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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE
BUTLER - SHEEHAN ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE
What
is the class schedule?
Can I watch the class?
Who will answer my questions?
What do I do while class is
in session?
Where else does Pattie Teach?
Does the school have performances?
Is there a schedule for
performances?
Is there a school uniform or
costume?
How does the school raise fund
money?
Any final thoughts?
What is
the class schedule? As mentioned earlier, the class schedule accommodates four (4) classes per month. You will be given a school newsletter at the beginning of each month (please ask
Peter Wright if you haven't received one), which will let you know the exact dates of classes and if a
fifth Friday is being included. The class schedule is also posted on the
Schedule page of this website, along with other events and dates to remember.
At the Syracuse location, classes are held on Friday evenings at
6:30-8:00PM for Beginners/Advanced Beginners, and 6:30-8:30PM for Novice through Championship.
Pattie will let you know which class is best suited to your child, and will advance your child when ready.
Can I watch the class? Although instinct dictates curiosity, parents (etc.) are not permitted to watch the class. It is not meant to offend, but
Pattie's time is spent focusing on the children, and it is imperative that she have their undivided attention. The same is true with asking of questions.
Who will answer my questions?
Please feel free to direct your questions to any of the parents who have been with the school for a lengthy period, as they tend to be wells of wisdom. If you have any questions that you feel only
Pattie can answer, please try to see her in-between classes of after class has ended, as
her time is spent teaching the children. If Pattie has any concerns, you can be rest assured that
she will seek you out.
What do I do while class is
in session?
While the children dance, parents tend to spend "adult" time in the bar/lounge area. This is a great opportunity to get to know one another, learn important information, as well as to kick back and relax a little. All are always welcome, just pull up a chair and relax.
Where else does Pattie Teach?
In addition to the Syracuse location, the Butler
- Sheehan Academy also holds classes at the following satellite locations: Fulton, and Rome. Depending upon your needs, schedules for these locations can be
found in our Monthly Newsletter or on the
Schedule Page. The class sizes of these schools is somewhat smaller than the Syracuse location. However, if you would like your child to appear in shows or participate in figure dances, they must attend the Syracuse School (either in addition to the satellite location, or as the only location).
Does the school have
performances?
As the children progress, Pattie may include them in shows which
she choreographs
(ie., Harbor Fest, the Casino, Moose Lodge, etc.). Dance-outs (informal performances) are another chance for the children to perform
(ie., nursing homes, malls, NYS Fair, etc.), these are usually open to all dancers. Over the years, it has become a "tradition" among the different dance schools to perform a number of dance outs in the weeks prior to and after St. Patrick's Day. Another tradition is the St. Patrick's Day Parade held in downtown Syracuse, in which the kids dance their way down Salina Street. And, dependant upon weather and circumstances, you may find parents skipping as well!!
Is there a schedule for
performances?
Everyone will be notified of the dance schedule and should speak to
Kathy Egloff to advise whether your child will be able to perform.
You can also find a schedule of events on our
EVENTS page. If your child is nervous, there isn't a kinder audience than the residents at nursing homes. There, every child is applauded no matter what their skill levels might be.
Kathy Egloff is in charge of the dance-outs, and will be more than happy to provide any information regarding the different performances. Again, read your monthly newsletter and ask
Kathy if you are unsure of whether your child is performing or would like to perform.
Is there a school uniform or
costume?
We have school costumes, jumpers for the beginner girls, black slacks and shirts for the boys, and dresses for the older girls. As the girls progress by level and age, they will be moved into the school dress (as they become available). The rental cost for the costume is $85.00. This is a one-time fee, and is required when your child is outfitted. We ask that you care for these costumes as you would with any delicate piece of clothing. Though they are machine washable, it is best to line dry and reshape. Remember, you
responsible for maintaining the condition of your child's outfit. We currently have a parent,
Karen Smith, who is in charge of used dresses/costumes. So, please see her if you have any questions.
How does the school raise
fund money?
Finally, throughout the year, the school will hold various fundraisers. We are fortunate to have a group of hard working parents and children who have been successful in raising a great deal of money for our school in the past. You are encouraged to participate (though it is purely by choice), as this money is used for many things which include: school dresses, parties, Christmas gifts for the children, and any further funding as needed to keep our school the success that it is. It is also another step in forming friendships as we work side by side. A last note, should anyone have a creative idea for fundraising, all thoughts are welcome and appreciated!
Any final thoughts?
Although there are many Irish Dance schools in our area, we pride ourselves on
having a wonderful instructor, enthusiastic/friendly children, fun loving parents...and we always have room for more!
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