Kate Spanos Irish Dance

Irish step dance class
2026-01-07 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-14 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-21 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-28 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-02-04 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-02-18 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-02-25 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-03-04 19:30 - 21:00 UTC and 3 more dates | 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

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

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.

Monthly sean nós dance jam
2026-01-11 13:00 - 14:15, 2026-02-08 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

Sean nós dance class
2026-01-14 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-21 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-28 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-04 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-18 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-25 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-04 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-11 18:30 - 19:30 UTC and 2 more dates | 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

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.

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

Monthly sean nós dance jam - bring a friend for free!
2026-03-08 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!
We’ll be joined in March by all-star musicians Mike Winch and Patrick Winch. This month, we are also offering a “bring a friend for free” deal. Just register yourself and bring your friend with you. We want as many people as possible to enjoy this beautiful music and dance!
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

Irish dance and music performance (private)
2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-17 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | MD
Private event. Want to hire us to perform or teach a workshop? Contact us.
