The Academy of Performance Irish Dance
The perfect place to learn performance Irish Dance in Edinburgh!
Siamsoir do not just teach steps, we create opportunities and equip you with the tools needed to take on everyday life in a positive and productive way.
Experienced dancers from the troupe alongside the Director will host each weekly dance session, instructing you in technical and performance elements of Performance Irish Dance.
Dance Sessions
At the Academy there is always more than one session leader in each session so if you need a little extra help then you will get the attention you need without paying for one to one tuition.
Each session consists of:
10 minute warm up
30 minute technical elements (soft shoe)
10 minute reflective session
30 minute technical elements (hard shoe)
30 minute performance session
10 minute cool down
[60 minute Siamsoir Performance Troupe session]
Sessions are from October to December and then January to June every year.
The Academy is open to anyone over the age of 15, complete beginners or those who have had a lot of experience in dance or Irish Dance.
Reflection Session
In addition to the expected instruction format, our Academy offers a unique ‘reflection session’. This is an opportunity to get to know the other dancers and learn more about you as a person, dancer and performer.
You will also gain positive thinking techniques and nutrition & exercise knowledge which will help you every day. The aim is to improve how you see yourself - because your opinion of who you are is the most important one.
Performances
Throughout the year there will be the chance for those who want to, to perform the material that you have been learning in the Performance Sessions, in particular, at the annual 'Celtic Celebration' music and dance evening each St Patrick's Day.
The end of year annual show will be a chance for you to showcase your new skills to your friends, family and colleagues and take part in the after show cast celebration that follows the final performance.
Sign Up
If you are interested in attending the Academy or want to find out more then please email info@siamsoir.co.uk. You will receive information on the Academy and notification of when sessions will start in October along with information of the taster session.
Timetable
Timetable details will be published here before the end of September 2010.
From October 2010 - June 2011 there will be Level One (complete beginners) and Level Two (some or more experience) sessions.
In October 2011 there will be Level Three for those who have graduated from Level Two. The Siamsoir Performance Troupe will rehearse after the Level Two session in 2010 and in 2011 they will rehearse after the Level Three session.
Performance Troupe
Whilst at the Academy it is possible to apply for a position on the Siamsoir Performance Troupe. At Siamsoir, the team spirit is the most important element of our strength as a Performance Troupe. We work hard but we work together. There are no lead dancers and diva's are certainly not allowed! It is not always the 'best' dancer who is the best performer. A great performer is of more value to the Siamsoir team than a technically superior dancer.
The Siamsoir experience is a unique one and cherished by those who manage to attain a place on the troupe.
The auditions are in November each year and every member of the troupe is expected to audition to gain a place.
There will be opportunities for every member of the Academy to perform throughout the year but it is the Siamsoir Troupe who would travel, perform at ‘gigs’ and deliver the theatrical shows. However there are always opportunities especially for those who demonstrate an exceptional commitment and an eagerness to be on board with Siamsoir and everything it aims to achieve.
Performance Troupe
Siamsoir Performance Dancers are renowned for their lyrical, captivating, fun and energetic performances. Siamsoir continue to impress and delight audiences with a mix of traditional and innovative performances.
To find out when you can meet us and see a performance please look at our event listing or contact us.
If you would like to book us to perform at your event then please contact us.
In order to gain a position on the troupe, all dancers must be a member of the Academy of Performance Irish Dance and must audition for a new place each October.
Visit our Shows page for more Siamsoir videos!
The 2009 / 2010 troupe consists of:
Jennifer Hogan
In addition to her role as Company Director she works with ‘With People Community Interest Company’ a web, design and marketing company based in Leith, Edinburgh. She teaches an improvers Irish Dance Performance class at the University of Edinburgh Modern Dance Society and is currently half way through a two year Masters in Arts and Cultural Management at Queen Margaret University.
Jennifer continues to teach, direct, produce, write and choreograph for Siamsoir; creating Battle for Eire 2007, Celtic Caledonia 2009 and Celtic Dream 2011.
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Tara Beck Fundraising Manager Tara has been Irish Dancing since the age of 4. This included both traditional and performance styles of Irish. For Tara it's all about the performance. She love's how Siamsoir takes Irish dance making it so exciting and contemporary. The dancers entertain the audience by having fun themselves, and at the same time delivering a professional performance. Tara joined the company in 2008 and sits on the Management Team for the company. She also enjoys dancing Hip-hop and other dance styles such as salsa and tango. Tara is studying Linguistics at Edinburgh University.
Rebecca Carradice Administration Manager Rebecca joined the Ward School of Irish Dance when she was 7 years old and competed regularly, taking part in the 2002 World Championships. Rebecca always preferred the performance element in shows. When she stopped classes at the age of 16, she began to teach younger dancers. Rebecca joined Siamsoir in 2008, and is thrilled to be performing again. Rebecca is a member of the Siamsoir Management Team. Rebecca is currently studying at Edinburgh University reading French and English Language. |
Michelle Flaherty Galway, Ireland Michelle joined Siamsoir in 2010. Michelle is now based in Edinburgh after completing a Teacher training course. Michelle has extensive performance experience with a performance troupe from Galway.
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Sarah McGuire Livingston, Scotland Sarah has been a competitive dancer for many years and has just discovered the fun and challenges of Performance Irish Dance. Sarah is currently studying at the University of Edinburgh and successfully gained a position on the Siamsoir Performance Troupe at 2009 October auditions.
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Rachel Smith Rachel took up Irish dancing at a young age and since 1997 and performed around the U.S.A. After touring with the band Fynesound for two years, Rachel moved to Scotland to study Medieval History and International Relations at the University of St Andrews, which is where she first heard about Siamsoir. Rachel knew she wanted to be a part of the troupe when she was introduced to the hard-working and creative members of Siamsoir. It would give her the chance to perform at a high standard even after leaving the competition scene, and enjoy every moment. Rachel joined Siamsoir in 2008.
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Aimee Smith Aimee started learning Irish soft shoe at a small dance school in Orkney when she was 9 years old. At the age of 11 she began hard shoe, and spent the next seven years performing. Aimee has been in the Siamsoir Performance Troupe since 2009. Aimee is at the University of Edinburgh, studying Biology.
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Laura Walters, BSc, MLitt, PhD Laura has been dancing since she was 4 years old, studying classical ballet to a high standard. At the age of 15 she began Irish dance, and in 2006, she competed in the Senior Ladies' Championship in the Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne (World Championships) in Belfast. Laura joined Siamsoir in 2005, and in addition to designing the sets for the 'Battle of Eire' has also assisted in choreographing some pieces for the company. She danced the faery role in Battle for Eire and the a lead (Sinead) in Celtic Caledonia. Laura has completed her PhD in Art History.
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Georgia Waters Orkney Georgia joined Siamsoir in 2009 and has really enjoyed the new experience of Performance Irish Dance. Georgia currently studies at the University of Edinburgh. |
Siamsoir Management Team
| Financial Director | Malcolm Roxburgh | Malcolm is a graduate of the University of St Andrews with a joint degree in Maths and Chemistry, and a Masters in Finance from Strathclyde University. He currently works at the Royal Bank of Scotland. |
| Web Manager | Ariel Faulkner | Ariel is one of the original Siamsoir dancers, joining the troupe in 2005. She continues as an active member of the company, managing the company website and marketing/PR from her residence in Boston, Massachusetts. |
| Costume Designer | Anna Pohle | A member of the original Siamsoir troupe, Anna now lives in London. She has designed every costume ever worn by Siamsoir and continues to support the company with her skills. |