Do you have to be Irish to take Irish dance?

Not at all! Irish dance is for everyone. Our dancers come from many different backgrounds and are brought together by a love of movement, music, teamwork, and a good challenge.

What is the minimum age to start?

Our Pre-Bronze program welcomes first-time dancers ages three and four. Beginners age five and older generally begin in Bronze. We will help you find the right program based on your dancer’s age and experience.

Does my child need dance experience?

No experience is necessary. Our beginner programs are designed to build strong foundations from the very first class, including rhythm, posture, coordination, listening skills, and basic Irish dance technique.

How are dancers placed in a program?

Placement is based on age, previous experience, competitive level, and training goals. If your dancer is new to Costello, tell us a little about them and we will recommend the best place to begin.

What programs do you offer?

Our programs provide a clear path from a dancer’s first steps through Championship-level training:

• Pre-Bronze: First-time dancers ages three and four

• Bronze: Beginners age five and older

• Silver: Advanced Beginner and Novice dancers

• Gold: Prizewinner and Preliminary Championship dancers

• Diamond: Championship-level dancers

• Adult Irish Dance: Offered based on session availability and interest

Can my dancer try a class before registering?

Yes! A new dancer’s first class is always free. It is a great opportunity to meet the team, experience a class, and see whether Costello Irish Dance is the right fit.

How much do classes cost?

Tuition varies depending on the dancer’s program, schedule, and whether you choose a session or full-year registration. Current schedules and prices are listed on our Programs page.

What should my dancer wear to class?

For a first class, dancers should wear comfortable, fitted athletic clothing that allows instructors to see their posture and movement. Long hair should be tied back, and dancers should bring a water bottle.

​

Once registered, families will receive information about Costello’s class attire and uniform expectations.

Does my dancer need Irish dance shoes?

New dancers do not need to purchase Irish dance shoes before their first class. Our instructors will let you know which shoes are required and when it is time to purchase them.

​

We recommend speaking with us before buying shoes so that you select the correct type, size, and fit.

Can boys take Irish dance?

Absolutely! Irish dance is for dancers of every gender. Boys benefit from the same athletic training, performance opportunities, friendships, and competitive experiences as every other member of the team.

Does my dancer have to compete?

Costello Irish Dance specializes in competitive Irish dance, and competition is an important part of our training philosophy. It gives dancers goals to work toward while teaching preparation, confidence, resilience, and sportsmanship.

​

New dancers are introduced to competition gradually. We will help your family understand what to expect and determine the right next step for your dancer.

What benefits will my child gain from Irish dance?

Irish dance develops much more than steps. Dancers build:

• strength, stamina, balance, and coordination;

• musicality, rhythm, and performance skills;

• discipline and strong practice habits;

• confidence and independence;

• resilience and the ability to learn from feedback; and

• teamwork, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

The result may be one performance or competition, but the training shapes the dancer far beyond the stage.

When does the dance season begin?

Our main training year begins in September, with different session and full-year registration options available. Program availability may vary throughout the year, so we encourage new families to contact us or view the Programs page for current openings.

Are Irish dance and Riverdance the same thing?

Riverdance is a professional stage production featuring Irish dance, music, and theatrical performance. Irish dance itself is a much broader traditional and competitive dance form practised in schools and competitions around the world.

A dancer who studies Irish dance is called an Irish dancer—not necessarily a Riverdancer!

Why do Irish dancers keep their arms at their sides?

The controlled upper body and straight arm position are distinctive features of modern Irish dance technique. Although there are many popular stories about how the style began, there is no single, definitively documented explanation.

​

Today, the position helps create the precise, disciplined appearance associated with Irish dance while highlighting the speed and complexity of the footwork.

Is Irish dance a sport?

Irish dance is both an art form and a highly athletic activity. Dancers train strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, balance, timing, and mental focus.

​

Competitive dancers practise and prepare much like other athletes—while also developing musicality, expression, and stage presence.