Academy of Dance

A fusion of dance styles to funky music (jazz, hip hop and lyrical) 

Contemporary Dance describes a range of techniques and styles used in classes, workshops and dance choreography. Contemporary dance was developed in the early 20th century as a reaction against the rigid techniques of ballet.

This traditional and disciplined form of dance primarily focuses on grace and excellent posture.

We cater for external groups who want to undertake specific classes for specific requirements.

Youth Reach
Youth Clubs
Travellers Project
Special Olympics
and more.....

We cater for the following school curriculums:

Transition Year Work Experience
Transition Year Programme
Girls Active Programme
J.C.S.P.
L.C.A.
P.E.

An elegant style of dance that uses the fundamentals of ballet and the freedom of jazz. Lyrical focuses on expression of emotion and story-telling through its movements, and it is most often performed to music with lyrics. Mixing the lyrical style with the jazz style of dance is becoming increasingly popular.

Our members learn Lyrical dance through Funk Fusion classes
We also run Lyrical Workshops - see 'Weekend Schedule' and 'Summer Schools'.

A highly energetic form of dance with American (and primarily southern) roots. Jazz focuses on strong lines, sharp movements and lots of turns, leaps and jumps. Jazz encourages students to find and develop their own style.

Our members learn Jazz dance through their Funk Fusion classes
We also run Jazz Workshops - see 'Weekend Schedule'  and summer schools

Break dancing, also known as "B-boy" or "B-girl" by its practitioner and followers, is a dynamic style of dance that is part of Hip Hop culture and emerged out of the Hip Hop movement in the south Bronx of New York City during the late 20th century. Break dancing is one of the many elements of Hip Hop culture. The unique form of dancing is very acrobatic and creative. Break dance has been performed in countless shows, music videos on MTV and at dance clubs.

See 'Weekend Schedule' for information on Break Dance Workshops.

A class designed for the intermediate to advanced level dancer that works specifically on leaps, turns and progressive jazz combinations across the floor. Students are encouraged to improve their technique by developing the ability to break down movements and by taking corrections from the instructors.

*Academy Ballet classes

Hip Hop dance refers to dance styles, mainly street styles, primarily danced to hip hop music or that have evolved in the hip hop culture. This includes a wide range of styles notably Breaking, Locking and Popping which were developed in the 1970's.
What separates hip hop dance from other forms of dance is that is it is often freestyle (improvizational) in nature and hip hop dancers frequently engage in battles, dance competitions.
To some, hip hop dance may be a form of entertainment or a hobby. To others it becomes a lifestyle, a way to be active in physical fitness or competitive dance and a way to make a living by dancing professionally.

see 'Weekend Schedule' on the homepage for further information

We provide teacher training and opportunities to teach for senior Academy Members and help to prepare them for college courses in Dance and Performing Arts

'Contact Us' for information on our adult ballet courses 

To date, 8 of our past Academy members have been accepted to and/or now attend Dance Colleges and Performing Arts Colleges in Dublin, London and the U.S.A. in the past two years and we hope for many more.

Carla Engel
Andrea Emmett
Stephanie Bonar
Frankie Heekin
Brian Gillespie
Ríana Lynch
Leanne Irwin
Shauna Harley

At the end of our Academy Year for the past four years, we present awards to the 'most improved student' in each class group and a 'junior student of the year', 'senior student of the year' and 'best performer' awards to our most deserving members.

Junior Student of the Year:
2011: Alannah Mc Gettigan
2010: Kieran Sheridan
2009: Chloe Mc Carron
2008: Shannagh Kelly

Senior Student of the Year:
2011: Niamh Carr
2010: Sophie Burke
2009: Aoibheann Emmett
2008: Frankie Heekin

Best Performer of the Year:
2011: Amy-Beth Mc Nulty

*Awards speculation takes place from the very begining of term 1 right through until the end of the academy year

*Only those who complete all academy terms are in with the chance of being selected

We have something for everyone in our Weekend Schedule
Our weekend schedule changes from week-to-week
Keep checking our website for regular updates

see 'Weekend Schedule' on homepage