Irish folk dance classes in Gaithersburg, Maryland are taught by the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers, an Irish dancing club dedicated to having fun, learning Irish dances, and preserving the cultural tradition of the Irish ceili and set dancing. A great recreational activity, Irish dancing provides aerobic exercise and an enjoyable social activity.



 

 

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Information for RKIDS |












 

Our Mission

Class Information

Contact Us

Events

Try one class for free

Links

Information for RKIDS

Photo Gallery














 

Our Mission

Class Information

Contact Us

Events

Try one class for free

Links

Information for RKIDS

Photo Gallery














 

Our Mission

Class Information

Contact Us

Events

Try one class for free

Links

Information for RKIDS

Photo Gallery

 

The Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers teach Irish social, or folk, dances.
Irish social dancing involves two, four, or more couples dancing together in a programmed set of movements characterizing a particular dance. These social dances are referred to as Ceili dances for the standardized dances developed for all of Ireland, and as set dances for more traditional dances from specific counties and villages within Ireland. All types of common shoes are worn for these dances depending on the individual dancer’s preference.

The Ring of Kerry classes are held on Tuesday nights at a school in Gaithersburg. Many of the experienced dancers come to the beginner class to help with the instruction, and there is always an atmosphere of fun and friendship. For all the dances a partner is needed, but you don't need a partner to come to class. Both
set and ceili ("kay-lee") dances are taught.

In addition to the dance lessons, many parties are held throughout the year. The group performs at parades and area festivals throughout the Washington area. Any members that are interested are encouraged to participate, but participation is not required.

We do not teach Irish step dancing, which involves sprightly movements by individuals or choreographed groups of dancers in special soft or hard shoes. The focus of most step dance classes is preparation for performances and possibly for Irish dance competitions. The River Dance production drew international attention to Irish step dancing. For those interested in Irish step dancing in Montgomery county, we recommend you visit the web sites for the Culkin School of Irish Dance at www.culkinschool.com and the Duffy School of Irish Dance at www.duffyirishdance.com, McGrath Academy of Irish Dance at www.mcgrathirishdance.com, and the Hurley School of Irish Dance at www.hurleyirishdancres.com.

 

 

          To have fun.
          To learn Irish dances.
          To preserve the cultural tradition of Irish ceili and set dancing.

 

 

Ø Tuesdays in September – May (in two semesters)

Spring 2010 semester starts January 5.  

Ridgeview Middle School, 16600 Raven Rock Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Class is in the cafeteria.

 

Directions:

By car: From I-270, take Quince Orchard Road west for approx. 2.5 miles, turn right on Raven Rock Drive (see map) and proceed into Ridgeview parking lot.

By public transport: Take RideOn Bus Route No. 56 from Rockville MetroStation or Lakeforest Mall to bus stop near corner of Quince Orchard Road and Great Seneca Highway. Ridgeview Middle School is less than five minutes walk down Raven Rock Drive ( see map).

 

Both adults and children (aged 8 and up), are welcome. Children between the ages of 8 through 14 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
The Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers is open to all. Skill levels among our members range from total beginners to experienced.

Note: Children who are not members of the RING OF KERRY IRISH DANCERS may not come to class.

$40 per person per Fall semester (September – December).

$40 per person per Winter/Spring semester (January – June).

(After the first two family members, dues are $15.00 per person/per semester).

Try a class for free!! - print out the voucher and bring it along to try your first class free .

 

 

Ø A sense of humor
Ø Children age 8 to 14 need supervising parent
Ø Comfortable shoes
Ø Two feet (preferably one right and one left, but don't let having two left feet stop you)

 

 

 

Ø A partner
Ø Irish ancestry
Ø Previous dance experience

 

 

Contact:
J. O'Connor (301-977-0983) joaneejet@hotmail.com




We have a number of special events throughout the year including parties , parades and performances .  

There are also scheduled dances with live music (sponsored by other Irish dance organizations ) most weekends in the Washington/Baltimore area.



Upcoming Events:

What When Where Contact
Workshops and Ceilis GWCC Ceilis Fourth Sunday, 4-9pm Cherry Hill Park in College Park, MD 301-294-3568
Frost Center Mini-Ceili Third Thursday, 8-10pm Frost Center in Rockville, MD
CCE Ceilis Second Saturday, 7.00-11pm Grange in Great Falls, 9819 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 703-978-8265
J.Patrick's Pub Ceilis Second Sunday, 4.30-8.30pm J. Patrick's Pub in Baltimore, MD 410-244-8613
Emerald Isle Club Ceilis First Saturday, 7.00-11.00pm American Legion Post #183
2301 Putty Hill Ave, Parkville, MD
410-747-6868



Listen to some Irish Music

News from Ireland

Talbot Dance Store

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CeltiCottage




Irish Dancing & Music in Washington / Baltimore Area

Greater Washington Ceili Club

CCE

Set Dance Teacher

SetDance.Com

Ceili and Set dancing in the VA, MD, and DC

 

Set Dancing News




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