdays).
NO EXPERIENCE OR PARTNER NEEDED...
Ceilidh (Ceili/Group) instruction:
Our ceili class is perfect for someone looking to tip their toe in to the Irish dance world or that just wants to get some exercise and laughs in with friends (old and new).. Our students learn basic movements that are the foundation for all of the wonderfully fun group dances. The movements include the sidestep (aka 7s & 3s), promenade step (aka 2-2-3s, a type of skipping), and a jig specific movement called the rising step. They are fun to learn, easy to do and can be low-impact friendly.
MONDAYS in SCHENECTADY.
Solo & Ceilidh (Ceili/Group) instruction:
Join us for our adult Irish dance class that includes both solo and ceilidh, aka ceili (group) dancing. Students range from brand new, the never danced anything type, through the "retired" upper level dancer returning for fun and exercise. This adult class is lighthearted, a great source of exercise, and there's usually a lot of laughter. In addition to learning the fun ceili/group dances, students will learn routines including light shoe (like a ballet shoe) routines like light jig, reels, and slip jigs; they can advance to hard shoe (the shoes that make that distinctive Irish dance noise) dances like hornpipes, treble jigs and traditional set pieces; and they can even advance from there to learn more complex steps. No worries, no pressure - everyone learns at their own pace. Come & meet other adult dancers, practice your moves, and have a great time!
THURSDAYS in ALBANY
The Farrell School does not operate like the typical dance school. Instead of having scheduling multiple classes for multiple dance disciplines (light shoe class, and a hard shoe class, and a ceili class, etc), 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.
Our beginner students and advanced students get to know each other. This unique approach creates a sense of unity, an extended dance family and mentor/mentee relationships blossom. The results are lasting bonds with others that love Irish dance, not just a few classmates.
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 of 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 an afternoon or evening of family, friends, food, raffles, music, laughter, and of course dance! It's more like an indoor field day than a recital.
TO BOOK A PERFORMANCE, DROP US A NOTE THROUGH "CONTACT US" BELOW.....
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!
Let us know if you would like to visit with us or try a complimentary class.
FOUNDER:
Michael Farrell, TCRG founded the Farrell School of Irish Dance (FSID) in 1974 in Queens, NY and recently celebrated 50 years of instructing all levels and ages of dancers. Farrell School dancers have performed at hundreds of Irish festivals, Off-Broadway, and at MANY private and public events.
Michael's dancing career began as a highly accomplished champion level dancer as a student of the legendary Cyril McNiff at the McNiff School in NYC. He earned his TCRG certification in 1974, and the Farrell School of Irish Dance was opened in Queens, N Y. Michael's early students would travel from as far as the Albany area to Queens weekly. In the mid-80s, as Albany & East Durham classes grew and Michael met his future bride Jeanne, East Durham and Albany became the official locations of the Farrell School of Irish Dance.
THE CORE:
The Farrell School is a family establishment with Michael's sisters, his daughters and life long friends all taking part in sharing their love of Irish dance and music. Each is an accomplished dancer, teacher, and/or adjudicator. Michael's wife, Jeanne, leads the school and while not a dancer herself, she has a strong understanding of the Irish dance world and also operates Head for the World, a successful and respected Irish dance supply company.
THE LEGACY:
The Farrell School is a very multi-generational institution. Previous dancers have returned as adults, their children have danced with FSID, and now the grandchildren are part of the student base. Some of FSID's "mature" dancers have joined as assistant teachers and are also progressing through the teacher certification process.
THE NOW:
The Farrell School encourages parents and students to be active in the Irish-American community. Jeanne, the teachers, parents and students of FSID can be counted on to work and volunteer, oversee and organize, support and attend Irish & Irish-American cultural clubs, venues, shows, events and activities. It's a big part of what we love about our Irish dance community!!!
The Farrell School is a member of:
1321 Rynex Corners Road, Schenectady, New York 12056, United States
Copyright © 2025 Farrell School of Irish Dance - All Rights Reserved.
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