Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about joining Avoca Connolly Irish Dance in Lakewood or Longmont, Colorado.

We welcome dancers ages 4+. Our youngest students start with rhythm, movement, and just plain fun — building the fundamentals through games and simple steps. As they get older, the technical side kicks in, and any dancer who wants to compete can start working toward that too.
Yes — your dancer's first class is completely free. It's a low-pressure way for them to meet the instructors, get a feel for the studio, and see if Irish dance is the right fit, with zero commitment.
Irish dance blends the light, graceful footwork of soft-shoe styles like the reel and jig with the sharp, percussive rhythm of hard-shoe hornpipes and treble jigs. And unlike a general dance studio that splits time across ballet, tap, and jazz, we focus on one discipline — so every class goes deeper into the posture, rhythm, and stamina that make Irish dance so distinct.
Just bring a water bottle and wear something comfortable to move in — shorts, leggings, or a t-shirt all work great. You don't need any special gear to get started.
Not right away. Every beginner trains in soft shoes — lightweight, flexible leather shoes a bit like a ballet flat — but there's no need to buy anything before your first class or two. When you're ready, we'll walk you through exactly what to get and where to find it.
Not at all — that's entirely up to you and your dancer. Some students dance purely for the fun, the fitness, and the cultural connection, while others work toward competing at a feis. Both paths are equally welcome here, and no one is ever pushed toward competition before they're ready.
A feis (pronounced "fesh") is an Irish dance competition where dancers perform solo and are judged on their timing, technique, and overall performance. They happen throughout the year at local, regional, and championship levels, and while that can sound intimidating, they're really more like a big, festive gathering of the Irish dance community. If your dancer decides to compete, we'll help them get feis-ready every step of the way.
We teach out of two Colorado studios — one in Lakewood and one in Longmont — so most Front Range families can find a class nearby. Both locations train dancers from their very first steps all the way up to the World Championship level. Check our schedule to see what's running closest to you.
Not at all — we teach dancers from their very first steps. Whether you've danced ballet or tap before, or you've never set foot in a dance studio in your life, our beginner classes are built to take you from zero and grow your foundation from there.
Yes! Beyond competition, our dancers get plenty of chances to perform for the community — local events, cultural festivals, and, of course, a busy stretch of shows every St. Patrick's Day season. It's one of the most fun parts of being part of the studio.

Still have questions?

If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, reach out to your nearest studio — or book your free trial class today.