Do you have to be Irish to take Irish dance classes?
Not at all! Irish dance is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds all over the world. At Kender Academy, we proudly welcome dancers and families of every culture, identity, and experience level. Our studio is an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone belongs.
Not at all! Irish dance is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds all over the world. At Kender Academy, we proudly welcome dancers and families of every culture, identity, and experience level. Our studio is an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone belongs.
Do I need any dance experience to start?
No experience is needed! Many of our dancers start with no prior dance training at all. Our beginner classes are designed to teach everything step-by-step in a fun and encouraging environment.
No experience is needed! Many of our dancers start with no prior dance training at all. Our beginner classes are designed to teach everything step-by-step in a fun and encouraging environment.
What age can my child start Irish dance?
We offer classes beginning as young as age 2, with programs designed to match each age group’s development and attention span.
Our Jump'n Jig Program is geared for children aged 2-4 and is the leading Irish Dance Program for Preschoolers. Our Tiny Jig class Starts at age 2 as a Caregiver & Me style class, moving through to our independent Mini Jig class for children age 4.
Our Beginner Program then starts at age 5.
We offer classes beginning as young as age 2, with programs designed to match each age group’s development and attention span.
Our Jump'n Jig Program is geared for children aged 2-4 and is the leading Irish Dance Program for Preschoolers. Our Tiny Jig class Starts at age 2 as a Caregiver & Me style class, moving through to our independent Mini Jig class for children age 4.
Our Beginner Program then starts at age 5.
What is the best age to start Irish dance?
There’s no “perfect” age to begin! Many dancers start young, but we also welcome beginners at older ages. It’s never too late to try Irish dance.
Miss. Rebecca began dancing at the age of 13. She started out as a beginner and worked her way up to the level of Open Championship. Competing at the Regional, National, and International Level. Eventually touring with professional Irish Dance Companies, where she was promoted to Lead Dancer. She is proof that it is never too late to start dancing and chase after your dreams!
So, if you are an older dancer, don't be discouraged - Now is the best time to start!
There’s no “perfect” age to begin! Many dancers start young, but we also welcome beginners at older ages. It’s never too late to try Irish dance.
Miss. Rebecca began dancing at the age of 13. She started out as a beginner and worked her way up to the level of Open Championship. Competing at the Regional, National, and International Level. Eventually touring with professional Irish Dance Companies, where she was promoted to Lead Dancer. She is proof that it is never too late to start dancing and chase after your dreams!
So, if you are an older dancer, don't be discouraged - Now is the best time to start!
Do you offer classes for adults?
Yes! We offer Irish dance classes for adults at all experience levels—whether you’re brand new or returning to dance after a few years away from the artform.
Yes! We offer Irish dance classes for adults at all experience levels—whether you’re brand new or returning to dance after a few years away from the artform.
I am a new Student, When is the best time to start?
Anytime is a great time to begin! We have open Registration all year. We structure our classes so new dancers can join and feel comfortable getting started, no matter when they enroll.
Anytime is a great time to begin! We have open Registration all year. We structure our classes so new dancers can join and feel comfortable getting started, no matter when they enroll.
How do I get started or book a trial class?
Getting started is easy! Visit our Dance portal here to book your $5 trial class—we’d love to welcome you to the studio.
Do I need to buy Irish dance shoes right away?
No—new dancers can start in black ballet shoes or sneakers for their trial class. Once a dancer decides to continue, we’ll guide you on the proper shoes needed for class to ensure safety and proper technique. Many of our Beginner dancers start with black ballet shoes until they are ready to purchase Irish Dance Soft Shoes. Many dancers can also find second hand shoes available for resale within our dance family. Dancers who chose to compete in local feiseanna will be required to wear proper Irish Dance Shoes.
No—new dancers can start in black ballet shoes or sneakers for their trial class. Once a dancer decides to continue, we’ll guide you on the proper shoes needed for class to ensure safety and proper technique. Many of our Beginner dancers start with black ballet shoes until they are ready to purchase Irish Dance Soft Shoes. Many dancers can also find second hand shoes available for resale within our dance family. Dancers who chose to compete in local feiseanna will be required to wear proper Irish Dance Shoes.
What should my child wear to class?
Dancers should wear comfortable, fitted clothing that allows for movement (such as athletic wear). Hair should be neatly pulled back. For their trial class, we recommend black clothing to match our class uniform so your dancer feels comfortable, with either sneakers or black ballet shoes. When Dancers enroll in class they will receive their class uniform included with their registration.
Class Uniform Guidelines:
Dancers should wear comfortable, fitted clothing that allows for movement (such as athletic wear). Hair should be neatly pulled back. For their trial class, we recommend black clothing to match our class uniform so your dancer feels comfortable, with either sneakers or black ballet shoes. When Dancers enroll in class they will receive their class uniform included with their registration.
Class Uniform Guidelines:
- Jump'n Jig Classes - Jump'n Jig Leotard, Tutu, and Poodle Socks (Girls), Jump'n Jig Shirt, Shorts, and Black Socks (Boys)
- Kids Classes - Kender Academy Polo, Shorts, and Poodle Socks (Boys wear black socks)
- Adult Classes - Kender Academy Polo or Shirt, Leggings, and Poodle Socks
What should we bring to class?
Just come ready to move! Dancers should bring:
Just come ready to move! Dancers should bring:
- Water
- Proper dance shoes
- A positive attitude 😊
What should a new dancer expect in their first classes?
New dancers start with the basics—learning posture, rhythm, foot placement, and foundational movements. Classes also focus on coordination, musicality, and confidence. We introduce skills through fun and engaging exercises, helping dancers build strength and technique while enjoying the process. Just as important, dancers begin forming friendships and learning to support one another from day one.
New dancers start with the basics—learning posture, rhythm, foot placement, and foundational movements. Classes also focus on coordination, musicality, and confidence. We introduce skills through fun and engaging exercises, helping dancers build strength and technique while enjoying the process. Just as important, dancers begin forming friendships and learning to support one another from day one.
How many classes per week should my child take?
Most beginners start with one class per week. As dancers become more involved or interested in competing, additional classes or private lessons can help them progress more quickly.
Most beginners start with one class per week. As dancers become more involved or interested in competing, additional classes or private lessons can help them progress more quickly.
Is your school competitive?
Yes, we offer both competitive and recreational opportunities. Dancers who are interested in competing can participate in feiseanna (Irish dance competitions), while others may choose to dance just for fun, fitness, and performance. Rebecca Kender-Rocha is a Certified T.C.R.G (Irish Dance Teacher) with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (C.L.R.G.). Our dancers - Beginner through Champions and Adults, compete throughout the year in solo and team dancing .
Yes, we offer both competitive and recreational opportunities. Dancers who are interested in competing can participate in feiseanna (Irish dance competitions), while others may choose to dance just for fun, fitness, and performance. Rebecca Kender-Rocha is a Certified T.C.R.G (Irish Dance Teacher) with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (C.L.R.G.). Our dancers - Beginner through Champions and Adults, compete throughout the year in solo and team dancing .
Is competition required?
We encourage dancers to participate in local feiseanna (competitions), but do not require it. Many students enjoy Irish dance purely for recreation, exercise, and performance opportunities. Many of our dancers also enjoy the competitive opportunities available to them at the local, regional, national, and international level. We provide our dancers with both the option to compete as an individual or on a Ceili Team. It is up to our dancers how far they want to take their Irish Journey and we support each of our dancer's goals and aspirations.
We encourage dancers to participate in local feiseanna (competitions), but do not require it. Many students enjoy Irish dance purely for recreation, exercise, and performance opportunities. Many of our dancers also enjoy the competitive opportunities available to them at the local, regional, national, and international level. We provide our dancers with both the option to compete as an individual or on a Ceili Team. It is up to our dancers how far they want to take their Irish Journey and we support each of our dancer's goals and aspirations.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes! Our dancers have opportunities to perform at community events, showcases, parades, and more throughout the year. A majority of our performances take place in March during St. Patrick's Day Season and then we end our dance year with our Showcase & Party (think dance recital but more interactive!). Learn more about our end of year event here.
Our dancers have performed at venues such as Seawanhaka Yacht Club, Town of Oyster Bay's Family Fall Festival, United States Merchant Marine Academy, 94.3 The Shark's Shamrocks & Shenanigans, numerous local Senior Centers, Community Irish Nights, and more!
Yes! Our dancers have opportunities to perform at community events, showcases, parades, and more throughout the year. A majority of our performances take place in March during St. Patrick's Day Season and then we end our dance year with our Showcase & Party (think dance recital but more interactive!). Learn more about our end of year event here.
Our dancers have performed at venues such as Seawanhaka Yacht Club, Town of Oyster Bay's Family Fall Festival, United States Merchant Marine Academy, 94.3 The Shark's Shamrocks & Shenanigans, numerous local Senior Centers, Community Irish Nights, and more!
How can I book Irish dancers for an event?
We love performing! Our dancers are available for events such as festivals, parties, corporate events, community events, and more. Please reach out through our website or contact us directly with your event details.
We love performing! Our dancers are available for events such as festivals, parties, corporate events, community events, and more. Please reach out through our website or contact us directly with your event details.
Is Irish dance the same as “Riverdance”?
“Riverdance” and shows like “Lord of the Dance” are theatrical performances based on traditional Irish dance. The style we teach is the same foundation used by professional performers—you’re learning the real technique that can lead to those opportunities!
“Riverdance” and shows like “Lord of the Dance” are theatrical performances based on traditional Irish dance. The style we teach is the same foundation used by professional performers—you’re learning the real technique that can lead to those opportunities!
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