CLASSES
Join a welcoming community where Irish dance brings people together. From first steps to championship routines, our classes nurture confidence, friendship, and joy in a supportive, encouraging environment. Whether you’re dancing for fun, fitness, or competition, every dancer is guided to grow in skill, creativity, and love for this beautiful tradition.
Pre-Beginner
Our Pre-Beginner class is all about fun and discovery!
Little dancers learn their very first Irish dance steps through movement & lively music. Each class nurtures coordination, balance, and confidence while creating a joyful and supportive environment where every child can shine.
What your dancer will learn
☘️ Skip 2,3s
☘️ Points
☘️ Jig steps
☘️ Jump 2,3s
☘️ And more!
Wednesdays 4 pm
Saturdays 9:30 am
Beginner
Beginner classes for ages 6 and up are the perfect introduction to Irish dance! Students learn their foundational soft shoe movements while developing rhythm, timing, and coordination in a structured but encouraging environment. Each class builds posture, confidence, and strength, helping dancers lay a strong technical base for future growth. With music, movement, and fun, this level sets the stage for a lifelong love of Irish dance.
What your dancer will learn
☘️Skip 2,3s
☘️ Jig Steps
☘️ Reel Steps
☘️Jump 2,3s
☘️And so much more!
Tuesday 4:45p Beginner Hard Shoe
Wednesday 4:30p Beginner Soft Shoe
Thursday 4:30p Beginner I & II
Beginner classes offered at Falmouth Community Programs. Cape Community Services, & Holy Cross School
Intermediate
Our Intermediate classes are where dancers really start to shine! Building on the basics, students take their first steps into hard shoe dancing while continuing to strengthen their soft shoe skills. They’ll explore Reels, Light Jigs, Slip Jigs, Heavy Jigs, Hornpipes, and even a Traditional Set. At this level, dancers discover new rhythms, styles, and challenges in a supportive environment that encourages growth at their own pace.
Tuesday 5:00p Intermediate Hard Shoe
Wednesday 5:15p Intermediate Soft Shoe
Thursday 5:15p
Also offered at at Cape Elizabeth Community Services
Champion
Our Prelim and Open Level classes are where serious dancers rise to the challenge! Students refine advanced soft and hard shoe techniques, perfect timing and posture, and focus on performance quality, all while building strength, stamina, and style. This level prepares dancers for major competitions such as the New England Oireachtas, North American Championships, and World Championships. It’s also the stage where dancers can join our Performance Team or Competition Team, showcasing their skills and teamwork. Above all, our champion dancers are champions in character—learning perseverance, confidence, and the joy of representing the tradition and community of Irish dance.
Please email us for class times and availability to ensure your dancer is placed in the right class and can thrive at this level. We’re happy to help guide you and your dancer to the best fit for their skills, goals, and schedule.
Adult
Whether you’re new to Irish dance or returning to the steps you loved as a child, our Adult classes are ridiculously feel-good! Full of energy, laughter, and movement, classes bring together people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. You’ll build strength, coordination, and rhythm while exploring soft shoe, hard shoe, and Céilí dancing in a supportive, welcoming environment. Classes focus on fun, technique, cardio, and camaraderie—because Irish dancing is always better together. Everyone is welcome, and the goal is simple: to move, laugh, and enjoy every step.
Tuesdays (Beginner Adult) 7:30p
Thursdays 7:30p
Weekly Schedule
Monday
Falmouth Community Programs
Studio:
4:45 pm Beginner Hard Shoe
Tuesday
5:00 pm Intermediate Hard Shoe
7:30 pm Beginner Adult
Wednesday
4:00 - 4:30 pm Pre-Beginner
4:30 pm Beginner Soft Shoe
5:15 pm Intermediate Soft Shoe
Thursday
Holy Cross School
Studio:
4:30 pm Beginner I & Beginner II
7:30 pm Adults
Friday
Cape Elizabeth Community Services
Saturday
9:30 am Pre-Beginner
Intermediate & Champion Workshops
Private Lessons available by appointment
Before You Arrive: What You Need to Know
We’re excited to welcome your dancer! To ensure every student has the best learning experience, please review the following guidelines before attending class.
Class Procedures & Policies
What to Know for Class
-
Parents & Guardians: To help dancers stay focused and get the most out of class, parents and guardians are asked to wait outside the classroom during instruction. Parents are always welcome to speak with an instructor before or after class with any questions or concerns.
-
Phones & Electronics: Cell phones and other electronics should remain in dance bags and off the dance floor during class.
-
What to Wear: Dancers should arrive in comfortable, dance-appropriate clothing that allows for movement and instruction. Black shorts, skorts, leggings or other fitted athletic bottoms are recommended. Hair should be pulled back and away from the face. Please, no jeans.
-
Dance Shoes: Dancers should wear appropriate footwear for class. Pre-Beginners and Beginners may dance in socks or ballet slippers while getting started. As dancers progress, proper Irish dance soft and hard shoes will be required. Dance sneakers may be used when appropriate for injury accommodations, conditioning or performances such as parades.
-
Individual Needs: We want every dancer to be able to participate safely and successfully. Parents are encouraged to let instructors know about any injuries, medical considerations, learning needs or accommodations that may help us best support their dancer.
Attendance & Studio Expectations
Consistent attendance helps dancers build confidence, develop strong technique and make steady progress. Students are placed in classes based on age, experience and individual development, and teachers may recommend class placement changes as dancers progress.
Dancers preparing for competitions are expected to attend consistently, with Intermediate and Championship dancers attending a minimum of two classes per week leading up to competition.
We want every dancer to enjoy coming to class, work hard, and feel supported. Each child develops at their own pace, and our classes are designed to encourage individual growth while building confidence, discipline, and a love of Irish dance.
We expect all dancers and families to treat one another with kindness and respect. Bullying or disrespectful behavior is not tolerated in class, at performances, competitions, or within our school community.
Classes generally follow the local school calendar for holidays, vacations and weather-related closures. We will communicate schedule changes and cancellations directly to families and through our social media channels.
Class Location
OUR NEW STUDIO
We’re excited to welcome you to our new home!
The Stillson School of Irish Dance is now located at:
170 John Roberts Road, Unit 10
South Portland, Maine
Our new dedicated studio gives our dancers a space designed specifically for Irish dance training, with a professionally installed sprung dance floor, mirrors, and plenty of room to move, train, and grow.
After more than 35 years of Irish dance in Maine, we’re thrilled to begin this next chapter and welcome both new and returning dancers into our new home.
Come dance with us in South Portland!