Frequently Asked Questions

Who can do Irish Dancing?

Irish dancing is an incredibly fun, light-your-soul-on-fire, challenging art form. Anyone can Irish Dance – you don’t have to have a dance background, or an Irish background. All you need is a willingness to learn something new, and to be declared fit for cardio exercise by your GP.

Who are your classes for?

We are an adult Irish dance company and therefore our classes are suitable for anyone over 18. Most of our dancers are in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, however we welcome dancers of any age that have been declared fit for cardio exercise by a GP. We pride ourselves on having a supportive community where dancers of any age, body type, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or religion are welcome.

Are you affiliated with an Irish Dancing Organisation?

We are proud to be registered with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), widely regarded as the most successful and prestigious Irish Dancing organisation in the world. The objective of An Coimisiún is to preserve and promote Irish Dancing, including step dancing, céili dancing and other team dancing, and also to promote the use of the Irish language. CLRG is currently undergoing a process of change, and we are committed to supporting this to improve the strength and integrity of the organisation moving forwards. 

What different classes do you have?

We offer weekly classes in traditional Irish dancing at three levels: Beginner, Beginner plus and Intermediate / Advanced. We also offer a weekly all level online class, and run regular Ceili dancing workshops. In addition to this, we have two levels of performance groups – Beginner plus, and Intermediate / Advanced performance team that are open to dancers that enjoy performing and show dedication and skill in our traditional classes. 

How do I get involved in performances?

We have two performance groups (beginner plus performance group and performance team) that regularly take part in performances across the region. The groups are incredibly fulfilling to be part of, and are made up of the most committed and skilled dancers in the company. Our goal is to deliver outstanding, original performances that inspire audiences. Dancers that have shown strong dedication, focus and a positive attitude in traditional classes are invited to join a performance group when a space becomes available. 

If you are interested in joining one of our performance groups, please speak to Katie. 

How much do classes cost and what are the payment options?

Our classes can either be booked as part of our monthly memberships, or on a weekly ad-hoc basis.

What are your monthly memberships?

The most cost-effective and easiest way of paying for classes is to join one of our monthly membership options. With this option, you pay a single monthly fee on the 1st day of each month, and can book onto the classes offered as part of that membership each week. 

Memberships are a great option for regular dancers as the cost of classes is spread across a 40-week dancing year, with an additional discount. The membership can be cancelled at any time. 

We offer the following membership options:

Beginner (£27 / month)

Traditional (£38 / month)

Beginner plus performance (£65 / month)

Performance Team (£82 / month)

Visit our membership page for more information.

What are your weekly class fees?

Our weekly booking option is more expensive than our memberships, but offers the most flexibility. Class bookings are available up to 72 hours before the class start time. 

Our 60 minute classes cost £8.50, our 90 minute classes cost £12, and our 120 minute classes cost £15. 

Performance class fees are paid either as part of a membership, or as a term booking – there is no weekly payment option for these classes.  

Visit our booking page for more information. 

I can no longer make it to class – what are the options for cancelling?

If you have used our weekly ad-hoc booking option, it’s possible to transfer a class with 24 hours notice to another class within 30 days. If you have used our monthly membership booking option, it’s not possible to receive reimbursement for individual cancelled classes, however please let Katie know that you aren’t able to attend.

For further details see our booking and payment policy.

I have never done Irish dancing before, what class shall I come to?

Our Friday beginner classes are perfect for anyone completely new to Irish dancing. We teach the basics of traditional Irish dancing in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

We offer a first class free for all new dancers – use code ‘firstclassfree’ at checkout. Have a look at our class booking page for more information.

What will I learn in my first class?

Beginner dancers will usually learn some fundamental moves of Irish dancing to Reel music. As Irish dancing is progressive, steps will build week on week. Don’t worry if you miss a class – we will catch you up! 

How do your beginner classes run?

Our beginner classes are one hour long. After warming up, we usually start with a simple group dance, and then break into smaller groups according to level to practice choreography and technique. We finish the class with another group dance.

 Irish dancing is progressive. Dancers will learn choreography in a defined pathway starting with the Reel, and moving through each dance in order (Light Jig, Hop Jig, Slip Jig, Heavy Jig and Hornpipe). 

What shall I wear to class?

It is best to wear sports / gym clothing. Bring trainers to warm up in, and a drink. 

Do I need Irish dancing shoes?

For the first few weeks, it is absolutely fine to dance in trainers / ballet / jazz shoes. If you would then like to continue dancing, we have a guide for buying Irish Dance shoes.

Can I start mid-way through a term?

Absolutely! Dancers are welcome to join us whenever they are ready. 

Do I need to come to class every week?

You will see the most improvement in dancing and fitness if you come to class every week, but it is absolutely fine to attend dancing around other commitments. If you are interested in being part of our performance groups, a high level of attendance at our traditional classes is required. 

I have done some Irish dancing before – which class is best to pick back up?

Dancers that have previously danced at beginner or primary level are advised to join a Friday beginner class initially, to learn our choreography and get used to the way classes are run. We can then have a chat about which class is best longer term.

Dancers with a significant amount of experience (intermediate, open and championship level) are welcome to join one of our Thursday choreography classes, initially for one hour (see ‘New Dancer’ ticket), moving to the full 90 minutes once they have learnt some Horizon choreography. 

If you are unsure which class would be best for you please feel free to get in touch to have a chat about this. We recommend starting at a lower level and working up, rather than attempting a class that may feel too challenging. 

We offer a first class free for all new dancers – use code ‘firstclassfree’ at checkout. 

How do your beginner plus, Intermediate and Advanced choreography classes run?

After a group warm up, our traditional choreography classes are split into two sections – one for learning choreography, and one for drills / polishing existing dances. 

Dancers usually do 2-3 of the dances in their repertoire at each class. We work on Reel, Slip Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe and traditional set dances.  To aid continuous improvement, dancers usually focus on learning one dance at a time and practice in small groups with dancers of the same level.

What shall I wear to class?

It is best to wear sports / gym clothing. Bring trainers to warm up in, and a drink. 

Do I need Irish dancing shoes?

It is expected that dancers in our Beginner+, Intermediate and Advanced groups wear both light and heavy shoes in class for support and injury prevention. We have a shoe guide to assist with buying the right shoes that will provide support and comfort for dancing.

Can I start mid-way through a term?

Absolutely! Dancers are welcome to join us whenever they are ready. 

Do I need to come to class every week?

You will see the most improvement in dancing and fitness if you come to class every week, but it is absolutely fine to attend dancing around other commitments. If you are interested in being part of our performance groups, a high level of attendance at our Thursday traditional classes is required. 

What will I learn in my first class?

Dancers with previous experience will usually start with learning either Reel or Slip Jig at the appropriate level, depending on the point in the term at which you join.

Do Horizon dancers take part in competitions and exams?

One of our core values is to empower dancers to achieve success in personal goals, exams and competitions. We coach dancers to take part in grade exams through CLRG at least once a year.

The option to take part in competitions is available to Horizon dancers through CLRG. Please discuss with Katie if this is something that you would like to do. Dancers should consider that while this option is available to Horizon dancers, we do not currently place a strong focus on competing as part of our schedule.