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Contact Us
How to reach us
Call Louise
303-912-6541
Mon–Sat · 9AM–6PM
Email Us
connollyirishdanceco@gmail.com
24/7 · 365
Studio Location
Connolly Irish Dance, 7625 W. Hampden Ave, Lakewood, CO 80227
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all — and we mean that. Beginners are warmly welcome at every age. Introduction classes are built from the very ground up, so you'll never feel lost or behind. You don't need to know a reel from a jig. You just need to show up.
Classes are open from age 4. Little ones begin with basic movement, rhythm, and footwork in a fun, game-based environment — think tippy toes, clapping games, and lots of giggling. The goal at this stage isn't perfection; it's building a love of music and movement that lasts.
Absolutely — and honestly, adult beginners often surprise themselves. Adults bring focus, commitment, and genuine curiosity that makes them wonderful students. Whether you're dancing for fitness, cultural connection, or simply because you've always wanted to try, there's a place for you here.
A "Feis" (pronounced "fesh") is a traditional Irish dance competition, organized by age and level. The plural is "Feiseanna" (pronounced "fesh-ANA"). They range from small local events to large major championships.
The "Oireachtas" (pronounced "o-RECK-tus") refers to a regional or national championship. For our dancers, this is often the big goal they work towards throughout the year.
Soft shoes — called ghillies (pronounced "GILL-eez") for girls and reel shoes for boys — are lightweight leather shoes, a bit like a ballet flat. They're used for dances like reels and jigs, and they make soft, quiet sounds.
Soft shoes (ghillies) are flexible, leather slippers used for athletic heights and graceful movements. Hard shoes have fiberglass tips and heels that create a loud, rhythmic percussion — think tap shoes, but with a very different technique. All beginners start in soft shoes; hard shoes come later as your footwork develops.
No — hold off for the first few classes. Give yourself (or your child) a chance to fall in love with it first. When the time comes, we'll point you in the right direction for where to buy and what to look for.
Advancement in Irish dance is based on official CLRG rules. Dancers progress through levels — Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Novice, Prizewinner, Preliminary Championship, and Open Championship — by placing in competitions. Louise tracks each dancer's individual progress through their "grades" and will let you know when they are ready for the next level.
It\'s one of the first things people notice — and one of the most beautiful things about the art form. There are a few reasons for this unique style:
- The "Dancing Through the Window" Story: Legend says that during British rule, when Irish culture was suppressed, dancers performed near windows; keeping their arms still made them look less like they were dancing to passing authorities.
- Traveling Dance Masters: In the 18th century, competing dance masters developed a rigid, upright carriage as a marker of refinement and serious training.
- Solo vs. Ceili: While social "Ceili" dancing uses arms freely, solo step dancing evolved to focus all artistry below the waist, creating a visual tension that makes intricate footwork even more impressive.
It really is — and people are often caught off guard by just how much it demands. Irish dance builds cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, balance, and coordination. Championship-level dancers are serious athletes.
Still have questions?
If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out to Louise directly.
Call 303-912-6541Performances & Shows
We offer performances for any event in the Lakewood, Littleton, and Denver area. St. Patrick's Day is always a busy time of year for us. Contact us early to book a show.
Rent Our Studio
Our studio is bright and spacious with a great dance floor and mirrors — a fabulous space for yoga, pilates, ballet, hip hop, and more. Contact us for hourly pricing.