The Academy of Performance Irish Dance
Now with even more classes - from toddlers to complete beginner adults. See our new timetable now...
The perfect place to learn Irish Dance in Edinburgh!
Start your Siamsoir Performance Irish Dance journey now...
The Academy of Performance Irish Dance focusses on the fun of dance - not the competitive side traditionally found in Irish Dancing.
The Academy teaches theatre and performance techniques alongside technical Irish dance elements in both hard and soft shoe disciplines. Through our unique approach to teaching dance, the Academy enables students at weekly workshops to learn about themselves, team work, positivity, health & fitness and ambition; all whilst having fun learning to Irish dance!
Siamsoir does 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. The Academy allows you to learn Performance Irish Dance and have a place to showcase your new skills at various theatrical performances throughout the year.
Being in the Academy is to go on a journey which starts at a beginner class and as you improve your dance and performance skills andmove through the different levels of the Academ, thegoal is to one day apply for a coveted place on the Performance Troupe. However everyone has their own journey and their own goals and we recognise that here.
To start your journey sign up now using the Academy Sign Up Form available on the right hand side of this page.
Academic Session 2011 - 2012
Semester One: 28th September to 15th December 2011
Semester Two: 11th January to 31st March 2012
Easter: 1st to 15th April 2012
Semester Three: 16th April to 27th May 2012
Semester break: 28th May to 3rd June 2012
Semester Four 4th June to to 8th July 2012
Semester break: 9th July to 22nd July 2012
Summer School Semester: 23rd July to 2nd September 2012
What's involved in a class?
The company director with support from Academy Apprentices host each session, instructing you in the technical and performance elements of Performance Irish Dance.
To get started at the Academy simply fill in and return the downloadable form in the column to right and come along to any session or you can email us at info@siamsoir.co.uk
We can't wait to meet you!
When can I learn performance Irish dance?
Level One - Beginner
For complete beginners or those who have done a small amount of Irish dance. If you are unsure then come to the beginners class and we can take it from there.
Sundays 12.00 - 12.45: Little Dancers (3-5 years old)
With a focuss on learning through fun, this Irish inspired class will teach the very basics of Irish Dance whilst allowing your children to interact in a new environment with new friends.
STARTS: Sunday 12th February
The Trinity Studio, Leith Education Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6AQ
Sundays 12.45pm - 1.30pm: Primary School ages
STARTS: Sunday 12th February
The Trinity Studio, Leith Education Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6AQ
Wednesdays 5.00pm - 6.00pm: 17 and up
Edinburgh University Chaplaincy, Potterrow, Bristo Square. Find out more here...
Thursdays 6.00pm - 7.00pm: NEW CLASS: Complete beginner Ten Week Course (12 and up - way up! Perfect for anyone at any age who wants to learn)
Learn the basics of Irish Dance, improve your flexibility, core strength and learn a dance. Once you have taken this course you can either move on to the Improvers level or do a further beginner course.
STARTS: 26th January
The Trinity Studio, Leith Education Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6AQ
Mondays 7.00pm - 7.45pm: P4-P7
Newton Port Hall, Haddington, EH41 3LXFind out more here...
Mondays 7.45pm - 8.30pm:12 years and up
Newton Port Hall, Haddington, EH41 3LX Find out more here...
Level Two - Improvers
For those who are reasonably accomplished soft shoe Irish Dancers and complete beginner hard shoe dancers.
Thursdays 7.00pm - 8.00pm 12 years and up
The Trinity Studio, Leith Education Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6AQ
Level Three - Intermediate 1
Thursdays 8.00pm - 9.00pm. 12 years and up
For those who are accomplished soft shoe Irish Dancers and hard shoe dancers. You will also have good core strength and flexibility.
The Trinity Studio, Leith Education Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6AQ
Intermediate 2
Classes start in September 2012. 12 years and up
Theatre Cast
Audtions will be in May. 12 years and up
Annual auditions for cast places are advertised through the dancers newsletters. Auditions are open to all members of the Academy - dedication and performance ability are valued above technical ability for some roles so everyone who is interested is encouraged to audition.
Level Four - Advanced
For those who are exceptionally accomplished in technical elements of both soft and hard shoe Irish Dance and have experience in performaning. You must have danced at least one year in the Academy before moving on to this level.
Wednesdays 7.30pm - 8.30pm. 12 years and up
The Trinity Studio, Leith Education Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6AQ
Level Five - Performance Troupe - elite dancers
Entry by annual auditions only. Auditions are open to members of the Academy who demonstrate a theatrical flair combined with a high technical leve of Irish Dancel. Dancers must have danced at least one year with the Academy and adhere to the perfomance troupe dancers contract before auditioning for a highly sought after place. There are only 8 spaces available on the troupe. This is the pinnacle of your dancing career at the Academy.
Wednesdays 8.30pm - 9.30pm 18 years and up
The Trinity Studio, Leith Education Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6AQ
Dance Sessions
At the Academy there is always more than one session leader 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:
A warm up - focussing on core strength or flexibility on alternate weeks
Technical sections on Irish Dance technique
Performance sessions where choreography will be taught
Cool down - using stretching techniques inspired by ballet and yoga movements we calm the body down and relax.
Performances
Throughout the year there will be chances to perform the material learned during the performance session at the annual 'Celtic Celebrations' live music and dance event each St Patrick's Day and at the end of year annual 'Siamsoir Showcase'. The Showcase is at the end of May and is an opportunity for students to showcase their new skills to your friends, family and colleagues. There is prizegiving and an after show ceilidh for everyone attending the event.it is also an opportunity to see the Elite Performance Troupe and cast of The Prophecy perform.
Prices
Every class at the Academy is £4 per session and is paid by monthly direct debit at the start of each month. (Red Flame Dance in Haddington and EUMDS at Potterrow classes are different please contact the specific school for pricing information)
Academy Annual Fee of £20 should be paid when you attend your second class.
All dancers must pay the annual membership fee. This fee can be paid in semester installments of £8.
Siamsoir Performance Troupe
Whilst at the Academy it is possible to apply for a position on the Siamsoir Performance Troupe. Auditions are in October each year.
At Siamsoir, the team spirit is the most important element of our strength as a Troupe.
Our ethos as a team is built upon four morals:
- Effort: We work hard but we work together.
- Equality: 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. - Excellence: We aim to be the best at what we do, giving polished, appropriate and outstanding performances every time we perform.
- Entertainment: It's in our name, it's what we do! Simply Siamsoir; Simply Entertainment.
The Siamsoir experience is a unique one and cherished by those who manage to attain a place on the troupe. It is an honour to be a part of this troupe.
Learn more about the Siamsoir Performance Troupe
Cast of theatrical productions
There are always opportunities to do more in Siamsoir; you get out of it exactly what you put in.
There is the opportunity for Academy dancers to perform along side the troupe in the annual theatrical production. This opportunity is for those who can demonstrate committment and dedication to the Academy and be available during summer in preparation for national or international tours.