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ABOUT THE  CARA SCHOOL

    Margy Grant, Maureen Hegarty, and Annmarie Sheehan are accomplished Irish step dancers with many, many years of competitive and performing experience amongst them.  As students of the McDade School, they participated in competitions along the east coast of the U.S. and in Ireland, winning many awards. Together they started the Cara School to promote Irish heritage and culture.  Since its inception in 1998, the School has grown steadily and its students have had many accomplishments. The teachers hope to pass on the tradition of Irish dance, prepare those who wish to compete so they can do so with success and pride, and create opportunities for everyone to enjoy the experiences that Irish dancing offers. 

Click here for more information about the Cara School's instructors.

 

 

STUDENTS OF THE CARA SCHOOL

  • Students will be expected to develop the physical skills associated with Irish dance: body control, coordination, good posture etc.  In addition, students will be encouraged to improve their listening skills & attention spans, increase self confidence, and perform to the best of their ability.

  • There will be opportunities to participate in competitions and performances in both solo and team events.  These experiences can help to develop a healthy competitive spirit.  Students will also have opportunities to make lasting friendships with classmates & peers from all parts of the local area, the state and the country. 

LEARNING TO DANCE

  • The Cara School accepts children over 5 years of age and will give parents an honest appraisal of what to expect in the first year.  Individual dancing skills are learned in a progression and there is no “normal” progression.  Progress is dependent upon a dancer’s age, talent, commitment, home practice etc.

  • Immediately a beginner will learn 3’s and 7’s.  These are the foundation of all Irish dance steps.  Children will develop poise and grace and, as they advance, they will be able to execute more complex steps – moving from the Jig and Reel to Hornpipe, Slip Jig, Treble Jig and Set Dances.

  • From the beginning, children will dance with other dancers, performing the same steps at the same time.  This helps the group to develop the all-important sense of timing.  These “Figure” dances will include hand holding and other arm movements in groups of 2,3,4,6 and 8.

THE PROGRAM

  • To avoid distraction, parents will not be allowed to remain in the same room where lessons are being conducted.  However, observation nights will occur periodically and will be announced in advance.

  • Students are expected to practice between sessions so that class time can be spent mastering what has already been presented and learning new material.

  • Students should wear comfortable exercise/gym clothes (no pants). Hair should be in a ponytail if it is long. Ballet slippers or Irish Dancing shoes are advisable.  Absolutely no bare feet.

  • Currently the Cara School holds classes in the following locations:

Cara School

5126 State Road

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Springton Dance Academy
5050 West Chester Pike
Edgmont, Pennsylvania

Oxford Center for Dance

6000 Baltimore Pike

Oxford, Pennsylvania

Our Lady of Consolation

Schneider Parish Center on Cemetery Road

2nd and Chestnut Streets

Parkesburg, PA
 

 

 CLASS SCHEDULE FOR 2007-08

CLICK HERE FOR CLASS TIMES AND LOCATIONS

COSTS.......

  • Yearly tuition is collected in three installments (September, December and March) with discounts given for families with multiple children. Rates are based on length of class. Specific tuition details are available upon request.
     

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