About Virginia Academy
V.A.I.D. is a certified Irish dance school and proud member of the USA Irish Dance Alliance branch of Chomhdháil na Múinteoirí le Rincí Gaelacha Teoranta (An Chomhdháil for short; pronounced, "An Co-gull"), the largest Irish dance organization in Ireland.
A boutique academy located in Northern Virginia, every class at V.A.I.D. combines a primary focus on music and rhythm, traditional Irish dance technique, and a practical application of fitness expertise, to address the unique strengths, and needs, of each Irish dancer.
About Shani
T.C.R.G., Owner, Lead Instructor
Having over 25 years of Irish Dance experience, I am a certified Irish dance teacher (Teastais de Comhdháil na Rince Gaelacha), or T.C.R.G., under the USA Irish Dance Alliance branch of An Chomhdháil.
Every performance - on stage, in class, practicing at home, or in competition - is an opportunity to grow. I look forward to sharing the joy of music and dance with my students, and everyone I encounter.
Classes
There is an annual registration fee of $30/dancer. Military discounts and sibling tuition discounts are available.
Core Class
Classes are sorted foremost by skill level, and based on a curriculum with checkpoints. Dancers advance based on mastery of these checkpoints. Shani also uses her expertise as a fitness instructor to tailor the warm-ups, exercises, stretches, and dance drills to the needs of both the individual dancers in the class, and the class as a whole. This helps the dancers learn the Irish dance footwork and routines, avoid injury, and improve focus, coordination, stamina, and strength.
Core Class is once a week, with beginner classes costing $80 per month for a 45 minute class. Placement in Intermediate and Advanced classes is done on an individual basis directly through Shani.
Technique Class
Technique class, also sometimes called "Feis prep class" conversationally, is for dancers who want to progress in their abilities more quickly, and for dancers who want to participate in competitions - called Feiseanna. This class focuses on specialized technique exercises and drills to fine-tune material learned in Core Class; the same material that the dancers will use in competition. It is a combination of levels in order to foster a strong community within the school.
Technique Class is an add-on, and Core Class is a prerequisite. It takes place once a week on Monday afternoons, from 4:00-5:30pm. $50 per month.
Call or text Shani directly to enroll and be placed in a class: (540) 407 - 0542
Performances
Enrolled dancers may be eligible to compete in what is called a feis (pronounced "fesh"). Competition is highly recommended as a way to enhance your skills and grow both as a dancer and as an individual. VAID Competitors prize personal integrity and enjoyment of the process. Feiseanna provide an opportunity to build friendships and memories, as well as opportunities to travel regionally, or even internationally.
All registered VAID dancers get to participate in annual performance events within the school, but proficient dancers may also have opportunities to participate in public performances such as weddings, private parties, festivals, etc. "Doing shows", as we at VAID colloquially call performing, is a team-building experience, and can build life-long friendships, boost confidence, and enhance people skills.
The Grade Exams are 10 checkpoints or "Grades" in which all An Chomhdháil dancers are strongly encouraged to participate, as a way of having a well-rounded knowledge of Irish dance and culture aside from competition and performances. Additionally, the certificates of achievement provide souvenirs for dancers who may not be interested in competing, but would still like a tangible representation of their many years of accomplishments in class.
Join today!
Contact Shani directly at (540) 407-0542.