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 step
☘️ Jump 2,3s
☘️ And more!
Wednesdays 4pm - 4:30pm
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!
Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:15
Thursdays 4:30 - 5:15
Beginner classes offered at Falmouth Community Programs & Cape Community Services


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.
Wednesday 5:15p, 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.
Thursdays 7:30p - 8:30p
Weekly Schedule
Monday
Falmouth Community Program
5:30p Champion Class
Wednesday
4:00 - 4:30 Pre-Beginner
4:30 - 5:15 Beginner
5:15 - 6:15 Intermediate
6:15. Champion
Thursday
4:30 - 5:15 Beginner I & Beginner II
5:15 - 6:15 Intermediate
5:15 - 7:15 Champion
7:30 - 8:30 Adult
Friday
Cape Elizabeth Community Services
Private Lessons available by appointment
Saturday
Intermediate & Champion Workshops
Private Lessons available by appointment
Sunday
Competition Team
Performance Team
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
-
Parents are not allowed in the classroom to avoid distractions and maintain a focused learning environment.
-
Cell phones, and other electronics must stay in dance bags; they are not allowed on the dance floor.
-
Dancers must wear dance appropriate attire! Black bottoms (shorts, skorts, fitted leggings, etc) are required. No jeans please. Hair should be pulled back away from face.
-
Dancers are required to wear dance shoes in class.
-
Pre-beginners and Beginners may wear socks or ballet slippers, which are easier to fit and put on.
-
Beyond the beginner level, proper Irish dance shoes are required.
-
Dance sneakers are only allowed for injured dancers or for parades.
-
Dancing in regular sneakers or dance sneakers under any other circumstances is not permitted.
-
-
If your child has any medical or learning conditions we should know about, please inform the instructors before classes begin.
Attendance & Participation
-
Regular attendance is essential for maintaining a positive learning environment and ensuring steady progress. Students are placed in classes according to their age, ability, attitude and achievement at the sole discretion of the teacher.
-
Teachers may reassign students if the pace or level is not appropriate. Only the instructor can determine proper placement.
-
The Stillson School reserves the right to reassign a student to a different class due to excessive absences or tardiness.
-
Makeup classes cannot typically be offered due to our structured schedule. Please email for guidance and support.
-
Classes follow the Portland school calendar, including vacations, holidays, and inclement weather. Please check our socials for any updates or cancellations.
-
Intermediate and Championship dancers are expected to consistently attend a minimum of 2 classes per week leading up to a competition.
-
Participation in any performances or competitions is at the instructor’s discretion only. Students may only change categories with the instructor’s explicit permission.
-
Students withdrawing mid-year must notify the studio in writing of their plans. All tuition and fees remain due in full through the month(s) attended, including any classes prior to written notice of withdrawal.
-
We expect all students to have fun and treat each other with respect. Each child blossoms in their own time, and classes are structured to encourage individual growth.
-
Bullying is not tolerated. Parents and dancers are expected to uphold the highest standards of respect in and outside of class, performances, and competitions.
Tuition, Registration & Payment
-
Tuition is non-refundable and non-attendance-based. Registration is for the full school year (September to June), with tuition billed in three installments:
-
First installment – due at registration
-
Second installment – December 1, 2025
-
Third installment – March 1, 2026
-
-
An annual non-refundable $35 registration fee is due at the time of registration.
-
Classes begin the week of September 3, 2025.
-
We strongly encourage Auto Pay via Dance Studio Pro to avoid late fees. Tuition not paid within 2 weeks of the due date will incur a $35 late fee.
-
Discontinuing mid-year requires email notification to prevent further billing.
Class Location
We currently offer classes at the Maine Irish Heritage Center in Portland, Maine. We are thankful to be supported by such a wonderful community.
Please check out their website for all things Irish in Maine! https://maineirish.com/