Kender Academy of Irish Dance Classes

Jump'n Jig - 45 mins/week

Jump’n Jig is our joyful Caregiver & Me class designed for young dancers aged 2–4, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Starting something new can be a big step, but with a familiar face nearby, our littlest dancers build confidence as they explore the exciting world of Irish dance—one magical step at a time!

In this playful, music-filled class, dancers will:
🍀 Discover the foundations of traditional Irish dance
👯‍♀️ Dance side-by-side with a parent or caregiver for comfort and encouragement
🎨 Use colorful props and imaginative play to stay engaged and inspired
🎶 Explore rhythm with fun musical instruments
🌟 Grow in confidence as they prepare to dance independently

Let the rhythm of Ireland spark their love of dance—right from the start!

Kender Academy is proud to be the only school on Long Island using the internationally acclaimed Jump’n Jig curriculum—the #1 Irish Dance Program for preschoolers!

Tiny Jig - 45 mins/week

Tiny Jig is our Jump'n Jig: Caregiver & Me Irish Dance Class for Ages 2–3

Tiny feet, big smiles, and even bigger fun! Our Tiny Jig class is a introduction to Irish dance for toddlers ages 2–3, with the comfort of a caregiver by their side. This joyful “Caregiver & Me” experience helps little dancers build confidence, explore movement, and fall in love with dance—together! We know starting a new activity can be intimidating for little dancers but in our "Caregiver & Me" class a parent or caregiver gets to learn too!

In each class, your tiny dancer will:
💚 Learn the foundational steps of Irish dance through playful, age-appropriate activities
👣 Gain confidence dancing independently while having a familiar face nearbyn
🎶 Explore rhythm and movement using props, music, and instruments
🎉 Enjoy creative play in a safe, nurturing space built just for them

Mini Jig - 45 mins/week

Mini Jig is our independent Irish dance class for dancers age 4.

Big leaps, bright smiles, and boundless energy—Mini Jig is where preschoolers take their first independent steps into the exciting world of Irish dance!

Designed for age 4 dancers who are ready to shine on their own, this class builds on the foundations introduced in Tiny Jig. Using the globally loved Jump’n Jig curriculum, we blend imagination, rhythm, and fun into every step.

In Mini Jig dancers will:
🍀 Learn and strengthen the fundamentals of Irish dance
🌟 Build confidence and independence in a supportive setting
🎶 Explore music and rhythm with lively instruments
🎨 Use colorful props and creative play to enhance movement and coordination

Your little dancer is ready to take the spotlight—Mini Jig is where their solo adventure begins!

Beginners - 45 mins/week

Every Irish dance journey begins with strong foundations.

Our Beginner classes introduce brand-new dancers to the posture, rhythm, footwork, and traditional dances they will use throughout every stage of their Irish dance education.

Dancers work toward mastering the Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, and Slip Jig while building coordination, confidence, musicality, and classroom independence through engaging drills and encouraging instruction.

As their skills develop, Beginner dancers may have opportunities to perform in the community, participate in the Farmingdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade, attend their first local feis, and begin discovering the many directions their Irish dance journey can take.

No prior dance experience is needed. Whether your dancer dreams of performing, competing, joining a ceili team, or simply trying something new, this is where their journey begins.

Today’s beginner may become tomorrow’s performer, teammate, competitor, or champion—and every one of those journeys begins with the basics.

Advanced Beginner-Novice- 45 mins/week

As dancers build upon the strong foundation developed in our Beginner program, the Advanced Beginner / Novice class is where their Irish dance journey begins to expand in exciting new ways. Dancers continue refining their technique while developing greater strength, endurance, musicality, and confidence as they prepare for new challenges and opportunities.

At this level, dancers are encouraged to set goals that are both challenging and appropriate for their individual stage of development. Whether they're preparing for local feiseanna, joining a ceili team, or performing in the community, every new experience helps them grow as both dancers and individuals.

In this class, dancers will:
🎯 Strengthen technique through more advanced steps, rhythms, and combinations
🥇 Prepare for local feiseanna while continuing to progress through their solo dances
🤝 Join our growing ceili teams while learning the value of teamwork, responsibility, and shared success
🌟 Gain confidence through community performances and exciting performance opportunities
🎭 Learn engaging choreography as part of our performance team

As dancers discover new passions and opportunities, they continue building the dedication, discipline, and resilience that will support them throughout every stage of their Irish dance journey. Whether their goals include performance, competition, or both, every accomplishment is celebrated, every milestone matters, and every dancer is encouraged to grow at their own pace.

Beginner-Novice Hardshoe- 45 mins/week

Feel the Rhythm. Hear the Power. Elevate Your Dancing.

For dancers with prior softshoe experience, this class is an exciting step forward into the world of hardshoe Irish dance! In this high-energy class, dancers will learn to create rhythm and sound with their feet while mastering traditional hardshoe dances and intricate footwork.

Dancers will:
🎵 Develop rhythm and timing through drills and musical awareness
🥿 Build strength and coordination
🪗 Learn traditional hardshoe dances, including the treble jig, hornpipe, and Traditional Set dances (like St. Patrick's Day!)
🔁 Enhance their footwork with more complex and dynamic combinations
📈 Continue to grow within their level—whether just starting hard shoe or refining their skills

This class is essential for dancers aiming to progress in Irish dance, whether for performance, competition, or personal development. Get ready to make music with your feet!

Prerequisites: Mastery of the Beginner Reel, Light Jig, Single Jig, and Slip Jig, or instructor approval.

Adult Softshoe - 45 mins/week

It’s never too late to start dancing! Whether you’ve always dreamed of learning Irish dance or you’re dusting off your shoes after a few years away, our Adult Softshoe class is the perfect place to step in.

In this supportive, no-pressure environment, you’ll explore the graceful rhythms and rich traditions of Irish dance—while getting a fun, energizing workout and connecting with a vibrant community of fellow dancers.

💚 Absolute beginners welcome—no experience needed
👟 Returning dancers will feel right at home
💪 Build strength, coordination, and confidence
🎵 Learn softshoe techniques, traditional steps, and inspiring choreography
✨ Enjoy a fun and uplifting atmosphere where progress is celebrated at every level

Whether you’re dancing for fitness, fun, love of Irish dance, or to finally check "learn Irish dance" off your bucket list—this class is for you. Irish dancing isn't just for the kids - it's for you too!

Come join us and see just how much joy a jig can bring!

Adult Hardshoe - 30 mins/week

Ready to make some noise? Take your Irish dance journey to the next level with our Adult Hardshoe class! Designed for adult dancers who are comfortable with softshoe and Ceili basics, this class introduces the dynamic rhythms and powerful footwork that make hardshoe so exciting.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of traditional hardshoe dances like the treble jig and hornpipe, while building strength, timing, and coordination in a fun and encouraging environment.

💥 Perfect for adult dancers ready to expand their skills
🎵 Learn the art of rhythm with foundational hardshoe technique
👣 Build stamina, musicality, and precision
🥁 Experience the joy of dancing with the music—not just to it

Our Adult dancers are welcome to join us in our local performances throughout the year. Our Adult dancers are also offered the opportunity to compete in local feiseanna, which hosts adult categories.

Whether you're dancing for personal growth, performance goals, or just to challenge yourself, this is your chance to experience the thrilling world of Irish hardshoe dancing—no competitions or performances required (unless you want to!).

Reels 'N Trends - 60 mins/week

Love Irish dance beyond the competition stage? Reels 'n Trends is where creativity meets community!

This fun, high-energy class is designed for dancers ages 16+ who want to experience the modern side of Irish dance. Together we'll create exciting choreography inspired by today's trends, film dance videos and reels, learn viral dance challenges, and prepare entertaining performance pieces—all while keeping the heart of Irish dance alive.

Whether you're a current dancer looking for something different, a retired competitor wanting to dance without the pressure of feiseanna, or an adult dancer ready to try something new, this class is all about having fun, expressing yourself, and celebrating the joy of dance.

As a Reels 'n Trends dancer, you'll:
✨ Learn creative choreography inspired by today's Irish dance trends
📱 Create dance reels, videos, and fun social media challenges
🎭 Perform at showcases, community events, and special performances (optional)
🤝 Connect with fellow dancers who simply love to dance
💚 Enjoy Irish dance in a relaxed, supportive, and pressure-free environment

Open to dancers ages 16+ with prior Irish dance experience. Current Kender Academy dancers, adult dancers, and retired dancers from other schools are all welcome (provided they are not currently registered with another CLRG school).

Intermediate - Advanced Class - 120 mins/week

Our Intermediate/Advanced class supports experienced dancers as they work toward their next individual goal. Depending on their level, dancers may be preparing for solo feiseanna, advancement through the grades, preliminary or open championship competition, ceili championships, grade exams, or advanced performance choreography.

The class combines focused technical training with a supportive team environment where dancers learn to challenge themselves without losing the joy and friendships that brought them to Irish dance.

Our Adult Dancers have won the Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas Mixed 6 Hand, and Adult Trad Set competitions; as well as placed top 3 at the 2023 and 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships Adult Ladies 4 Hand competition; and most recently won the Adult Trad Set Competition at the NAIDC 2025.