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!​
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​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
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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

At Kender Academy of Irish Dance, our Beginner Program is the perfect introduction to the exciting world of Irish dance! Designed for brand-new dancers ages 5-10. This class blends tradition, technique, and fun in a supportive, high-energy environment. Dancers will learn the foundational movements of Irish dance through engaging drills, lively music, and a motivating teaching style that will keep them smiling from warm-up to cool-down.

Whether your dancer is shy or full of energy, they will learn to build confidence, coordination, and friendships—one step at a time. No prior dance experience needed—just a willingness to move and have fun!

🎶 What to Expect:
✔ Basic Irish dance solo steps & Ceilis 
✔ Focus on posture, timing & footwork
✔ Fun and creative activities to build strength and flexibility
✔ A welcoming and encouraging studio community
✔Gain confidence performing in local community settings throughout the year, and especially at St Patrick's Day!

Join us and see your dancer grow in confidence, grace, and joy—on and off the dance floor!
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​Advanced Beginner/Novice- 45 mins/week

After mastering the basics in our Beginner program, dancers in the Advanced Beginner / Novice class are ready to take their skills to the next level! This exciting program is designed to strengthen technique, build endurance, and foster a deeper love of Irish dance through performance, teamwork, and optional competition opportunities.

At this level, dancers will:
🎯 Polish their technique with more complex steps and rhythms
🌟 Gain confidence through performance opportunities in our local community
🥇 Explore competition by setting personal goals and progressing through feiseanna (competitions)
🤝 Join ceili teams and learn the value of teamwork, responsibility, and shared success
🎭 Train with our performance team, learning dynamic choreography that brings Irish dance to the stage in a fun, engaging way

Whether pursuing competition, performance, or both, dancers in this program develop dedication, discipline, and a true sense of pride in their progress—all while having fun and building friendships!
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Beginner/Novice Hardshoe- 45 mins/week

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


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!​
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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!).


Retired, Not Tired - 60 mins/week

You've poured your heart (and feet!) into Irish dance for years—but maybe the competitive fire has cooled, and the stamina drills just don’t spark joy like they used to. At Kender Academy, we believe the love of dance never retires—so we’ve created the perfect space for you to keep dancing on your terms.

Retired, Not Tired is a welcoming, no-pressure class designed for former competitive Irish dancers who want to keep moving, connect with old friends, and rediscover the joy of dancing just for fun.

As a RNT Dancer you can:
🎶 Perform in local showcases & events (if you want!)
🕺 Dance just because—no feis prep, no pressure
🎄 Enjoy Holiday-themed choreo and viral dance challenges
👯‍♀️ Reunite with friends and celebrate the community
👞 Keep the tradition alive with the classic steps we all learned as beginners

This class is a best fit for dancers with both softshoe and hardshoe skills above a beginner/intermediate level.

Open to all senior dancers, including those who grew up dancing at another school (as long as you are not currently registered with another CLRG school). Our class is filled with many retired dancers from all over! ​

Advanced Class - 120 mins/week

Prelim & Open Championship Dancers working towards Solo & Ceili competitions  (feiseanna), grade exams, and more advanced choreography.  

Dancers have the opportunity to compete on a Regional and National Team Level. 

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. ​
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Class Locations: