Walker School of Irish Dance

WALKER SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE 2015 INFORMATION BOOKLET

Adrian Walker TCRG/ADCRG 0422 529 008 [email protected] www.walkeririshdance.com

Walker School on Facebook (request to join the group for updated information) http://www.facebook.com/walkerschoolofirishdance#!/groups/190644329061

Thank you for inquiring about Irish dance lessons with the ‘Walker School of Irish Dance’. We hope that we can share the joy, excitement and passion of this unique dance form with you.

Adrian Walker TCRG/ADCRG - Qualified Irish Dance Teacher/Adjudicator Bachelor of Education/ Bachelor of Creative Industries TINY TOES - 2 ½ years – 4 years IRISH INTRO – 4 years + beginners JUST JIG – Adult Irish Dance Fitness

SOLOS – BEGINNERS THROUGH TO CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES – COMPETITIONS AND GRADE EXAMS

TEAM CLASSES – CEILIS & CHOREOGRAPHIES

The school was founded in 2001 by Carmel Walker TCRG, and has achieved great success, with many focused, talented and content pupils. Adrian Walker is now the principal teacher alongside Ann Truman and Peg Walker. The ‘Walker’ teachers strive to create a class environment which is highly productive and constructive, and together with their lively enthusiasm for the dance form, classes are an enjoyable and social experience, with a strong emphasis on a "friendly team spirit".

Adrian, the principal teacher, has had over twenty years experience with Irish Dance (including professional experience in Michael Flatley’s ‘Lord of the Dance’), and ensures that the technical aspects of the dance form are explicitly taught through imaginative choreography, which includes a combination of traditional and contemporary steps.

The school focuses on both solo and team dancing. Solo dancers are given the opportunity to develop their skills at different levels, in both hard shoe and soft shoe. During solo classes students learn the technique of Irish dancing, in particular regard to footwork, deportment, rhythm, and the development of dance strength and stamina. Students are encouraged to maximise their dancing potential, and therefore develop a strong sense of confidence, determination, focus, commitment, whilst experiencing the joy of Irish Dance. Students have the opportunity to compete in local competitions and State, National and International Championships.

Teams are an integral part of Irish dancing, and all experienced dancers are given the opportunity to learn this aspect of the dance form. Students will learn traditional ‘ceili’ dances, as well as contemporary choreographies, and performance skills. TEACHERS

Principal Teacher: Adrian Walker ADCRG (B Education/B Creative Industries) (Registered teacher and adjudicator with the Irish and Australian Irish Dancing Commission)

Adrian has been dancing for over 20 years, and has achieved remarkable success as a competitive and professional Irish dancer. Adrian brings a wealth of knowledge on Irish dance technique and performance from invaluable training with professional choreographers, teachers and trainers overseas, to the students of the Walker School.

During Adrian’s competitive dancing years he was the State and National Irish Dancing Champion on several occasions. On the professional stage, Adrian has toured internationally with Michael Flatley’s ‘Lord of the Dance’, and was then selected to create, rehearse and perform in Michael Flatley’s new production ‘Celtic Tiger’. Adrian retired from his professional dance career after performing in the arena spectacular ‘Feet of Flames’

Adrian, originally an assistant with the school is now the principal teacher & recently passed his ADCRG exams. Adrian has completed a degree in Education and Creative Industries and has experience working with students in Primary and Secondary schools. Adrian shows a high level of commitment and dedication to the dance form and to the students of the Walker School. Teacher: Ann Truman TMRF (Registered teacher with the Irish and Australian Irish Dancing Commission)

Ann has been involved in Irish dancing for over 40 years. She competed at many fiesanna (competitions) in England and Scotland throughout the 70's and won the All England titles at 14.

Ann started her affair with Irish dancing in London at the ripe old age of 5 and continued up until she successfully completed her TMRF exams She was very lucky to be involved with the Irish culture from birth, surrounded by a traditional flutist father and many talented musical relatives who influenced her love of the music and dance.

Ann's introduction into the Queensland Irish dancing community, after emigrating from the UK, resulted from her daughter taking up Irish dance. Ann was lucky to re educate and learn the steps & challenges of today's dancers. Her enthusiasm and love of Irish dance is apparent from her dedication to the traditional style, values and passion she shares with the teachers of the Walker School. Teacher (Tiny Toes): Carmel Walker TCRG (Qualified Irish Dance Teacher) Assistant Teacher: Peggy Walker

Peggy first started to learn Irish Dancing at school in Dublin in 1953. She immigrated to England with her family and danced under Terry and Nancy Bowler, and successfully took part in figures, choreographies and dance dramas in the World and All Ireland Championships. It was during this time that her love for Irish dancing was ignited.

Peggy moved to Australia when there were few teachers in Brisbane and since then has been a regular volunteer at feiseanna, fundraisers and events for the Australian and Queensland Irish Dancing associations. Her three children danced in Brisbane, and shared the same passion and enthusiasm for Irish Dancing. Peggy was not only a ‘Mum’ to her three kids but was a loving hand to many children throughout the years – helping them practice, supervising children on camps and trips, curling hair and making dresses.

Peggy assisted her two children with their studies to become TCRG and now is an integral teacher and assistant of the Walker school. She continues to foster her love for Irish Dance and continues to encourage all dancers from the school to do their best. She believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to dance and will do anything her power to assist them.

Guest Teacher – Caroline Gossip ADCRG (Registered teacher & Adjudicator with the Irish and Australian Irish Dancing Commission) TERMS & CONDITIONS of the Walker School of Irish Dance

 WALKER SCHOOL UNIFORM must be worn to class. Black shorts/skirts/tights with a ‘Walker’ Tshirt. White socks (Irish dancing bubble socks must be worn to below the calf muscle.) Hair tied back neatly off the face. Dancing shoes must be worn at all times. Please contact Robyn to order your uniform - [email protected]

 All parents are asked to sit outside the teaching room during classes. Space is limited and it can be very distracting to students – both your own and others. There is adequate seating available in all halls for those who wish to stay and wait for their children.

 To ensure maximum teaching time parents are not to interrupt teachers during class. If parents have questions/queries please email/phone Adrian with questions. Email is the recommended way to contact Adrian – [email protected]

 MOBILE PHONES – are not allowed in class – they must be switched off during class.

 Walker School of Irish Dance does not carry medical insurance for its students. This requires that all dance students be covered by their own family insurance policies and if injury occurs, it is understood that the student’s own policy is your only source of reimbursement. No claims can be made against Walker School of Irish Dance for any injury or accident through class, rehearsals, concerts or any other events through Walker School of Irish Dance.

 No responsibility is taken for lost property.

 No responsibility will be taken before or after the class start and finish times. Children must not be left unattended.

 Permission is given to seek first aid or medical attention if required.

 No videoing or photographing of children in dance classes.

 Toys, chewing gum, books, homework, snacks, games etc…. are not permitted in class.

 Your co-operation in arriving at classes on time is appreciated. Dancers are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled class time to warm up & stretch.

 Please send a drink bottle of WATER along to class with your child. Please do not send along soft drinks.

 Those thinking about enrolling are unable to sit and watch classes. If you have friends interested in enrolling their children, please pass on my contact number and have them call me. Please do not invite anyone to attend classes, as I do not have enough time during a class to provide information about the school.

 COMPETITIVE DANCERS PRACTICE - Between classes dancers are encouraged to practice their steps with 3 x 1 hour sessions.

 Dancers cannot attend classes of other Irish Dancing teachers (in Australia or overseas) whilst dancing under the Walker School. There are very strict ‘association’ rules in place which will jeopardize our entry into competitions.

FUNDRAISING

 There is a Fundraising Levy - $25 per family per term for competitive dancers & $15 per term for subsequent children. You will be invoiced in Term One for the whole year - $100 and $60 for subsequent children.

 Fundraising money is mainly used for running workshops, purchasing flooring/mirrors, end of year celebrations, awards, shoe hire and to assist with the payment of team and performance costumes/accessories/make up/wigs.  All payment for competitions should be transferred online into the Fundraising Account

 Walker Fundraising Account BSB: 06 4178 ACCT: 1043 4955  Please email Ann Truman – [email protected] with receipt details  Please note FUNDRAISING account is different from FEE ACCOUNT

FEE INFORMATION 2015

* $45 Registration fee to compete in competition is charged by the Australian Irish Dancing Association. Walker Fundraising Account BSB: 06 4178 ACCT: 1043 4955

* $15 annual administration fee is charged to register students for 2015 with the Walker School of Irish Dance – this feel will be administered on your Term 1 invoice (or during your first term).

* Fees are invoiced for a dancing term. The fees are due administered 2 weeks prior to each term. They must be paid and finalised before the start of the dancing term.

*Fees - Payment for invoices will only be accepted by online transfer. Please indicate your name and invoice number clearly as a reference. We do not accept cheques (if you do not have access to online banking – please deposit at any CBA bank with your name as reference).

Adrian Walker BSB: 06 4173 ACCT: 0064 4136

* If a dancer is going to be away on a long holiday (more than 2 weeks) or has an injury that will keep them away for more than 2 weeks please let me know so I can adjust your invoice.

* Invoices will not be adjusted for ‘changing of minds’ after the account has been sent out.

+ It is recommended that all beginner/primary dancers attend 2 classes per week – particularly if you want to participate in exams and competitions.

+ All intermediate/open dancers who wish to compete must attend at least 2 lessons per week. Championship dancers (those competing in State/National/International titles) are encouraged to attend a minimum of 3 classes per week.

+ All competitive dancers are expected to attend the Tues night team class. FEE SCHEDULE 2015

Fees will be administered 2 weeks prior to the dancing term. Fee must be paid and finalised before the start of the dancing term.

*Fees - Payment for invoices will only be accepted by online transfer. Please indicate your name and invoice number clearly as a reference.

Adrian Walker BSB: 06 4173 ACCT: 0064 4136

TERM FEE:

SOLOS (including the TUES teams class) – BEGINNER/PRIMARY/INTERMEDIATE/OPEN

4 classes per week: 530 3 classes per week: 510 2 classes per week: 410 1 class per week: 270

 Selected dancers for Under 15 figure dance class will be charged an extra $50 per term

SOLOS ONLY – BEGINNER/PRIMARY (only solos): 4 classes per week: 450 3 classes per week: 420 2 classes per week: 275 1 class per week: 160

TINY TOES AND IRISH INTRO: 2 classes per week: 275 1 class per week: 160

TEAM ONLY: 160

ADULTS JUST JIG 17 cash per lesson EXTRA LESSON FOR KICK STUDENTS 15

FAMILY DISCOUNTS: 2 DANCERS OR MORE = 10% DISCOUNT ON TOTAL INVOICE

PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE – CHAMPIONSHIP DANCERS ONLY

+ NEW DANCERS: You may want to ‘trial’ a lesson at the start of the term. If you would like to continue with the term you will be invoiced. Please contact Adrian to register for a trial lesson – [email protected]

TIMETABLE 2015

Monday KICK Dance Studios - Bulimba

Tuesday Chelmer Community Centre:Cnr Queenscroft & Halsbury Street 10:30am – 11:15am – Tiny Toes (2 ½ - 4 years)

Sherwood Uniting Church:706 Sherwood Road (Cnr Thallon Street & Sherwood Road) 3:45pm – 4:30pm – Irish Intro (4 years + New Beginners) 1.1.1.1.1 4:00pm – 5:00pm – Beginner/Primary Irish Solos • 5:00pm – 6:00pm – Under 10, Under 12 Teams • 6:00pm – 8:00pm – All Intermediate & Open Irish Solos • 8:00pm – 9:00pm – Under 15 Teams • 8:00pm – 9:30pm – Under 18, Open Age Teams

Wednesday KICK Dance Studios - Bulimba • • Thursday Chelmer Community Centre:Cnr Queenscroft & Halsbury Street 10:30am – 11:15am – Tiny Toes (2 ½ - 4 years) • 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 4:00pm – 5:00pm – Beginner/Primary Irish Solos • 5:00pm – 6:30pm – U15 Open & Intermediate Irish Solos • 6:30pm – 7:30pm – Under 15 Figure Dance • 7:30pm – 9:00pm – 15 & Over Open Irish Solos • • Friday St Mary’s Catholic Primary School – Beaudesert 4:15pm – 5:30pm - Beginners

• Saturday Sherwood Uniting Church:706 Sherwood Road (Cnr Thallon Street & Sherwood Road) • 8:30am – 9:30am – “Just Jig” – Adult Irish Dance Fitness Class • 9:30am – 10:15 am – Irish Intro (4 Years + New Beginners) 9:30am – 10:30am – Beginner/Primary Irish 10:30am – 11:15am – Beginner Teams 10:30am– 12:30 – Intermediate & Open Irish 12:30 + Private Lessons WALKER TERM DATES 2015

TERM ONE: Tuesday 27th January – Thursday 2nd April

TERM TWO: Saturday 11th April – Saturday 27th June

TERM THREE: Tuesday 14th July – Saturday 19th September

TERM FOUR: Tuesday 13th October – Saturday 12h December

WORKSHOP DATES 2015

Summer workshop – Mon 19th, Tues 20th, Wed 21st Jan

Easter workshop – Thurs 9th, Fri 10th Apr

Winter workshop - TBA

Annual team workshop (State dancers) – Fri 14th Aug

Solo workshops (State dancers) – Sat 1st Aug & Sat 15th Aug

National workshops – 21st – 26th Sep

Premiership workshop – Sat 10th Oct

FEIS (COMPETITION DATES) 2015 – tentative dates - www.aidainc.com 7/8 March

18/19 April

2/3 May Feis (TEAMS) – QIA Brisbane

17 May Crocker Feis

22-24 May AIO (Senior Choreography Item) – Royal Pines, Gold Coast

6-7 June – McAleer Open Championships

27 June - Sunshine Coast Feis

2-6 July – North American National Championships

25/26 July – Mid Year Feis (TEAMS)

21-23 August – State Championships (TEAMS & FIGURE) – Sunshine Coast

12/13 September - Spring Feis

29 Sept/4 Oct – Nationals (select teams & FIGURE) – Sydney Olympic Park

31 Oct/1 Nov Premierships

GRADE EXAMS 2015

WALKER/KICK GRADE EXAMS – TENTATIVE DATE – SUN 22 NOV

WALKER - END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

PINK AND BLACK FEIS – TENTATIVE DATE – SAT 5th DEC

DRESS REQUIREMENTS CLASSES  WALKER SCHOOL UNIFORM must be worn to class. Black shorts/skirts/tights with ‘Walker’ Tshirts’. Dancing socks (Irish dancing bubble socks must be worn to below the calf muscle.) Tshirts and socks can be purchased at class.  HAIR TIED BACK  SHOES – (Beginners – jazz shoes are suitable first term of dancing.) Dancing shoes must be worn at all times.

COMPETITIONS  SOLO BEGINNERS Walker Black and Pink costume – see Peggy Walker Socks – Irish Dancing bubble socks (available at the stalls at the feis) see REEL CELTIC, DITTODANCEWEAR, or see Peg Walker Shoes – Irish Dancing shoes can be purchased at stalls at the feis. You must have these prior to your first competition however. www.reelceltic.com.au www.dittodancewear.com

No makeup/no fake tan. Hair tied back neatly – half up, half down (no hair on the face) with black/pink ribbons. No wigs.

 PRIMARY (Please note no ‘individual’ solo dresses are allowed for Primary – they must be ‘Walker’ team costumes.) a) Walker Black and Pink costume – see Peg Walker Wigs may be worn, or hair neatly tied back with ribbons.

 INTERMEDIATE a) Continue to wear ‘Walker School’ team dress that you have purchased. b) Purchase a solo dress. Before purchase a solo dress must be approved by Adrian. Wigs must be worn. Legs should be tanned for all Championship competitions.

 OPEN c) Purchase of a solo dress. Before purchase a solo dress must be approved by Adrian. Wigs must be worn Full stage make up Fake Tanned legs

 TEAMS All team dancers must have a pink/black ‘Walker’ team costume Fundraising levy must be paid to cover team dress Wigs must be worn U11 & U13 – white bubble socks – fake tanned legs, make u U16 & Open Age – black tights, make up

PURCHASING SHOES/SOCKS http://www.reelceltic.com.au/ +61-(0)414-823-443 www.dittodancewear.com

PURCHASING A SOLO DRESS For online purchases – these must be approved by Adrian – please email Adrian the dress you wish to purchase http://www.dance-again.com/

IMPORTANT LINKS www.clrg.ie www.aidainc.com www.swoose.net www.reelceltic.com.au www.dittodancewear.com www.kickdance.com.au www.dance-again.com