Fall Semester 2026
Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Our Beginner Irish Dance class is the perfect introduction for children who are new to Irish dance and have little or no previous experience. In a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment, dancers will learn the foundational techniques of Irish dance while building confidence, coordination, rhythm, balance, and flexibility.
Students will begin learning the basic soft shoe steps, proper posture, foot placement, timing, and traditional Irish dance movements through engaging instruction and age-appropriate activities. As they progress, dancers will develop a strong technical foundation while making new friends and discovering a love for Irish dance.
Our Beginner Irish Dance class is the perfect introduction for children who are new to Irish dance and have little or no previous experience. In a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment, dancers will learn the foundational techniques of Irish dance while building confidence, coordination, rhythm, balance, and flexibility.
Students will begin learning the basic soft shoe steps, proper posture, foot placement, timing, and traditional Irish dance movements through engaging instruction and age-appropriate activities. As they progress, dancers will develop a strong technical foundation while making new friends and discovering a love for Irish dance.
Thursday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Johns Island
Intermediate/Grades
Our Intermediate / Grades class is designed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of soft shoe and have a solid understanding of basic hard shoe technique. This level focuses on refining technique, increasing strength, stamina, flexibility, and musicality while introducing more challenging choreography and progressively advanced hard shoe skills.
Dancers will continue to build confidence in both solo and team dancing, improve precision and performance quality, and work toward mastering the traditional Grade-level dances. This class is ideal for students who are ready to take the next step in their Irish dance journey, whether their goals include performances, feiseanna, or continued technical development.
Prerequisite: Dancers must demonstrate proficiency in all beginner soft shoe dances and basic hard shoe fundamentals or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Our Intermediate / Grades class is designed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of soft shoe and have a solid understanding of basic hard shoe technique. This level focuses on refining technique, increasing strength, stamina, flexibility, and musicality while introducing more challenging choreography and progressively advanced hard shoe skills.
Dancers will continue to build confidence in both solo and team dancing, improve precision and performance quality, and work toward mastering the traditional Grade-level dances. This class is ideal for students who are ready to take the next step in their Irish dance journey, whether their goals include performances, feiseanna, or continued technical development.
Prerequisite: Dancers must demonstrate proficiency in all beginner soft shoe dances and basic hard shoe fundamentals or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Thursday
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Johns Island
Tiny Shamrocks
Tiny Shamrocks (Ages 2–4)
Tiny Shamrocks is the first step in your child's Irish dance journey at O'Keefe Academy! Designed especially for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–4, this engaging program introduces young dancers to the joy of movement through Irish music, imaginative play, games, and age-appropriate dance activities.
Each class focuses on developing coordination, balance, rhythm, listening skills, social interaction, and confidence while introducing the foundational movements and terminology of Irish dance. Our nurturing instructors create a positive, encouraging environment where every child can learn, explore, and build a love for dance at their own pace.
As dancers grow in confidence and independence, Tiny Shamrocks prepares them for a smooth transition into our Beginner Program, where they will continue developing proper Irish dance technique and begin learning the traditional soft shoe dances. By starting with Tiny Shamrocks, children build the confidence, coordination, and classroom skills that set them up for success throughout their Irish dance journey.
Whether your little one dreams of performing on stage, competing one day, or simply enjoys dancing with friends, Tiny Shamrocks is the perfect place to begin!
Class Length: 30 minutes
Recommended Ages: 2–4 years
Tiny Shamrocks (Ages 2–4)
Tiny Shamrocks is the first step in your child's Irish dance journey at O'Keefe Academy! Designed especially for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–4, this engaging program introduces young dancers to the joy of movement through Irish music, imaginative play, games, and age-appropriate dance activities.
Each class focuses on developing coordination, balance, rhythm, listening skills, social interaction, and confidence while introducing the foundational movements and terminology of Irish dance. Our nurturing instructors create a positive, encouraging environment where every child can learn, explore, and build a love for dance at their own pace.
As dancers grow in confidence and independence, Tiny Shamrocks prepares them for a smooth transition into our Beginner Program, where they will continue developing proper Irish dance technique and begin learning the traditional soft shoe dances. By starting with Tiny Shamrocks, children build the confidence, coordination, and classroom skills that set them up for success throughout their Irish dance journey.
Whether your little one dreams of performing on stage, competing one day, or simply enjoys dancing with friends, Tiny Shamrocks is the perfect place to begin!
Class Length: 30 minutes
Recommended Ages: 2–4 years
Monday
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Summerville
Beginner
Our Beginner Irish Dance class is the perfect introduction for children who are new to Irish dance and have little or no previous experience. In a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment, dancers will learn the foundational techniques of Irish dance while building confidence, coordination, rhythm, balance, and flexibility.
Students will begin learning the basic soft shoe steps, proper posture, foot placement, timing, and traditional Irish dance movements through engaging instruction and age-appropriate activities. As they progress, dancers will develop a strong technical foundation while making new friends and discovering a love for Irish dance.
No prior dance experience is required
Our Beginner Irish Dance class is the perfect introduction for children who are new to Irish dance and have little or no previous experience. In a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment, dancers will learn the foundational techniques of Irish dance while building confidence, coordination, rhythm, balance, and flexibility.
Students will begin learning the basic soft shoe steps, proper posture, foot placement, timing, and traditional Irish dance movements through engaging instruction and age-appropriate activities. As they progress, dancers will develop a strong technical foundation while making new friends and discovering a love for Irish dance.
No prior dance experience is required
Monday
4:30 PM to 5:15 PM
4:30 PM to 5:15 PM
Summerville
Adult 8 Week Session
Adult Beginner Irish Dance (Ages 18+)
Have you always wanted to learn Irish dance? Now is your chance! Whether you're looking for a fun way to stay active, meet new people, or challenge yourself with something completely new, this class is the perfect place to start.
Designed specifically for adults with little to no previous dance experience, this 8-week session will introduce you to the fundamentals of Irish dance in a supportive, encouraging, and judgment-free environment. You'll build coordination, improve fitness, learn traditional Irish dance steps, and gain confidence each week—all while having fun!
No experience is required, and you don't need a dance background to join. Just bring comfortable workout clothes, sneakers, and a willingness to learn.
Adult Beginner Irish Dance (Ages 18+)
Have you always wanted to learn Irish dance? Now is your chance! Whether you're looking for a fun way to stay active, meet new people, or challenge yourself with something completely new, this class is the perfect place to start.
Designed specifically for adults with little to no previous dance experience, this 8-week session will introduce you to the fundamentals of Irish dance in a supportive, encouraging, and judgment-free environment. You'll build coordination, improve fitness, learn traditional Irish dance steps, and gain confidence each week—all while having fun!
No experience is required, and you don't need a dance background to join. Just bring comfortable workout clothes, sneakers, and a willingness to learn.
Monday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Summerville
Advanced Beginner Soft Shoe (Tuesday only)
Our Advanced Beginner class is designed for dancers who have been with O'Keefe Academy for at least six months and have developed a strong foundation in soft shoe. This class builds on those fundamentals while introducing dancers to the exciting world of hard shoe dancing. Dancers will also continue to develop confidence, musicality, and performance skills as they prepare for future performances and competitions.
Prerequisite: Dancers should have completed at least six months in our Beginner program or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Our Advanced Beginner class is designed for dancers who have been with O'Keefe Academy for at least six months and have developed a strong foundation in soft shoe. This class builds on those fundamentals while introducing dancers to the exciting world of hard shoe dancing. Dancers will also continue to develop confidence, musicality, and performance skills as they prepare for future performances and competitions.
Prerequisite: Dancers should have completed at least six months in our Beginner program or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Tuesday
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Summerville
Intermediate/Grades (Tuesday only)
Our Intermediate / Grades class is designed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of soft shoe and have a solid understanding of basic hard shoe technique. This level focuses on refining technique, increasing strength, stamina, flexibility, and musicality while introducing more challenging choreography and progressively advanced hard shoe skills.
Dancers will continue to build confidence in both solo and team dancing, improve precision and performance quality, and work toward mastering the traditional Grade-level dances. This class is ideal for students who are ready to take the next step in their Irish dance journey, whether their goals include performances, feiseanna, or continued technical development.
Prerequisite: Dancers must demonstrate proficiency in all beginner soft shoe dances and basic hard shoe fundamentals or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Our Intermediate / Grades class is designed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of soft shoe and have a solid understanding of basic hard shoe technique. This level focuses on refining technique, increasing strength, stamina, flexibility, and musicality while introducing more challenging choreography and progressively advanced hard shoe skills.
Dancers will continue to build confidence in both solo and team dancing, improve precision and performance quality, and work toward mastering the traditional Grade-level dances. This class is ideal for students who are ready to take the next step in their Irish dance journey, whether their goals include performances, feiseanna, or continued technical development.
Prerequisite: Dancers must demonstrate proficiency in all beginner soft shoe dances and basic hard shoe fundamentals or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Tuesday
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Summerville
U8 Ceili Class
Our Céilí Team Program gives dancers the opportunity to train for one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of Irish dance—team dancing. This program is specifically designed to prepare dancers for the Southern Region Oireachtas, with a focus on the traditional Four Hand Céilí. Dancers learn to work together through synchronized footwork, formations, timing, and musicality in a competition setting.
Each 90-minute class is designed to maximize instruction and practice time. Two Four Hand teams train during each class, allowing dancers to receive focused coaching while also developing teamwork, communication, and performance skills alongside their teammates.
Céilí dancing builds strong technical foundations while teaching dancers the importance of trust, precision, and working together toward a common goal. It is an excellent complement to solo training, helping dancers improve timing, posture, spatial awareness, and confidence on the competition floor.
Throughout the season, teams will train with the goal of competing at the Southern Region Oireachtas, with additional competition opportunities determined by readiness and instructor recommendation.
Our Céilí Team Program gives dancers the opportunity to train for one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of Irish dance—team dancing. This program is specifically designed to prepare dancers for the Southern Region Oireachtas, with a focus on the traditional Four Hand Céilí. Dancers learn to work together through synchronized footwork, formations, timing, and musicality in a competition setting.
Each 90-minute class is designed to maximize instruction and practice time. Two Four Hand teams train during each class, allowing dancers to receive focused coaching while also developing teamwork, communication, and performance skills alongside their teammates.
Céilí dancing builds strong technical foundations while teaching dancers the importance of trust, precision, and working together toward a common goal. It is an excellent complement to solo training, helping dancers improve timing, posture, spatial awareness, and confidence on the competition floor.
Throughout the season, teams will train with the goal of competing at the Southern Region Oireachtas, with additional competition opportunities determined by readiness and instructor recommendation.
Wednesday
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Summerville
U10/U12 Ceili class
Our Céilí Team Program gives dancers the opportunity to train for one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of Irish dance—team dancing. This program is specifically designed to prepare dancers for the Southern Region Oireachtas, with a focus on the traditional Four Hand Céilí. Dancers learn to work together through synchronized footwork, formations, timing, and musicality in a competition setting.
Each 90-minute class is designed to maximize instruction and practice time. Two Four Hand teams train during each class, allowing dancers to receive focused coaching while also developing teamwork, communication, and performance skills alongside their teammates.
Céilí dancing builds strong technical foundations while teaching dancers the importance of trust, precision, and working together toward a common goal. It is an excellent complement to solo training, helping dancers improve timing, posture, spatial awareness, and confidence on the competition floor.
Throughout the season, teams will train with the goal of competing at the Southern Region Oireachtas, with additional competition opportunities determined by readiness and instructor recommendation.
Our Céilí Team Program gives dancers the opportunity to train for one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of Irish dance—team dancing. This program is specifically designed to prepare dancers for the Southern Region Oireachtas, with a focus on the traditional Four Hand Céilí. Dancers learn to work together through synchronized footwork, formations, timing, and musicality in a competition setting.
Each 90-minute class is designed to maximize instruction and practice time. Two Four Hand teams train during each class, allowing dancers to receive focused coaching while also developing teamwork, communication, and performance skills alongside their teammates.
Céilí dancing builds strong technical foundations while teaching dancers the importance of trust, precision, and working together toward a common goal. It is an excellent complement to solo training, helping dancers improve timing, posture, spatial awareness, and confidence on the competition floor.
Throughout the season, teams will train with the goal of competing at the Southern Region Oireachtas, with additional competition opportunities determined by readiness and instructor recommendation.
Wednesday
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Summerville
U15/O15 Ceili class
Our Céilí Team Program gives dancers the opportunity to train for one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of Irish dance—team dancing. This program is specifically designed to prepare dancers for the Southern Region Oireachtas, with a focus on the traditional Four Hand Céilí. Dancers learn to work together through synchronized footwork, formations, timing, and musicality in a competition setting.
Each 90-minute class is designed to maximize instruction and practice time. Two Four Hand teams train during each class, allowing dancers to receive focused coaching while also developing teamwork, communication, and performance skills alongside their teammates.
Céilí dancing builds strong technical foundations while teaching dancers the importance of trust, precision, and working together toward a common goal. It is an excellent complement to solo training, helping dancers improve timing, posture, spatial awareness, and confidence on the competition floor.
Throughout the season, teams will train with the goal of competing at the Southern Region Oireachtas, with additional competition opportunities determined by readiness and instructor recommendation.
Our Céilí Team Program gives dancers the opportunity to train for one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of Irish dance—team dancing. This program is specifically designed to prepare dancers for the Southern Region Oireachtas, with a focus on the traditional Four Hand Céilí. Dancers learn to work together through synchronized footwork, formations, timing, and musicality in a competition setting.
Each 90-minute class is designed to maximize instruction and practice time. Two Four Hand teams train during each class, allowing dancers to receive focused coaching while also developing teamwork, communication, and performance skills alongside their teammates.
Céilí dancing builds strong technical foundations while teaching dancers the importance of trust, precision, and working together toward a common goal. It is an excellent complement to solo training, helping dancers improve timing, posture, spatial awareness, and confidence on the competition floor.
Throughout the season, teams will train with the goal of competing at the Southern Region Oireachtas, with additional competition opportunities determined by readiness and instructor recommendation.
Wednesday
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Summerville
Advanced Beginner Hard Shoe (Thursday only)
On Thursdays, dancers attend a dedicated Hard Shoe class where they begin learning the foundational techniques of hard shoe dancing, including proper footwork, rhythm, clicks, trebles, and traditional movements. This class reinforces proper posture, turnout, timing, and overall dance technique while developing strength, coordination, balance, ankle and foot articulation, and musicality.
Together, these classes provide a well-rounded training program that prepares dancers for performances, feiseanna, and continued progression into the Intermediate level with a strong technical foundation in both soft shoe and hard shoe.
Prerequisite: Dancers must have successfully completed at least six months in our Beginner program or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Enrollment Requirement: This class must be paired with a Tuesday class (either Advanced Beginner or Intermediate/Grades) and cannot be taken as a standalone class.
On Thursdays, dancers attend a dedicated Hard Shoe class where they begin learning the foundational techniques of hard shoe dancing, including proper footwork, rhythm, clicks, trebles, and traditional movements. This class reinforces proper posture, turnout, timing, and overall dance technique while developing strength, coordination, balance, ankle and foot articulation, and musicality.
Together, these classes provide a well-rounded training program that prepares dancers for performances, feiseanna, and continued progression into the Intermediate level with a strong technical foundation in both soft shoe and hard shoe.
Prerequisite: Dancers must have successfully completed at least six months in our Beginner program or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Enrollment Requirement: This class must be paired with a Tuesday class (either Advanced Beginner or Intermediate/Grades) and cannot be taken as a standalone class.
Thursday
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Summerville
Advanced Beginner (Tuesday & Thursday)
Our twice-weekly Advanced Beginner program is designed for dancers who have been with O'Keefe Academy for at least six months and have developed a strong foundation in soft shoe. This level builds upon those fundamentals while introducing dancers to the exciting world of hard shoe dancing.
During the week, dancers continue to strengthen their soft shoe technique by improving rhythm, timing, flexibility, strength, musicality, and confidence while learning new steps and choreography. On Thursdays, dancers attend a dedicated Hard Shoe class where they begin learning the foundational techniques of hard shoe dancing, including proper footwork, rhythm, clicks, trebles, and traditional movements. This class reinforces proper posture, turnout, timing, and overall dance technique while developing strength, coordination, balance, ankle and foot articulation, and musicality.
Together, these classes provide a well-rounded training program that prepares dancers for performances, feiseanna, and continued progression into the Intermediate level with a strong technical foundation in both soft shoe and hard shoe.
Prerequisite: Dancers should have successfully completed at least six months in our Beginner program or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Our twice-weekly Advanced Beginner program is designed for dancers who have been with O'Keefe Academy for at least six months and have developed a strong foundation in soft shoe. This level builds upon those fundamentals while introducing dancers to the exciting world of hard shoe dancing.
During the week, dancers continue to strengthen their soft shoe technique by improving rhythm, timing, flexibility, strength, musicality, and confidence while learning new steps and choreography. On Thursdays, dancers attend a dedicated Hard Shoe class where they begin learning the foundational techniques of hard shoe dancing, including proper footwork, rhythm, clicks, trebles, and traditional movements. This class reinforces proper posture, turnout, timing, and overall dance technique while developing strength, coordination, balance, ankle and foot articulation, and musicality.
Together, these classes provide a well-rounded training program that prepares dancers for performances, feiseanna, and continued progression into the Intermediate level with a strong technical foundation in both soft shoe and hard shoe.
Prerequisite: Dancers should have successfully completed at least six months in our Beginner program or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Tuesday Thursday
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Summerville
Intermediate/Grades (Tuesday & Thursday)
Our Intermediate / Grades class is designed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of soft shoe and have a solid understanding of basic hard shoe technique. This level focuses on refining technique, increasing strength, stamina, flexibility, and musicality while introducing more challenging choreography and progressively advanced hard shoe skills.
Dancers will continue to build confidence in both solo and team dancing, improve precision and performance quality, and work toward mastering the traditional Grade-level dances. This class is ideal for students who are ready to take the next step in their Irish dance journey, whether their goals include performances, feiseanna, or continued technical development.
Prerequisite: Dancers must demonstrate proficiency in all beginner soft shoe dances and basic hard shoe fundamentals or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Our Intermediate / Grades class is designed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals of soft shoe and have a solid understanding of basic hard shoe technique. This level focuses on refining technique, increasing strength, stamina, flexibility, and musicality while introducing more challenging choreography and progressively advanced hard shoe skills.
Dancers will continue to build confidence in both solo and team dancing, improve precision and performance quality, and work toward mastering the traditional Grade-level dances. This class is ideal for students who are ready to take the next step in their Irish dance journey, whether their goals include performances, feiseanna, or continued technical development.
Prerequisite: Dancers must demonstrate proficiency in all beginner soft shoe dances and basic hard shoe fundamentals or receive instructor approval before enrolling.
Tuesday Thursday
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Summerville
Prelim/Open
Our Preliminary & Open Championship class is designed for competitive dancers who have demonstrated advanced technical ability and are ready to train at the highest levels of Irish dance. This intensive class focuses on refining championship-level technique, precision, stamina, strength, flexibility, artistry, and performance quality in both soft shoe and hard shoe.
Dancers will work on advanced choreography, speed, musicality, expression, and consistency while developing the endurance and mental focus needed for championship competition.
This class is intended for dedicated dancers who are committed to regular practice, goal setting, and continued growth as athletes and performers.
Prerequisite: Placement is by instructor invitation or approval. Dancers must be competing at the Preliminary or Open Championship level, or demonstrate the technical proficiency required for this level.
Our Preliminary & Open Championship class is designed for competitive dancers who have demonstrated advanced technical ability and are ready to train at the highest levels of Irish dance. This intensive class focuses on refining championship-level technique, precision, stamina, strength, flexibility, artistry, and performance quality in both soft shoe and hard shoe.
Dancers will work on advanced choreography, speed, musicality, expression, and consistency while developing the endurance and mental focus needed for championship competition.
This class is intended for dedicated dancers who are committed to regular practice, goal setting, and continued growth as athletes and performers.
Prerequisite: Placement is by instructor invitation or approval. Dancers must be competing at the Preliminary or Open Championship level, or demonstrate the technical proficiency required for this level.
Tuesday Thursday
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Summerville
Drop in Prelim/Open set class
Friday
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Summerville