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Featured Program: Heavey-Quinn Academy of Irish Dance

Visit their Open House in Chelmsford on Saturday Sept 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

September 4, 2019


Open House in Chelmsford on Saturday, September 7, from 9 AM to 1 PM.  Please mention Macaroni Kid!

Heavey Quinn Academy of Irish Dance has been established for 35 years. There is something for everyone at Heavey Quinn Irish Dance, whether you just want to dance for fun or like the competitive edge of Irish dance!

Classes are available for children age 3 and up. We offer traditional Irish step where dancers will learn the reel, jig, slip jig, hornpipe and much more.  We offer team dancing, also known as ceili dancing, to our dancers.  This gives children the ability to create strong teamwork and learn how to work together as one unit.

Students at Heavey Quinn Academy of Irish Dance are not only taught the fine art of traditional Irish step, but it also our goal to help them build their self-esteem, confidence and poise.  Both our competitive and recreational dance paths foster strength, stamina and most importantly, teamwork, all valuable tools to succeed in every aspect of life.  Dancers will make life-long friendships and through team dance, learn how to set goals and work together as one unit.  At Heavey Quinn Academy of Irish Dance, we teach children how to set and achieve their goals through practice, dedication and motivation.

Class Schedule and Tuition

Fall classes start the week of September, 9, 2019 and run through June 13, 2020.  New dancers are welcome throughout the dance year.  You can sign up for a month or even try a free class too.  See the full schedule at https://www.heaveyquinn.com/usercontent/file/CH%20Fall%20Schedule%20for%20Website.pdf


Class Descriptions

Pre Beginner - This class is designed for our youngest dancers, ages 3-5, and infuses Irish dance with creative movement.  Dancers will learn skip 2,3s, the jig and the reel, all while improving balance, coordination, listening skills and rhythm.

Beginners - This class is designed for dancers age 6 and up with no prior Irish dance experience.  Dancers will learn skip 2,3s, sevens, jigs and reels while receiving instruction on execution and proper technique.

Advanced Beginners - This class is designed for dancers age 6 and up with 1-3 years of Irish dance experience. Dancers will build on the basics learned in beginner class and learn more complicated material including slip jigs, traditional treble jigs, traditional hornpipes and traditional set dances.  Dancers that learn the treble jig and/or hornpipe will be invited to purchase hard shoes.

Novice - This class is designed for dancers that have mastered Advanced Beginner material.  Dancers in the Novice class will learn more advanced reels and slip jigs along with slow treble jigs and slow hornpipes.  Novice dancers may receive an invitation to participate in dance workshops with Master Choreographer, Ronan McCormack.

Prizewinner - This class is designed for dancers that have mastered Novice material.  Dancers in the Prizewinner level must attend a minimum of two solo classes per week.  Dancers in the Prizewinner level must participate in dance workshops offered at the Heavey Quinn Academy with Ronan McCormack.

Preliminary Championship - This class is designed for dancers that have mastered Prizewinner material.  Dancers in the Preliminary Championship level must attend a minimum of two solo classes per week.  Dancers in the Preliminary Championship level must participate in dance workshops offered at the Heavey Quinn Academy with Ronan McCormack.

Advanced Preliminary Championship - This class is designed for dancers that have mastered Preliminary Championship material.  Dancers in the Advanced Preliminary Championship level must attend a minimum of two solo classes per week.  Dancers in the Advanced Preliminary Championship level must participate in dance workshops offered at the Heavey Quinn Academy with Ronan McCormack.

Open Championship - This class is designed for dancers that have mastered Advanced Preliminary Championship material.  Dancers in the Open Championship level must attend a minimum of two solo classes per week.  Dancers in the Open Championship level must participate in dance workshops offered at the Heavey Quinn Academy with Ronan McCormack.

Ceili - This class is designed for dancers age 7 and up with a one year minimum experience of Irish dance.  Dancers will learn the two hand reel, three hand reel, four hand reel and various eight hand team dances.  This class builds teamwork, stamina, discipline and technique that can be applied to solo dancing and life long skills.

Choreography - This class is by invitation only.  Dancers in the choreography class will learn a 16 dancer figure routine.  This class builds endurance, fitness, collaboration and determination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try a class first? Yes, you can! Please contact Mary at heaveyquinn@gmail.com to try a class before signing up.

What are my tuition options? Tuition is paid monthly or annually (5% discount if paid annually). Registration fee is $35 for new students and $20 fee for returning students. Tuition is paid online and your credit card will be kept on file.  Please email Mary at heaveyquinn@gmail.com for other payment options.

Is there a class uniform? Yes, all dancers must purchase class uniform which consists of HQ shorts and t-shirt.  Sample sizes are available to try on at the studio.  Girls must wear their hair in a ponytail.  For more information on uniforms, see link https://www.heaveyquinn.com/heaveyquinn_dress-code.htm.

Do you have a recital? The Heavey-Quinn Academy offers a recital in late Spring and all dancers have the option of participating in this performance.

Does my child need to participate in competitions? No, if your child chooses to participate in a competition, or “Feis,”  we will work to prepare your child so you know what to expect. Competitions are optional.

What other avenues are available for my child besides recitals and competitions? Dancers can participate in the Grades Exam to show mastery of content taught in class or be invited to perform at local events (e.g. St. Patrick’s Day shows, community centers). We also offer a weekly summer camp for our younger dancers and an intensive program for our more experienced dancers.

Do I need to purchase an expensive costume? Costumes are available at the studio as well as dance shoes.  The Heavey-Quinn staff makes every effort to fit your child in second hand shoes and costumes to keep costs to a minimum, especially for those dancers just starting out.  As dancers become more involved, the costume and shoe cost may increase, just like when your child participates in sports or other activities.


Heavey Quinn Academy of Irish Dance
11 Progress Ave

Chelmsford MA 01824

(978) 250-9100

Email: heaveyquinn@gmail.com

Website: http://www.heaveyquinn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeaveyQuinnIrishDance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heaveyquinn/