Introduction to Irish Set Dance (February 2017) – Lesson 3 of 4

Lessons are held UPSTAIRS on the SECOND FLOOR of the bar.

Are you interested in Irish dancing? Just started, or never danced a step in your life? Then read on! This February, our instructor, Michael Murphy, will be teaching weekly group lessons designed specifically for new dancers. If you have ever been curious about trying Irish dance but felt too shy or inexperienced, this is the class for you!

Each Saturday afternoon, Michael will take you through the fundamentals of Irish set dance, from basic footwork to the essential group patterns, all the way through dancing a complete set with your classmates!

Please RSVP to this Meetup event each week if you plan on attending so that we can arrange for enough dance partners for everyone.

You can attend any or all of the lessons. While each class will introduce new material that builds on what you already know, we will always review the basics, so you DO NOT need to attend a previous lesson in order to attend a later one — beginners are welcome to start with us on any class day, even on the last one.

*** INFO FOR FIRST-TIMERS ***

• No prior dance experience of any kind is necessary!

• You do not need to bring a partner — there will always be one available — but feel free to bring one (or more)! More dancers make it more fun. We have had 10-20 dancers come to each class.

• You can wear any clothes and shoes that you’re comfortable dancing and sweating in, although it’s recommended that women avoid wearing heels.

• Please note: Irish set dance needs at least eight people to form a full set, so if we don’t have at least eight solid RSVPs by Saturday morning, we will need to cancel that week’s lesson. Out of courtesy to other dancers, please keep your RSVP status updated in case your plans change and you’re unable to attend.

*** CURRICULUM ***

• Fundamentals – terminology, basic footwork, and common moves

• The Clare Lancers Set
Figure 1: https://youtu.be/hnzR8Bpmnyo
Figure 2: https://youtu.be/vA1_jfgO8xs
Figure 3: https://youtu.be/FVWF91J8_yA
Figure 4: https://youtu.be/X-cHe5YOOrc
Figure 5: https://youtu.be/QcAZCmF2J-g

• The Kenmare Polka Set
Figure 1: https://youtu.be/hnWzmdf7ODI
Figure 2: https://youtu.be/daZzAk2UPWE
Figure 3: https://youtu.be/e26JSmStXAA
Figure 4: https://youtu.be/vODZI5A_6C8
Figure 5: https://youtu.be/uBPOPS4RzLI

• If time permits, we will also explore the ever-popular Baile Bhúirne Jig Set!

Baile Bhúirne (Ballyvourney) Jig Set
Figure 1: https://youtu.be/k6NDrteiLkI
Figure 2: https://youtu.be/EgFj6A66taw
Figure 3: https://youtu.be/SPA3n5zooaE
Figure 4: https://youtu.be/SG2aOm_g_Kk
Figure 5: https://youtu.be/urpx1NZ_UEc
Figures 1-5: https://youtu.be/mdRDnACcenU

*** PRICING ***

Michael wanted to make this class accessible to everyone, so he kept the cost very modest: Each class is only $10 per person for a full two hour lesson.

*** CÉILÍ IN MARCH ***

After the last class, we will be hosting a special Irish dance party (called a céilí) at Lilly Mac’s Pub on March 4, with live music and lots of terrific dancers to mingle with. Everyone is invited to attend, but especially anyone who attended the February lessons should come join the fun!

*** QUESTIONS? ***

If you have a question, please either ask it in the Comments area below or send me (Yevgeny) an email through Meetup.

Here is the Meetup page for this event.
https://www.meetup.com/irishdance/events/237143152/