Kate Spanos Irish Dance

Brazilian frevo dance workshop for kids
2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park, MD, 20740, United States
Bring your kids to jump into the vibrant world of frevo, a high-energy carnival dance from Brazil that blends playful movement with colorful flair. With its joyful energy and lively music, frevo is the perfect way for kids to celebrate movement, rhythm, and cultural creativity. Kate Spanos’ training in Brazil and her expertise in bringing global dance forms to young audiences ensure this class is both fun and enriching.
Location: Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park, MD
This event is presented by the College Park Arts Exchange and the City of College Park.
Photo credit: Heather O’Steen Photography

Irish step dance class
2026-02-18 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-02-04 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-28 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-21 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-14 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-07 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | The JaM Space, 12009 Nebel St, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
Deepen your Irish dance technique and rhythm! These Irish step dance classes draw from various Irish step dance styles, especially festival style technique from the north of Ireland, with an emphasis on strength, control, musicality, and stage presence. In a fun and non-competitive environment, you will learn new steps and choreographies that will challenge and inspire your dancing.

The goal of the class series is to promote a holistic understanding of Irish dance, in all its styles, and develop strong performers, well-informed traditional dancers, and inspired creators.
The class is geared toward experienced Irish dancers (ages 13+) and includes both soft shoe and hard shoe dancing. New choreography will be introduced every 2-3 weeks. If you are not sure if this level is right for you, please talk to Kate.
The program is especially designed for dancers who may no longer be interested in competing, but still want to find joy in dancing and performing. Students will have opportunities to perform with Kate Spanos Irish Dance throughout the year.
Semester registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. A 15% discount is applied when you register for the semester for both sean nós and step dance classes (automatically applied at checkout).

Class details

Dates: Wednesdays, January 7 – May 27 (20 classes; no class February 11)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Location: The JaM Space (12009 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD) (parking available; within walking distance of the North Bethesda Metro station)
Cost: $400 semester registration for 20 classes, $24 drop-in

Classes sponsored in part by EducArte.
Registration fees are non-refundable.
Photo credit: © Maryland State Arts Council 2025, MSAC.org

Sean nós dance class
2026-02-18 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-04 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-28 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-21 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-14 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-07 18:30 - 19:30 UTC | The JaM Space, 12009 Nebel St, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
Deepen your musicality and make some noise! This sean nós dance class introduces this musical and expressive dance style from Ireland. Sean nós, meaning “old style” in Irish, originates from the Connemara region of Ireland and is characterized by its improvisational nature and close connection to the music. In this class, students will learn:

The fundamental techniques of sean nós, including close-to-the-floor stepping and relaxed upper body
Basic improvisation skills to develop one’s own style and percussive voice
Approaches to developing a playful and creative conversation with the music, musicians, and other dancers through this form

The class is geared toward beginner and advanced beginner dancers (ages 13+), but all levels are welcome. Leather-soled (non-stick) shoes are recommended; taps or Irish dance hard shoes are also acceptable. If you are not sure if this class is right for you, please talk to Kate.
Semester registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. A 15% discount is applied when you register for the semester for both sean nós and step dance classes (automatically applied at checkout).

Class details

Dates: Wednesdays, January 7 – May 27 (20 classes; no class February 11)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: The JaM Space (12009 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD) (parking available; within walking distance of the North Bethesda Metro station)
Cost: $400 semester registration for 20 classes, $24 drop-in

Classes sponsored in part by EducArte.
Registration fees are non-refundable.
Photo credit: © Maryland State Arts Council 2025, MSAC.org

Monthly sean nós dance jam
2026-02-08 13:00 - 14:15, 2026-01-11 13:00 - 14:15 UTC | School of Musical Traditions, 7112 Willow Ave, Takoma Park, MD, 20912, United States
Join us for a monthly guided sean nós dance jam held at the School of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park, MD. These dancer-led sessions for Irish/percussive dancers and musicians offer a supportive environment to work on your footwork, share steps, improvise with live traditional music, and deepen your connection to this fun, uplifting tradition.
Kate Spanos will lead the session with a guided warm-up and some improvisational prompts and games to get everyone working together. Then we will open up the space for free improvisation and sharing rhythms with your fellow dancers. We will have 1-2 traditional Irish musicians playing live at each session, deepening our ability to connect not only to the music but also to the people playing it. So bring your shoes, your musicality, and your personal style!
All levels are welcome, as well as dancers from other styles of percussive dance.
We also hope you will join us after the jam to socialize at one of Takoma Park’s nearby restaurants/coffee bars. The idea is to not just dance together, but also get to know each other!

Event details:

Monthly on Sundays

Winter/Spring 2026 (second Sundays except May & June): Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 12, May 3, Jun 7

1-2:15 p.m. (join us for a social hour afterward!)
All levels and ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult
Leather-soled (non-stick) shoes or taps/hard shoes are recommended
$15 to participate
Location: School of Musical Traditions, 7112 Willow Ave, Takoma Park, MD
Free parking on site!

This program is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org)
Photo © Maryland State Arts Council 2022, MSAC.org

Emerald Isle Club Céilí
2026-02-07 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Promenado Dance Studio, 2605 Lord Baltimore Dr, Windsor Mill, MD, 21244, United States
Kate Spanos will call the Emerald Isle Club céilí on Saturday, February 7. Details can be found on the Emerald Isle Club website.

Emerald Isle Club performance
2026-01-10 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Promenado Dance Studio, 2605 Lord Baltimore Dr, Windsor Mill, MD, 21244, United States
Kate Spanos Irish Dance will perform a demo during the first break at the Emerald Isle Club céilí on Saturday, January 10. Join us for an evening of dancing! Details can be found on the Emerald Isle Club website.

Adult beginner sean nós dance workshop
2026-01-10 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park, MD, 20740, United States
Join Kate on Saturday, January 10, for a low-impact and rhythmic introduction to sean nós dance, a traditional Irish percussive dance style known for its musicality and footwork. Perfect for adults of all levels, this class emphasizes connection to Irish music and encourages you to find joy in moving your body to the music. Kate Spanos, who has over 30 years of training as an Irish dancer and scholar, brings her deep knowledge of Irish traditions to make this an engaging and welcoming experience.
Location: Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park, MD
This event is presented by the College Park Arts Exchange and the City of College Park.
Photo credit: © 2025 Maryland State Arts Council, MSAC.org

CCÉ Celtic Christmas Concert
2025-12-20 19:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Arts Herndon, 750 Center St., Herndon, VA, 20170, United States
Kate Spanos Irish Dance and Jessica Zito (fiddle) will perform at the CCÉ Celtic Christmas Concert in Herndon, VA.

Irish step dance class
2025-12-17 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-12-10 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-12-03 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | The JaM Space, 12009 Nebel St, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
Deepen your Irish dance technique and rhythm! These Irish step dance classes draw from various Irish step dance styles, especially festival style technique from the north of Ireland, with an emphasis on strength, control, musicality, and stage presence. In a fun and non-competitive environment, you will learn new steps and choreographies that will challenge and inspire your dancing.

The goal of the class series is to promote a holistic understanding of Irish dance, in all its styles, and develop strong performers, well-informed traditional dancers, and inspired creators.
The class is geared toward experienced Irish dancers (ages 13+) and includes both soft shoe and hard shoe dancing. New choreography will be introduced every 2-3 weeks. If you are not sure if this level is right for you, please talk to Kate.
The program is especially designed for dancers who may no longer be interested in competing, but still want to find joy in dancing and performing. Students will have opportunities to perform with Kate Spanos Irish Dance throughout the year.
Semester registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. A 15% discount is applied when you register for the semester for both sean nós and step dance classes (automatically applied at checkout).

Class details

Dates: Wednesdays, September 3 – December 17 (15 classes; no class November 26)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Location: The JaM Space (12009 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD) (parking available; within walking distance of the North Bethesda Metro station)
Cost: $300 semester registration for 15 classes, $24 drop-in

Classes sponsored in part by EducArte.
Registration fees are non-refundable.
Photo credit: © Maryland State Arts Council 2025, MSAC.org

Sean nós dance class
2025-12-17 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-10 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-03 18:30 - 19:30 UTC | The JaM Space, 12009 Nebel St, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
Deepen your musicality and make some noise! This sean nós dance class introduces this musical and expressive dance style from Ireland. Sean nós, meaning “old style” in Irish, originates from the Connemara region of Ireland and is characterized by its improvisational nature and close connection to the music. In this class, students will learn:

The fundamental techniques of sean nós, including close-to-the-floor stepping and relaxed upper body
Basic improvisation skills to develop one’s own style and percussive voice
Approaches to developing a playful and creative conversation with the music, musicians, and other dancers through this form

The class is geared toward beginner and advanced beginner dancers (ages 13+), but all levels are welcome. Leather-soled (non-stick) shoes are recommended; taps or Irish dance hard shoes are also acceptable. If you are not sure if this class is right for you, please talk to Kate.
Semester registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. A 15% discount is applied when you register for the semester for both sean nós and step dance classes (automatically applied at checkout).

Class details

Dates: Wednesdays, September 3 – December 17 (15 classes; no class November 26)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: The JaM Space (12009 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD) (parking available; within walking distance of the North Bethesda Metro station)
Cost: $300 semester registration for 15 classes, $24 drop-in

Classes sponsored in part by EducArte.
Registration fees are non-refundable.
Photo credit: © Maryland State Arts Council 2025, MSAC.org

Monthly sean nós dance jam
2025-12-14 13:00 - 14:15 UTC | School of Musical Traditions, 7112 Willow Ave, Takoma Park, MD, 20912, United States
Join us for a monthly guided sean nós dance jam held at the School of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park, MD. These dancer-led sessions for Irish/percussive dancers and musicians offer a supportive environment to work on your footwork, share steps, improvise with live traditional music, and deepen your connection to this fun, uplifting tradition.
Kate Spanos will lead the session with a guided warm-up and some improvisational prompts and games to get everyone working together. Then we will open up the space for free improvisation and sharing rhythms with your fellow dancers. We will have 1-2 traditional Irish musicians playing live at each session, deepening our ability to connect not only to the music but also to the people playing it. So bring your shoes, your musicality, and your personal style!
All levels are welcome, as well as dancers from other styles of percussive dance.
We also hope you will join us after the jam to socialize at one of Takoma Park’s nearby restaurants/coffee bars. The idea is to not just dance together, but also get to know each other!

Event details:

Monthly on Sundays

Fall 2025 (second Sundays): Sep 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14
Winter/Spring 2026 (second Sundays except May & June): Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 12, May 3, Jun 7

1-2:15 p.m. (join us for a social hour afterward!)
All levels and ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult
Leather-soled (non-stick) shoes or taps/hard shoes are recommended
$15 to participate
Location: School of Musical Traditions, 7112 Willow Ave, Takoma Park, MD
Free parking on site!

This program is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org)
Photo © Maryland State Arts Council 2022, MSAC.org

Scooby Doo Mansion Céilí Ball
2025-12-13 19:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | MD
Kate Spanos will call the annual Scooby Doo Mansion Céilí Ball in Mt. Pleasant, Washington, DC, on Saturday, December 13. Wear your holiday best for this energetic event! Check for more details and ticket information on their Instagram page, @scoobydoomansion.

Brazilian frevo dance workshop (private)
2025-12-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MD
Private event. Want to hire us to perform or teach a workshop? Contact us.

Irish dance and music performance (private)
2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | MD

FREE Irish Dance Taster Class for Kids
2025-12-05 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | School of Musical Traditions, 7112 Willow Ave, Takoma Park, MD, 20912, United States
Get your kids moving, laughing, and learning something new with our *free* Irish dance taster class for kids! In this lively and welcoming session, children will discover the rhythm, energy, and joy of Irish dance. No experience expected!
The class will start with the basics of Irish step dancing to start to understand footwork and timing. Next, we’ll bring those steps to life in a fun céilí (social) dance, working together with partners and groups to connect movement and music. Students will also be introduced to the basics of percussive Irish dance, using creativity to make music with the feet.
Irish dance is an active hobby that builds coordination, confidence, and teamwork, all while having fun! This free taster class is a perfect chance for kids to try out Irish dance before we start a new kids session in 2026. Spaces are limited, so RSVP now! We will accept walk-ups, pending the availability of space.
The class is recommended for kids aged 6-13. Special Irish dance shoes are not required. We recommend sneakers or hard rubber-soled shoes for this class.
Check-in will begin at 3:45 PM. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and we’ll do our best to accommodate everyone. If we reach capacity, we may not be able to check in additional dancers. Arriving a little early is the best way to make sure your child can join the fun.
Please note that this is not a drop-off class. A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must remain on site for the entire class to ensure your child’s safety and comfort. There is a waiting area just outside the classroom, or you can join us in the classroom.
Questions? Contact Kate.
Thanks to our partner, School of Musical Traditions, for supporting this free class.
