Children's Irish Dance Classes

Dancers are required to wear appropriate shoes & attire during class.

Dress codes help students perform better and see themselves as a cohesive unit, and makes it easier for the teacher to spot someone out of form or behind the music and give corrections. Having a dress code also helps young dancers focus during class by:

1. Understanding they are going to be a structured class setting

2. Ensuring that the clothing is not a distraction during class

3. Makes certain that a dancer is appropriately and safely dressed to be performing the material.

ODA Dress Code

• Dancers should wear:

  • ODA leotard/skirt, ODA shirt OR plain black t-shirt

  • Gym shorts, skirt or leggings

  • White socks and appropriate shoes.

• Beginners may wear black jazz shoes or black ballet slippers.

• Intermediate and Advanced students should always have appropriate Irish dance shoes (soft shoes and hard shoes) for class, competition and performance. NO dancing in socks or bare feet is allowed.

• Hair should be tied back, neatly off the face, and all jewelry and accessories should be removed prior to class. NO jeans, long dresses or baggy pants please!

School Policies

• Arrive on time ready to dance - this means dance clothes and shoes ON by the time class begins

• Take a bathroom break before class begins!

• Bring a water bottle for water break

• NO TOYS in dance bag - any dance bag in the studio should contain dance shoes, change of clothes (if necessary) and water bottle only. Anything else should stay with the parents outside the studio - any toys, books or distractions that are brought into the studio will be taken away and returned at the end of class.

• Parents, grandparents or babysitters are not permitted inside the studio during class. 

• Students should be picked up promptly after class - please call to alert us if you will be late. The O'Donnell Academy cannot assume responsibility for students before or after their assigned class time.

• Parents may ask questions after class, but please note that time is limited. Questions asked through email or text will be answered promptly - if you need to speak in person or on the phone an appropriate time can be arranged.

• Any acts of gross misconduct, bullying, theft or harassment will not be tolerated. Dancers and families should refrain from inappropriate or negative behavior in person or via social media. Failure to do so will be grounds for suspension.

How do I register?

You can register and pay online through the website here. Venmo payments are also accepted on first day of classes.

Can I do a trial class?

Yes! Dancers are always welcome to come and try a class and see if it is the right fit. Please email us at hello@odonnellacademy.com or fill out the contact form below to schedule your trial class at the location best for you.

What if I miss a class?

You can schedule a make-up class in the same level of classes within the same session of the class missed. Please email us to schedule a make up class!

Is there a recital?

Dancers in our Semester-based classes will have an opportunity to showcase their dances to parents and friends at the end of each semester. Dancers enrolled in our Spring session or in our year round classes will also participate in our end of year showcase, and will also have the opportunity to compete at a local Irish dance competition.

Am I allowed to watch class?

Students focus better in class and learn more when they can be in the studio without any distractions. Parents and guardians are welcome to wait on-site in the waiting room during class, and will have the opportunity to see what their dancers have learned at the end of the semester.

Why dance with O’Donnell?

Our faculty are certified, highly qualified and have many years of experience working with children. The O’Donnell Academy is a certified Irish dance school, registered and regulated by An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland. We are proud to offer dance classes as an opportunity for children to exercise, learn to perform, build confidence, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.