Term 1, 2026
Jump23 Softshoe Mackay
Jump23 Softshoe (5-6 years)
Following on from the Jump’n Jig program, young dancers continue their gross motor
development, learning correct warm-up, stretching, posture, technique, musicality and steps to
perform through a structured and progressive program. Jump23 dancers will also learn the
basics of hardshoe dancing and to count to ten in Gaelic.
Jump23 Softshoe (5-6 years)
Following on from the Jump’n Jig program, young dancers continue their gross motor
development, learning correct warm-up, stretching, posture, technique, musicality and steps to
perform through a structured and progressive program. Jump23 dancers will also learn the
basics of hardshoe dancing and to count to ten in Gaelic.
Monday
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Junior Intermediate Softshoe
Intermediate Softshoe
Dancers begin learning more intricate footwork and exciting new tricks, with safe dance
practices guiding their progress every step of the way. Training focuses on improving technique
through targeted drills, alignment and timing work. These skills are then applied in solo
softshoe dances and both modern and traditional ceili routines for feiseanna, performances,
exams and concert - helping dancers build confidence, control and stage presence as they
advance.
Intermediate Softshoe
Dancers begin learning more intricate footwork and exciting new tricks, with safe dance
practices guiding their progress every step of the way. Training focuses on improving technique
through targeted drills, alignment and timing work. These skills are then applied in solo
softshoe dances and both modern and traditional ceili routines for feiseanna, performances,
exams and concert - helping dancers build confidence, control and stage presence as they
advance.
Monday
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Open Championship Softshoe & Hardshoe
Championship Class
Championship Class is for dancers who have reached an advanced standard in both softshoe and
hardshoe and are driven to keep improving. Dancers must show strong technique, confident
performance and a committed training attitude. Participation in performances and feiseanna is
expected, as this class supports dancers working toward competitive goals.
Training refines technical excellence, stamina and stage presence while progressing through the
international levelling system – including major goals such as Oireachtas and the World
Championships.
Championship Class
Championship Class is for dancers who have reached an advanced standard in both softshoe and
hardshoe and are driven to keep improving. Dancers must show strong technique, confident
performance and a committed training attitude. Participation in performances and feiseanna is
expected, as this class supports dancers working toward competitive goals.
Training refines technical excellence, stamina and stage presence while progressing through the
international levelling system – including major goals such as Oireachtas and the World
Championships.
Monday
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Beginner Softshoe
In our Beginner softshoe class, dancers aged 6–8 focus on developing familiarity with Irish music and basic steps while learning correct foundational dance technique. Classes build strength, mobility, and stability in a fun and supportive environment, helping young dancers grow confidence, coordination, and enjoyment as they begin their Irish dance journey.
In our Beginner softshoe class, dancers aged 6–8 focus on developing familiarity with Irish music and basic steps while learning correct foundational dance technique. Classes build strength, mobility, and stability in a fun and supportive environment, helping young dancers grow confidence, coordination, and enjoyment as they begin their Irish dance journey.
Tuesday
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Primary Softshoe
In our primary softshoe class, dancers focus on consolidating all beginner softshoe dances and commencing primary level dances along with correct dance technique, strength, mobility and stability. Ceili dances, Gaelic and general knowledge questions are taught in preparation for Irish dance examinations and to give all dancers a holistic education and appreciation of Irish culture and history.
Dancers in this class require a yoga mat, and to come to class wearing joggers or dance sneakers for warmup.
In our primary softshoe class, dancers focus on consolidating all beginner softshoe dances and commencing primary level dances along with correct dance technique, strength, mobility and stability. Ceili dances, Gaelic and general knowledge questions are taught in preparation for Irish dance examinations and to give all dancers a holistic education and appreciation of Irish culture and history.
Dancers in this class require a yoga mat, and to come to class wearing joggers or dance sneakers for warmup.
Tuesday
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Senior Softshoe
This class is for our senior students and provides a supportive, social training space where dancers are grouped with peers of similar ages. It includes a range of ability levels, with teaching adapted to cater for all dancers.
The class supports exam preparation, concert choreography, and performance opportunities, while continuing to develop softshoe technique, confidence, and musicality. Ideal for senior dancers who want to stay connected, keep progressing, and enjoy dancing as part of a team.
This class is for our senior students and provides a supportive, social training space where dancers are grouped with peers of similar ages. It includes a range of ability levels, with teaching adapted to cater for all dancers.
The class supports exam preparation, concert choreography, and performance opportunities, while continuing to develop softshoe technique, confidence, and musicality. Ideal for senior dancers who want to stay connected, keep progressing, and enjoy dancing as part of a team.
Tuesday
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Jump'n Jig Mackay
Jump‘n Jig (18 months to 5 years)
Jump’n Jig is an accredited early-years program that provides an exciting and nurturing introduction to Irish dance. Using age-appropriate music, movement and imaginative play,
Jump’n Jig helps young dancers develop co-ordination, balance, rhythm, independence, social skills and musicality. This joyful class builds confidence and sets strong foundations for future learning in a supportive, playful environment.
Jump‘n Jig (18 months to 5 years)
Jump’n Jig is an accredited early-years program that provides an exciting and nurturing introduction to Irish dance. Using age-appropriate music, movement and imaginative play,
Jump’n Jig helps young dancers develop co-ordination, balance, rhythm, independence, social skills and musicality. This joyful class builds confidence and sets strong foundations for future learning in a supportive, playful environment.
Wednesday
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Advanced Beginner Softshoe
In our Advanced Beginner softshoe classes, dancers continue to build familiarity with Irish music and steps while developing correct dance technique, strength, mobility, and stability. This class is designed for beginner dancers aged 8–10 and supports growing confidence, coordination, and musical awareness.
Training is progressive and supportive, helping dancers prepare for our annual concert, and performances while enjoying learning alongside peers in a positive class environment.
In our Advanced Beginner softshoe classes, dancers continue to build familiarity with Irish music and steps while developing correct dance technique, strength, mobility, and stability. This class is designed for beginner dancers aged 8–10 and supports growing confidence, coordination, and musical awareness.
Training is progressive and supportive, helping dancers prepare for our annual concert, and performances while enjoying learning alongside peers in a positive class environment.
Wednesday
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
RISE Technique & Development
RISE is a new technique and performance development class focused on building strong, confident, and resilient dancers. Training is based on smart, research-informed principles that support safe progression, improved technique, and long-term dancer health.
The class develops strength, alignment, rhythm, jump mechanics, musicality, and performance mindset to support both softshoe and hardshoe dancing. RISE is ideal for dancers who want to feel more powerful in their technique, more confident in performance, and better prepared for exams, feiseanna, and major performance opportunities.
Designed for intermediate and open dancers, RISE supports consistent progress and enjoyment of dance at higher levels.
RISE is a new technique and performance development class focused on building strong, confident, and resilient dancers. Training is based on smart, research-informed principles that support safe progression, improved technique, and long-term dancer health.
The class develops strength, alignment, rhythm, jump mechanics, musicality, and performance mindset to support both softshoe and hardshoe dancing. RISE is ideal for dancers who want to feel more powerful in their technique, more confident in performance, and better prepared for exams, feiseanna, and major performance opportunities.
Designed for intermediate and open dancers, RISE supports consistent progress and enjoyment of dance at higher levels.
Wednesday
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Adult Celtic Dance Class
Irish dancing is an athletic form of dance, which can improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and fitness. It provides an excellent opportunity to meet new people, engage in self-care and have fun.
Regardless of your experience level, all are welcome. We offer casual attendance options, enabling you to participate on your own schedule. The adult class offers a comfortable, relaxed environment where you'll learn solo softshoe, hardshoe, and ceili dances of varying levels.
Irish dancing is an athletic form of dance, which can improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and fitness. It provides an excellent opportunity to meet new people, engage in self-care and have fun.
Regardless of your experience level, all are welcome. We offer casual attendance options, enabling you to participate on your own schedule. The adult class offers a comfortable, relaxed environment where you'll learn solo softshoe, hardshoe, and ceili dances of varying levels.
Wednesday
7:30 PM to 8:15 PM
7:30 PM to 8:15 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Foundation Hardshoe
Dancers are welcome to commence hardshoe classes when they are in the beginner softshoe class and have had 12 months of Irish dance lessons.
Starting in our Foundation Hardshoe Class, dancers are introduced to the exciting percussive side of Irish dance.
Dancers develop foot strength, timing, power, and control through drills, combinations, and commence the beginner treble jig
Dancers are welcome to commence hardshoe classes when they are in the beginner softshoe class and have had 12 months of Irish dance lessons.
Starting in our Foundation Hardshoe Class, dancers are introduced to the exciting percussive side of Irish dance.
Dancers develop foot strength, timing, power, and control through drills, combinations, and commence the beginner treble jig
Thursday
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Primary Hardshoe
Primary Hardshoe classes build on the foundations of hardshoe technique as dancers progress through advanced beginner and primary level dances. Dancers learn and refine treble jig and hornpipe, as well as beginner and primary traditional sets.
The focus is on developing strong footwork, timing, power, and control, while continuing to build strength and coordination in a safe and supportive environment. Training includes drills, combinations, and choreography to support exam preparation, concerts, and performance opportunities, while growing confidence in the percussive style of Irish dance.
Primary Hardshoe classes build on the foundations of hardshoe technique as dancers progress through advanced beginner and primary level dances. Dancers learn and refine treble jig and hornpipe, as well as beginner and primary traditional sets.
The focus is on developing strong footwork, timing, power, and control, while continuing to build strength and coordination in a safe and supportive environment. Training includes drills, combinations, and choreography to support exam preparation, concerts, and performance opportunities, while growing confidence in the percussive style of Irish dance.
Thursday
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Senior Harshoe
This class is for our senior students and provides a focused yet supportive training environment for hardshoe dancing. Dancers work both in groups and independently across a range of levels in treble jig, hornpipe, and traditional sets, allowing training to be adapted to individual ability and experience.
The class supports exam preparation, concert choreography, and performance opportunities, while continuing to develop timing, power, clarity of sound, and control. Ideal for senior dancers who want to refine their hardshoe technique, stay challenged, and enjoy dancing as part of a positive and encouraging team.
This class is for our senior students and provides a focused yet supportive training environment for hardshoe dancing. Dancers work both in groups and independently across a range of levels in treble jig, hornpipe, and traditional sets, allowing training to be adapted to individual ability and experience.
The class supports exam preparation, concert choreography, and performance opportunities, while continuing to develop timing, power, clarity of sound, and control. Ideal for senior dancers who want to refine their hardshoe technique, stay challenged, and enjoy dancing as part of a positive and encouraging team.
Thursday
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Worlds Technique Class
This class is designed for dancers preparing for the World Championships and focuses on refining the technical, physical, and performance qualities required at international level. Dancers work on solo championship dances, modern sets, and traditional sets, with detailed attention to precision, strength, control, musicality, and consistency.
This class runs in addition to regular softshoe and hardshoe classes, as well as the RISE technique class, and is compulsory for dancers attending the World Championships. This class is priced at a higher rate to reflect the smaller group size and increased individual attention. Training is structured to support performance readiness, injury awareness, and confidence under pressure, helping dancers feel prepared and resilient on the World stage.
This class is designed for dancers preparing for the World Championships and focuses on refining the technical, physical, and performance qualities required at international level. Dancers work on solo championship dances, modern sets, and traditional sets, with detailed attention to precision, strength, control, musicality, and consistency.
This class runs in addition to regular softshoe and hardshoe classes, as well as the RISE technique class, and is compulsory for dancers attending the World Championships. This class is priced at a higher rate to reflect the smaller group size and increased individual attention. Training is structured to support performance readiness, injury awareness, and confidence under pressure, helping dancers feel prepared and resilient on the World stage.
Thursday
6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
North Mackay Studio
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Marian Beginner/Primary Softshoe
This combined class is for Beginner, Advanced Beginner, and Primary dancers at Marian and runs for 1.25 hours to ensure there is adequate time and attention for all dancers. Training is structured so each level is supported, with dancers working together and in level-based groupings as needed.
The class focuses on building strong foundations in technique, musicality, confidence, and coordination, while supporting exam preparation, concert choreography, and performance opportunities. A positive and inclusive class designed to help dancers progress at their own pace in a supportive team environment.
This combined class is for Beginner, Advanced Beginner, and Primary dancers at Marian and runs for 1.25 hours to ensure there is adequate time and attention for all dancers. Training is structured so each level is supported, with dancers working together and in level-based groupings as needed.
The class focuses on building strong foundations in technique, musicality, confidence, and coordination, while supporting exam preparation, concert choreography, and performance opportunities. A positive and inclusive class designed to help dancers progress at their own pace in a supportive team environment.
Saturday
10:15 AM to 11:30 AM
10:15 AM to 11:30 AM
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay
Marian Jump'n Jig
Jump‘n Jig (18 months to 5 years)
Jump’n Jig is an accredited early-years program that provides an exciting and nurturing introduction to Irish dance. Using age-appropriate music, movement and imaginative play,
Jump’n Jig helps young dancers develop co-ordination, balance, rhythm, independence, social skills and musicality. This joyful class builds confidence and sets strong foundations for future learning in a supportive, playful environment.
Jump‘n Jig (18 months to 5 years)
Jump’n Jig is an accredited early-years program that provides an exciting and nurturing introduction to Irish dance. Using age-appropriate music, movement and imaginative play,
Jump’n Jig helps young dancers develop co-ordination, balance, rhythm, independence, social skills and musicality. This joyful class builds confidence and sets strong foundations for future learning in a supportive, playful environment.
Saturday
9:00 AM to 9:30 AM
9:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Marian
Marian Jump23 Softshoe
Jump23 Softshoe (5-6 years)
Following on from the Jump’n Jig program, young dancers continue their gross motor development, learning correct warm-up, stretching, posture, technique, musicality and steps to
perform through a structured and progressive program. Jump23 dancers will also learn the basics of hardshoe dancing and to count to ten in Gaelic.
Jump23 Softshoe (5-6 years)
Following on from the Jump’n Jig program, young dancers continue their gross motor development, learning correct warm-up, stretching, posture, technique, musicality and steps to
perform through a structured and progressive program. Jump23 dancers will also learn the basics of hardshoe dancing and to count to ten in Gaelic.
Saturday
9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
Claddagh School of Irish Dance Marian
Online Classes
Since 2020, we have been offering virtual classes to students residing outside the Mackay region.
Our online classes provide the same high-quality instruction as our studio classes, with interactive learning, real-time feedback and a supportive community from anywhere in the world. This program is ideal for dancers who are travelling or unable to attend in person.
For more information, please refer to the Virtual Irish Dance booklet.
Since 2020, we have been offering virtual classes to students residing outside the Mackay region.
Our online classes provide the same high-quality instruction as our studio classes, with interactive learning, real-time feedback and a supportive community from anywhere in the world. This program is ideal for dancers who are travelling or unable to attend in person.
For more information, please refer to the Virtual Irish Dance booklet.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
2:00 PM to 2:00 PM
2:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Virtual Classroom