Developing strong technique, confidence, and the next steps in your Irish dancing journey

Monday Level 1 is designed for dancers who have successfully progressed from our Beginners programme and are ready to further develop their Irish dancing skills in a structured and supportive environment.

This is a Light Work class, focusing on refining technique, improving rhythm, coordination, musicality, presentation, and confidence while preparing students for the next stage of their Irish dancing journey.

With regular attendance, dancers continue to strengthen their technique while developing resilience, discipline, fitness, teamwork, and a lifelong love of Irish dance.

Who Is This Class For?

This class is suitable for dancers who have been advised to progress from Beginners by Miss Judith.

Please refer to your WhatsApp message if you currently attend JK Irish Dance, or contact Miss Judith if you are unsure which class is most appropriate for your child.

What Level 1 Irish Dancing Develops

Students continue to develop:

-Strong technical foundations
-Rhythm and timing
-Coordination and balance
-Posture and presentation
-Musicality
-Confidence and independence
-Fitness and stamina
-Listening and concentration
-Teamwork and friendships

What's Included

-Weekly Level 1 Irish dancing classes led by qualified, experienced teachers
-Progressive technical training in a supportive environment
-A reward system to encourage effort, progress, and achievement
-Opportunities to perform at class festivals and school events
-Festival and performance opportunities throughout the year
-Competitive pathways for students who wish to progress further
-Holiday camps, discos, and social events
-A welcoming dance family where every child is known by name
Progression

As dancers continue to develop, they have the opportunity to progress through our recreational, festival, competitive, performance, and championship pathways.

Every student is encouraged to work towards their own goals, whether dancing for enjoyment, fitness, friendship, festivals, performances, or competitive success.

New to JK Irish Dance?

We are always delighted to welcome new dancers to our school.
If your child is new to JK Irish Dance, please contact Miss Judith before booking:
📧 judithkeyesdance@gmail.com

She will be happy to recommend the most appropriate class based on your child's age, experience, and ability.

General Registration Opens Monday 29th June for Non-Members.
Class Placement

Monday Level 1 is a progression class for dancers who have successfully completed our Beginners programme or who have been assessed as working at this level.

If your child currently attends JK Irish Dance, please refer to your WhatsApp message confirming the appropriate class for the 2026/2027 dance season.

If you are new to JK Irish Dance, Miss Judith will be happy to assess your child's previous experience and advise on the most suitable class before registration.

Placement in this class is always at the discretion of the teaching team to ensure every dancer is training safely, confidently, and at the most appropriate level.

Class Independence Requirements

This is a fully independent "drop and go" class.

Children must be:

-Comfortable attending without a parent or guardian
-Fully toilet trained and able to use the toilet independently in line with our child protection policies
-To maintain a calm, consistent, and supportive learning environment, parents and guardians are not permitted to remain in the studio during class.
-Allowing one parent to remain can cause confusion or upset for other children. To ensure every child feels secure and settled, all students attend independently.
-At JK Irish Dance, we care for every child as if they were our own. Their wellbeing, safety, and development remain at the heart of everything we do.

Uniform

The regulation uniform is required for all classes.

Uniform includes:

-JK Irish Dance T-shirt
-Black canvas Irish dancing pumps

Uniforms are available to purchase through our online shop:
👉 https://judith-keyes-school-of-dance.sumupstore.com/category/irish-dancing

Please don't hesitate to ask for advice regarding sizing—we're always happy to help.

Fees & Registration

The 2026/2027 registration fee includes a £15 annual registration fee.
If your child is enrolled in both Irish Dancing and Ballet, please note that these operate as separate schools and a separate annual registration fee is payable for each discipline.

If your child is registered in more than one Light Work class, any additional registration fee paid in error will be refunded.

Registration payments are processed during office hours. As all administration is personally managed by Miss Judith, processing will be completed as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding
.
Booking & Policies

-Please ensure you book the correct class and session time.
-All bookings are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable, regardless of reason, including illness, absence, or change of mind.
-All bookings are subject to our full Terms & Conditions.

About JK Irish Dance

Founded in 2015 by Miss Judith Keyes, JK Irish Dance offers high-quality Irish dance tuition within a welcoming, family-focused environment where every child is encouraged to achieve their full potential.

Miss Judith is a Champion Irish Dancer, Champion Teacher, and qualified Irish Dancing Adjudicator, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to every class.

With many years of teaching and competitive experience, she is committed to helping every dancer develop strong technique, confidence, performance skills, and a lifelong love of Irish dance.

Our Festival-Style Philosophy

At JK Irish Dance, we proudly teach festival-style Irish dancing.
We believe children should be recognised for their dancing ability, performance quality, confidence, and character- not their appearance.

Our focus is always on:

-Excellent technique
-Musicality
-Performance quality
-Confidence
-Enjoyment
-Sportsmanship
-Respect for others
-Rather than makeup, fake tan, or elaborate costumes.

Our aim is to create a positive, inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and proud of their achievements.

Recognition & Achievements

-Finalists at the 2024 NI Dance Awards for Highest Performing School for Irish Dance
-Students regularly qualify for major Northern Ireland competitions
-Students perform at festivals, community events, and public performances

Performance Opportunities

-Throughout the year, students have opportunities to perform at class festivals, showcases, community events, and seasonal productions, helping them develop confidence while creating lasting memories with their dance friends.

-Our most recent Class Festival took place in June 2026, celebrating the hard work, progress, and achievements of every dancer in a fun and supportive environment.

Student Opportunities

Students enjoy a wide range of experiences including:
-Recreational classes
-Competitive training
-Public performances
-Community events
-Holiday camps
-Discos and social events

Parent Testimonial

"Over the past five years, Judith has diligently coached my daughter in both Irish Dancing and Ballet, helping her progress to Grade 4 Ballet and into the Irish Dancing Prize Winners category. Always supported and encouraged by Judith and Caroline, she has gained immeasurable confidence. Most importantly, she absolutely loves going to class and being part of the JK School. Judith and Caroline go above and beyond to meet each child's individual needs and support them in following their ambitions and dreams. We look forward to seeing what this year of dancing brings!"
-Deirdre, Parent

Why Choose JK Irish Dance?

Founded in 2015, JK Irish Dance combines exceptional teaching standards with a warm, family-focused environment, providing children with a clear pathway from complete beginner through to championship level.
Families choose JK Irish Dance because we believe every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and inspired. Our classes focus on developing excellent technique, confidence, resilience, musicality, and performance skills while ensuring every dancer enjoys their journey.

Led by Champion Teacher, Champion Dancer, and qualified Irish Dancing Adjudicator Miss Judith Keyes, our school provides expert tuition in a positive and encouraging environment where every child is known by name.

Whether your child wishes to dance for fun, fitness, friendship, festivals, performances, or championships, they will be encouraged to achieve their personal best while making lifelong friendships and wonderful memories along the way.

At JK Irish Dance, every child is known by name. You're never just a number-you're part of the JK Dance family.

We look forward to welcoming your family and supporting your child's continued Irish dancing journey.