< BACK classes The Boyle School of Irish Dance is a competitive dance school, however, we understand that not every child wishes to compete. This is why at the Boyle School all dancers take a REGULAR CLASS which is not divided by competition level but by skill level. A dancer who has never attended a competition may continue learning the same level of material as a champion if they wish to train at the same level in regular class. We also offer SHOW CLASS which is for the dancer who is interested in out-of-school performances. In Show Class dancers will be divided into teams that will be assigned to approximately three out-of-school performances a year as well as additional performances in the parades and recital. After completing one year of hardshoe, dancers are welcome to join show class. A Boyle School dancer who is interested in performing out of the school should express this desire to their teacher and will then be strongly encouraged to join show class. (To participate in Show class dancers must have completed one year of hard shoe.) COMPETITION CLASS is for dancers interested in competing. At Competition Class dancers drill the steps they learn in regular class more intensely with the focus on success in competition. A Boyle School dancer who is interested in competing should express their desire to their teacher and is then strongly encouraged to join competition class. (To participate in Competition class dancers must have completed one year of dance and be able to do the traditional Treble Jigs or Traditional Hornpipes.) Private lessons are also available upon request. Majors Clinics: These classes are only for dancers who already take competition class and would like to compete in major championships. Dancers for Major championships are divided into three classes. The Junior class, the Junior Champ class, and the Senior class. Criteria for each class is as follows: U 9 and U 8 age groups to dance in the Oireachtas or the barn class are based on teacher's discretion, therefore the teachers will determine if a dancer is ready participate. To join the Junior Class U8 and U9s will be invited to participate based on teacher's discretion. U10 and older must have a hard shoe and soft shoe dance in prizewinner. To Join the Junior Champ Class U8 and U9s must be in preliminary Championship. U10, and U11 must be qualified for the Oireachtas (a hard Shoe 1st and Soft Shoe 1st in Prizewinner). U12 and older must be qualified for the barn. I.E. a hardshoe and soft shoe dance in prizewinner.) To join the Senior Class you must be in Pre-limany Championships and competing in U12. (Some exceptions will be made for Under 12 dancers who are also open champions.) To dance in the Oireachtas you must have a Prizewinner 1st in a hardshoe and a soft shoe dance. Dancers who do not attend competion class and barn clinics will not be permitted to dance in any major. Dancers must have approval to dance in any majors by Boyle School staff. Please note: Being on the Junior and Senior team is a privilege and dancers and their families who do not follow the Boyle School Policy or have a strong work ethic will not be permitted to participate. (Current junior team dancers who do not meet these new requirements will grandfather into the junior team.)