About Virginia Academy
V.A.I.D. is currently the only Irish dance school in Northern Virginia certified through Dublin-based Chomhdháil na Múinteoirí le Rincí Gaelacha Teoranta (An Chomhdháil for short; pronounced, "An Co-gull"), the largest Irish dance organization in Ireland.
Every dancer has unique strengths and unique needs. Therefore, every class combines a primary focus on music and rhythm, traditional Irish dance technique, and a practical application of fitness expertise, to help each Irish dancer excel.
GREETINGS FROM
Virginia
T H E O L D D O M I N I O N S T A T E
1788
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 Alliance branch of An Chomhdháil.
Every performance - on stage, in class, practicing at home, or in competition - is an opportunity to share beauty, art, and creativity. I look forward to sharing the joy of music and Irish dance with my students, and everyone I encounter.
Core Class: $80 monthly | Once a week | 45 minutes
Classes are sorted foremost by skill level, and based on a curriculum with definitive 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 45 minutes long, and $80/month/dancer. There is an annual registration fee of $30/dancer, with a family registration fee max of $90. For more details, you can view the policy.
There are three main facets of Irish Dance: Grade Exams, Performances, and Competitions (called Feiseanna). Core Class at VAID prepares your dancer for all three of these facets, and you can read more about each facet below.
Call or text Shani directly to enroll and be placed in a class: (540) 407 - 0542
Performances
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.
All registered VAID dancers get to participate in annual performance events within the school, but proficient dancers may also have the opportunity to perform 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. If you or your registered dancer are interested in performing, please speak to Shani directly.
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. Competing in Irish dance - like performing - provides an opportunity to build friendships and memories, as well as opportunities to travel regionally, or even internationally. Please speak to Shani directly about your interest in competition.
Grade Exams
What do Irish Dancers do?
Feiseanna
Join today.
Enrollment is open now.
Contact Shani directly at (540) 407-0542.
