Irish Dance Classes for Kids – Fall 2026

2025 MSAC Folklife Apprenticeship

Irish Dance Classes for Kids – Fall 2026

Price range: $24.00 through $255.00

Jump into Irish dance with our new class for kids! This energetic and engaging session is designed to give beginners a taste of Irish dance, from traditional step dance to lively group céilí and improvisational sean nós styles.

Your child will build coordination, confidence, and creativity while learning the basics of Irish step dance footwork, trying out fun group dances, and experimenting with percussive rhythms in a relaxed, supportive environment. This is a non-competitive class; future performance opportunities will be available. The class is a great way to keep kids active, social, and inspired!

Notes:

  • The class is recommended for kids aged 6-12; other ages with instructor permission.
  • Special Irish dance shoes are not required to start. We recommend sneakers or hard rubber-soled shoes for new beginners.
  • Session registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Family rates are also available; please contact Kate for more information.
  • These classes are co-taught by program director Kate Spanos and teaching assistant Maggie Hensler‑McGinnis, a dedicated teen dancer who is training in teaching skills under Kate’s direct supervision. Maggie is a minor and will always assist with classes while accompanied by Kate or her parent present in the studio.

Class details

  • Dates: Thursdays, September 10 to December 10 (no class October 15 or November 26)
  • Time: 5:45-6:45 p.m.
  • Location: School of Musical Traditions (7112 Willow Ave, Takoma Park, MD)
  • Transportation: Parking is available in SMT’s dedicated lot; the Takoma Park Metro station is also ~8 minutes walking distance from the school
  • Cost:
    • Full semester: $255 (12 classes)
    • Drop-in: $24
SKU: KIDSDANCEFALL26 Category: Tag:

Description

Session registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Safety and accessibility

Our classes prioritize both safety and accessibility for all dancers. We maintain adult supervision at all times, use age‑appropriate movement progressions, and follow clear guidelines for respectful boundaries and behavior. We welcome dancers with diverse bodies, learning styles, and access needs, and we are happy to make reasonable modifications (such as pacing, visual/verbal cues, or space adjustments) so that each child can participate comfortably and confidently.

Our kids’ classes are co-taught by Kate Spanos and teaching assistant Maggie Hensler‑McGinnis. Maggie is a dedicated teen dancer who is participating in a supervised assistant teaching role to gain experience in classroom management, lesson structure, and working with young children. Because Maggie is a minor, she is never responsible for the class on her own. Kate remains the lead teacher for all classes, and Maggie’s parent is present in the room during every class she assists. Maggie focuses on demonstrating steps, encouraging students, and providing extra support, while all safety, behavior, and instructional decisions are overseen by Kate.

Photo credit: © Maryland State Arts Council 2025, MSAC.org

Additional information

Registration type

Session registration, Drop-in
Date

All dates (session registration), September 10, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, December 3, December 10

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