MCKEEVER SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE PARENT AND DANCER GUIDEBOOK
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McKeever School of Irish Dance Parent and Dancer Guidebook
INDEX • WHAT MAKES OUR SCHOOL UNIQUE (Page 1) • BENEFITS OF IRISH DANCE (Page 1) • WHO CAN JOIN (Page 1) • REGISTERING FOR CLASSES (Page 2) • WHAT IS NEEDED FOR YOUR FIRST CLASS (Page 2) • VIDEO CODES (Page 2) • CURRENT COVID SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (Page 2) • BEHAVIOR AND DRESS CODE (Page 3) • HALLWAY DECORUM (Page 3) • OBSERVING CLASSES AS A PARENT (Page 3) • TAKING AND POSTING VIDEOS OF STEPS (Page 3) • STUDIO RULES (Page 4) • CLRG RULES (Page 4) • PERFORMANCE RULES (Page 4) • COMPETITION (Page 4) • COSTUMING (Page 5) • SHOES (Page 5) • SEASONAL CALENDAR (Page 6) • HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS (Page 6) • PRIVATE LESSONS (Page 6) • METHODS OF PAYMENT (Page 6) • PAYMENT GUIDELINES (Page 6) • MAKEUP CLASSES (Page 6) • PHONE ACCESS (Page 6) • PRICING (Page 7) • CLASS LEVELS (Page 8) • FRIEND DISCOUNT COUPON (Page 8) • IRISH DANCE AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION (Page 9) • PLEASE SIGN THIS LAST PAGE AND BRING OR EMAIL US A COPY (Page 10)
MCKEEVER SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Being Part of Our Team is Much More Than Just Classes!
Your Dream is our Dream!
GRACE THE PROFESSIONAL STAGE - As an enrolled member of the McKeever School of Irish
Dance you have the opportunity to perform. We open many of these performances to the entire
school so even the newest beginner has the chance to grace the stage. Once a year we put on
an annual student showcase. Our dancers have performed annually in the following exciting
events, groups and locations - Golden One Center, CA State Fair, Mondavi Center, Harris Center,
PERFORMANCE Community Center Theater, B Street Theater, Saint Patricks Day Parade, DOCO, local television
and Live TV, Crocker Art Museum, KVMR Celtic Fest, Kerry Irish Productions, Sacramento
Republic FC, Sacramento Kings, local nursing homes, multi-cultural fairs, and non-profit
fundraisers. Our students have been hired as professional touring dancers with Kerry Irish
Productions. Students and one parent are often given free tickets to festivals and events we
perform at such as CelticFest and The CA State Fair.
COMPETE AT AN OLYMPIC LEVEL - As an enrolled member of the McKeever School of Irish
Dance you have the opportunity to compete in solos and teams. We value competition because
it gives dancers the chance to receive feedback from expert judges, and helps them to set goals
and grow. We personally host the annual McKeever School Feis so that dancers will have this
opportunity in their own community. Competitions or Feisanna (Fesh-anna) have been an
important aspect of Irish Dance for centuries. Every dancer has the opportunity to compete at
COMPETITION the Local, Regional, National and International or “Olympic” Level. We have sent dancers to all
of the aforementioned competitions in both solos and teams. Think of how unique it is to have
that on your resume in any sport! The McKeever School has brought many dancers from
Beginner to the highest Open Champion level and our students have placed top three at major
competitions in both solos and teams. In order to compete you must be at a CLRG registered
school just like the McKeever School. We also train our dancers to take Grade Exams and sit
their TCRG Exams in order to become the next generation of registered teachers.
RECEIVE EXPERT INSTRUCTION - We bring many exciting outside resources straight to you
at affordable prices. workshops in the past have included motivational speakers, Riverdance
WORKSHOPS Leads, famous Irish Dance Youtube sensations, choreographers, sports psychologists,
nutritionists, cross trainers, self-care experts, pilates instructors and professional ballet dancers.
LEARN FROM ONE OF THE TOP DANCERS IN IRISH DANCE - YOU GET TWO EXPERT TEACHERS
IN EACH CLASS YOU ATTEND - All classes are taught by expert Nicole McKeever with assistance by
champion and teacher in training Natalie McKeever. Nicole is a registered teacher or TCRG with CLRG
(An Coimissiun Rince Le Rinci Gaelacha), IDTANA (Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America)
and the Western US Region. CLRG is the most elite international governing body of Irish Dance. The
TCRG exam has a 30 percent pass rate. Nicole is also an Open Champion who competed at The World
INSTRUCTION AND Championships in solos and teams 5 times. She was ranked 3rd in the Mid-Atlantic, 4th in the Munster
MENTORSHIP Region of Ireland, 5th in the USA and 20th in the World. Nicole earned a Masters Degree in Irish Dance
from the University of Limerick in Ireland with First Class Honors and taught students in both the BA
and MA courses. She studied Irish Dance in Ireland for 2 years. She has 7 years International
professional touring experience and is listed as one of 300 female dancers in the Historic Cast of
Riverdance. She has been hired internationally for workshops, performed for royalty and in such
THE DANCE MASTER prestigious locations such as London’s West End and the Kremlin Palace.
TRADITION Natalie McKeever began Irish Dance with the DeNogla School at age 10. She has been a successful
Champion since she was 12, with competitive achievements placing at the Mid-Atlantic Regional
Irish dance is one of the few Championships several times and competing at the National Championships. She is currently
activities where a teacher’s competing and training to sit her TCRG exam. Outside of dance, Natalie has a BFA in Visual Arts, MFA
in Digital Arts and New Media and has been a successful working visual artist for over a decade.
coaching and mentorship Natalie has a passion for teaching, and has years of experience teaching arts in many settings including
can last for a student’s as an Adjunct Professor.
Combined Natalie and Nicole can claim over 45 years of experience as Irish dancers and almost three
entire career. decades in the field of Education and Teaching in the Arts.
The McKeever School can boast that it’s stylistic heritage stems from both the MId-Atlantic Region in
the USA and Munster Region in Ireland. Nicole and Natalie were taught by Jennifer Nagle McGovern
and Alison Nagle Keane, who were students of Peter J. Smith one of the founding teachers of Irish
Dance in North America. Nicole also studied under the legendary teacher Michael Ryan from Tipperary,
Ireland.
BE PART OF A TEAM AND A COMMUNITY - As an enrolled member of the McKeever School
or Irish Dance you get to be part of the McKeever Team! You are also part of the CLARA
Performing Arts Community and the Irish Dance Community. As a tenant of CLARA you have
access to learning in a state-of-the-art and historic facility. CLARA is a bustling Arts Campus
COMMUNITY and a prestigious location unlike any other Irish Dance School in the country. In addition Irish
Dance is really a small, supportive and close knit community of many schools. Having access
to this heritage and being part of the art form is more than just classes, it is community
and tradition.
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME TO THE MCKEEVER SCHOOL!
The McKeever School of Irish Dance offers students the opportunity to learn, master and preserve the art of Irish Dancing.
It is our goal to allow students to train as athletes, artists and performers and become the next generation to push this
dance form into the future, while conserving its past. Preparing a dancer mentally, physically and creatively is our primary
objective. We offer classes for children and adults in both solo and team choreography. We also offer many performance
opportunities as well as a Performative Choreography class. At any level of experience we welcome dancers to join us to
have fun, get fit, increase your confidence and become part of a worldwide community of Irish dancers. We strive to create
equal opportunities for all dancers! Expert TCRG certified instructors give you access to competition opportunities. Your
membership in the school also gives you opportunities to perform in the community and be part of the exciting campus of
CLARA Midtown!
WHAT MAKES OUR SCHOOL UNIQUE?
The McKeever School of Irish Dance offers expert instruction. Director Nicole McKeever is a registered T.C.R.G. (Irish
Dance Teaching Qualification/ Teagascóir Choimisiúin le Rinci Gaelacha) with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (an
international governing body of Irish Dance). To earn this distinction she had to pass a three day exam with a 33% pass
rate. Nicole reached the highest level in her competitive dance career with the status of Open Champion and medalling at
all the major championships. Nicole also has a Masters Degree with First Class Honors in Irish Dance Performance from
the University of Limerick in Ireland. Additionally she has seven years experience at the highest professional level
performing internationally with shows like the famed Riverdance the Show. All our choreography is done in house.
Workshops may be held if there is a unique opportunity but there is no need to depend on outside expertise. The
McKeever School of Irish Dance has a unique studio setting unlike anything in our state if not the world! The focus of this
school is on developing a dancer in mind, body and spirit, helping them to become an athlete and artist as well as
fostering their development into kind, capable and productive people.
BENEFITS OF IRISH DANCE
For those of you unfamiliar or new to the Irish Dance World it is an incredible dance form with countless benefits for the
young and old. It is rigorous, cerebral, joyful and social. Dancers will learn to push and maintain themselves physically as
athletes, they will gain confidence through performance and competition, learning sports psychology and concentration
skills. In order to progress in this dance form a student must learn to manage their time and practice at home as well as at
class. This lesson on dedication and goal setting is priceless. By becoming a part of the McKeever School of Irish Dance
dancers will also become part of a positive social group and supportive atmosphere of friends and teammates. By joining
the school you are gaining access to a heritage of dance material that has been passed down from dance master to dance
master over hundreds of years.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Beginner classes are for ages 3-19. Anyone older is encouraged to join our Adult classes. People from all backgrounds,
abilities and genders welcomed and encouraged to join the McKeever School. Your registration form requires you to
disclose if you have competed and danced under another Irish dance school. We follow the rules of An Coimisiún le Rincí
Gaelacha with regard to transfer students and competition. It is required that you disclose this information so that we can
respect our fellow An Coimisiún teachers. For information on An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha please visit our website
under the section helpful links.
1
REGISTERING FOR CLASSES
To become a student at the McKeever School of Irish Dance you must first email
McKeeverDance@gmail.com. You will then receive a link and password to a registration form that you will
need to fill out before attending your first class. Adult Dancers and parents of younger dancers must also
sign the last page in the Rules and Regulations Parent Guidebook as an understanding that you have
read through this document and agree to all the terms and conditions. Finances and attendance are kept
track of through a program called Studio Director. You must fill out a profile in this system once you have
registered. You must also bring the signed liability form with you to your first class. With ongoing enrollment
we take in new dancers throughout the year and will prorate your monthly tuition to match your actual start
date of registration. By registering you are agreeing to commit to your place in the class for the full month.
The program is continuous and our hope is that you are a member of the school for many years to come.
Cancelling a membership requires a two week written notice to stop your next month’s billing. Payment is on
a month-to-month basis. All new registrations will be charged a one time fee of $35.
• To register for classes follow this link and create a profile https://app.thestudiodirector.com/
mckeeverdance/portal.sd
• Please sign the liability form included at the end of this guidebook and email it back to me or bring a
printed copy to your first class.
• Join our parent dancer facebook, we put a lot of great information on this platform. https://
www.facebook.com/groups/1174109135937338/
• Once you have your profile set up and tuition and the r manually entered registration fee is paid I will
email you back two passwords for this month so you can access the digital video library.
WHAT IS NEEDED FOR YOUR FIRST CLASS
After you have paid your tuition and signed the liability form you are ready for your first class. Please
wear comfortable and appropriate work out gear. For the Beginner Level athletic shoes or ballet flats
are acceptable before Irish Dance shoes are purchased. Also do not forget to bring water! Soft shoe
dances are learned first before students advance to the percussive hard shoe dances. If you fail to
bring shoes to class we have the right to ask you to sit out of class for your own safety.
DID YOU GET THE CURRENT DOOR CODE TO GET INTO THE BUILDING? PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU DID NOT!
VIDEO CODES
Each month you get a code for the parent dancer page and the Digital Learning Center on our website! This lets
you find important information and access a library of videos, tutorials and printable material to enhance your
Irish Dance journey outside of class!
COVID SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
All of our indoor classes have the following precautions. We are following local and State Guidelines as well as any
regulations CLARA sets as a building. Thank you for cooperating in advance! Please wear a mask while in the building
and hallways!
• Temperature check at the doors
• Masks at all times for students and teachers in children’s classes.
• At this time Adult classes are unmasked if vaccinated and all other precautions are additionally followed.
• Windows open at all times (we get good airflow in our studio)
• Social distancing and clearly marked spaces to ensure dancers do not cross paths while dancing
• Students will have their own spot to sit on when they are not dancing to ensure we keep our distances
• Hand sanitizer entering and leaving the studio
2
BEHAVIOR AND DRESS CODE
At the McKeever School of Dance you are not required to wear a uniform to
practice. However please make sure you are dressed comfortably for athletic activity.
All dancers need to wear either shorts or dance pants and maintain a modest
appearance (no midriffs showing, shorts should be a modest length). If wearing a
skirt or dress to practice please wear shorts underneath. Shoes are required. If you
come to class with no shoes or just socks you may be asked to sit out the class for
your own safety. Have an extra pair just in case. In some cases dance sneakers are
allowed in class but for the best training you need to wear your Irish dance shoes,
especially after the beginner levels. Please remember to always represent The
McKeever School of Irish Dance with modesty and class. At competitions dancers
should not wear sports bra only or bloomers in place of shorts or pants in between
rounds or after dancing. Whether you are at a competition, a performance or walking
down the halls of the CLARA Midtown, you are a representative of our school to the
public. Never falter in maintaining a positive attitude, respect for others, and team
spirit!
HALLWAY DECORUM
Siblings, parents, guests of dancers, and dancers waiting for their class may use the
hallway outside of the McKeever Studios as a waiting area. It is very important to
understand that when in this space you are representing the McKeever School and
your behavior and noise level should not disrupt the other tenants in the building. Our
direct neighbors are the Alliance Francaise which includes a library and classrooms,
and the dancer’s lounge and rehearsal space for the professional wing of the
Sacramento Ballet. Our tenancy at CLARA is critical to the survival of the McKeever
School of Irish Dance and we ask that any representatives of our school in the
hallway respect our fellow tenants with their behavior. For children, think of classroom
behavior - no running, screaming, or climbing. Children must be supervised by
parents at all times. For adults - think of the hallway as an office waiting room, please
feel welcomed but use the space temporarily and appropriately, and keep noise to a
minimum. Please clean up after oneself and do not block the pathway to and from the
bathrooms. If any party is repeatedly exhibiting behavior that is creating a negative
learning environment for our students inside of the studio or disrupting our neighbors,
they may be asked to leave the hallway. CLARA and the McKeever School have a
strict NO PETS policy with the exception of Service Animals which are legally allowed
under the supervision of their owner.
OBSERVING CLASS AS A PARENT
We understand that watching your child dance and monitoring their progress is a
joyful experience for parents and we would like to balance the opportunity to watch
your child in class while not creating a distracting environment for dancers in the
studio. Our studio door is always open during class, and parents or guests of dancers
are welcomed to temporarily watch the class in a way that is not distracting to
students in the classroom. This means that lingering in the doorway, having loud
conversations near the door, or entering the classroom during lessons is not allowed
unless you have been given permission by the instructor. Please respect the studio
as a classroom that requires a calm and quiet environment for optimal instruction of
this intricate art form!
POSTING VIDEOS OF STEPS AND CHOREOGRAPHY
All the material taught at the McKeever School of Irish Dance is intellectual property
of Nicole McKeever unless otherwise stated. In some cases traditional and universal
dances are taught but for the most part our steps are special to our school. You may
record steps to study for personal use IF GRANTED PERMISSION but you are not
allowed to post this material online, or share with anyone who is not a student of the
McKeever School of Irish Dance through email. You may not record other dancers
without their or their parents permission. The exception to this rule being recording
one’s own dancing if their is another dancer practicing at the same time. If we are
performing publicly and you post a video to share online that is allowed. Recording
any competitions is against the rules of our organization An Coimisiun Le Rinci
Gaelacha, even if it is your child that is recorded dancing.
All videos on our Digital Learning Center are property of the McKeever School of Irish
Dance and we ask that you do not share these videos with any people outside of our
enrolled student body.
3
STUDIO RULES
In our studio space at the E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts we share a larger space with many
wonderful arts groups. There is a lot of prestige and privilege that comes along with being a tenant in this new space
and all dancers, parents, family members and guests visiting the studios are required to abide by the Studio’s rules.
Parking and other daily issues are governed by the Studios Manager and the Studios Board and members of the
McKeever School must abide by all of their rules and regulations. The main thing to consider is to be courteous in
the common areas with regard to sound and cleanliness. CLARA and the McKeever School have a strict NO
PETS policy with the exception of Service Animals which are legally allowed under the supervision of their
owner.
CLRG RULES
The McKeever School of Irish Dance is a school registered with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha. This is one of the
most established and largest International Irish Dance organizations and is known to have the highest standard of
competition. We are also members of the Western US. Regional Council and the NAFC or the North American Feis
Commission which are part of An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha or CLRG. Transferring from another CLRG school
to ours or vice versa requires an official notice of transfer to the Western Region and a fee of $50 payable to
the Western US Region. You are also placed on a six month ban from competition. This is to dissuade any
poaching of students. Please visit our website for links to the CLRG and NAFC websites for additional rules and
regulations.
PERFORMANCE RULES
The McKeever School of Irish Dance aspires to give ALL of its students irrespective of level many performance
opportunities. When a student is able to skip and dance their first full dance in time to music they are
considered eligible to perform. Specific performances may require different levels of ability and it is always up to
the Director to determine who is qualified to perform. If you have missed two weeks of class or more leading up
to a performance you will be taken off the cast list. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PERFORM AS A
MCKEEVER STUDENT UNLESS YOU ARE ENROLLED IN CLASSES AND HAVE NO OUTSTANDING
BALANCES. Students may also be removed from a performance if they do not arrive to the event at the designated
arrival time or do not show up wearing the appropriate performance attire. Students are sometimes given written
performance outlines to study when there is no time to rehearse for a specific event. If a student signs up for a
performance it is their responsibility to study the performance outline and know their routines. If you wish to partake
in a performance there will be either an online signup sheet that is sent out or there will be a physical sign up sheet
posted in the studio. Only dancers who have signed up by the specified deadline will be eligible. TO SIGN UP FOR
PERFORMANCES - Please check out the signups in our school wide emails and on the Parent Dancer Page on
mckeeverdance.com
COMPETITION
At the McKeever School of Irish Dance you are not required to be involved competitively in Irish Dance, but it is
encouraged. Because we are a certified school under CLRG you have the privilege and access to competition that a
non certified school does not. Feiseanna ("Fesh- Ana" plural) or a Feis ("Fesh" singular) are the terms used for
competitions that allow dancers to compete and move up the ranks in order to achieve a champion level status (the
highest ranking). Regional and International level competitions are called an Oireachtas ("Or-Rock-Tas") and are
only competed in when dancers qualify depending on their competitive level. Competition allows students to set
goals and see progress as they earn trophies and medals. It also provides an opportunity to receive valuable
feedback from on how to improve one’s dancing from the expert opinion of an adjudicator. It does however require
investment in costuming and accessories. When you decide to start competing you must first get permission from the
Director of the McKeever School of Irish Dance. Generally dancers who can dance two to four of their beginner
dances in time to music without any assistance are considered ready for competition. The process of registering for a
Feis is done online, for more information on this process please discuss it with your teacher. Once a dancer attains
the Champion Level in competition they are eligible and encouraged to compete in Regional, National and if they
qualify, International Competitions. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COMPETE AS A MCKEEVER STUDENT
UNLESS YOU ARE ENROLLED IN CLASSES AND HAVE NO OUTSTANDING BALANCES. Novice, Prizewinner
and Champion level dancers must compete once a year. We offer the McKeever School feis in order to better
serve our dancers with this aspect.
4
COMPETITION COSTUME MCKEEVER SCHOOL COSTUMES
FEMALE DANCERS - The McKeever School of Irish
Dance has three beginner costumes. The first for COMPETITION OR FEIS LOOK
girls is a black long-sleeve, turtleneck leotard
and black skirt with a red sash. You will be
required to purchase this basic beginner
costume when you start to compete. This first
version of the costume is our most economical
version. We also have an embroidered team skirt
that is roughly $200 and can be work with the
black leotard and black tights for competition.
This is currently our team costume. Our next
level of costume for female dancers is a full
handmade team costume with special Celtic
embroidery. This is made by a talented local
dressmaker Mags Gogarty. This dress requires a SHOW LOOK CAN VARY BY SEASON
fitting and a few months to complete, it is an
investment around $500 that can be resold to
dancers within the school. When a dancer is
reaching a higher level of competition, usually
the Prizewinner through Champion levels, they
are advised to invest in a solo costume. These
are usually elaborate, personalized costumes
that help distinguish the dancer among their
competitors. The McKeever School of Irish Dance
requires the teacher's approval before costumes
are purchased, however we do not require or
force any family to buy from a specific
dressmaker. For boys at the beginner level, •
•
BLACK TIGHTS AND SKIRT
BLACK PANTS
Visit Capezio in East Sacramento for most of these Items
tell them you are a McKeever student. We carry McKeever
black dress pants, black long sleeve dress shirt • BLACK DANCE SKIRT 3 INCHES ABOVE KNEE
MCKEEVER EMBROIDERED SKIRT
Logo Shirts on our threadless.com store. Search
McKeever School. All embroidered items are ordered
•
and red tie are required for shows and
through dressmaker Mags Gogarty. Order form available
• MCKEEVER FULL EMBROIDERED TEAM COSTUME on Parent Dancer Pgae. Red sashes available at studio $5.
• BLACK TURTLENECK LEOTARD
competition. As male dancers reach higher • LEOTARD SHOWING COLLARBONE (SHOWS ONLY)
BLACK MODEST TANK TOP FOR OUTDOOR SHOWS IN SUMMER
levels of competition they can choose solo •
• FOR PERFORMANCE ANY MCKEEVER LOGO OR CELTIC KNOT SHIRT (AVAILABLE ON THREADLESS)
outfits, similar to the female dancers. •
•
RED TIE FOR BOYS
HAIR OFF THE FACE IN ANY STYLE - RED HAIR ACCESSORIES ENCOURAGED
MALE DANCERS - For male dancers its a little SHOES
easier. Black pants and a black long sleeve dress
Irish dance has two different types of footwear, soft
shirt with a red tie. This is the McKeever team
shoes or gillies for girls, and reel shoes for boys and
costume and beginner competitive costume.
hard shoes or heavy shoes for both sexes. These are
usually purchased once a new dancer has decided to
*The McKeever School is happy to accommodate perform or compete and has really committed to the
any dancer who may feel these costumes dance form. Hardshoe dances are generally not begun
suggestions make them uncomfortable. We are until a year into lessons depending on the age of the
basing these costumes guidelines on traditional dancer. For information on shoemakers please visit
gender norms but are happy to accommodate all the helpful links page on our website. For
dancers. For example female dancers have been performances, dancers will sometimes wear black dance
allowed to wear black pants. sneakers in place of dance shoes depending on the
surface we are performing on. Hardshoes can be pricey
so we recommend looking though the used shoe bin
SHOW COSTUME when you first start learning hardshoe.
For events such as shows female dancers will be Capezio on 39th and H streets also sells Irish Dance
required to have black tights a black skirt and shoes and is a great place to start
either a plain black leotard or any of the black
McKeever Logo shirts. Male dancers will need Also check out the North American Irish Dance Shoe
black pants and a plain black shirt or McKeever Exchange which is in a helpful link on our website. IF
Logo shirt. Any competition outfits listed above YOU SHOW UP TO CLASS WITHOUT SHOES YOU WILL BE
can also function for competition. ASKED TO SIT AND WATCH INSTEAD OF PHYSICALLY
PARTICIPATING.
5
SEASONAL CALENDAR
By registering you are agreeing to commit to your place in the class. Joining a class and cancelling a membership
requires a two week written advanced notice to stop your next months billing. Payment is on a month to month
basis, however in concept you are committing to your spot in the class and the program. If a particular month has a large
holiday break such as Christmas vacation, you will be charged a reduced rate of tuition that month because you do not pay
for classes we do not offer. If a particular month has more than 4 of a particular day such as 5 Mondays we will take
that 5th day off to keep monthly tuition at a standard rate. Studio Director Program will always show you your tuition
calculations ahead of time so you are informed. We will be open in the Summer since many dancers will need to train for
the North American Championships. However we anticipate scheduling a Summer break where the studio is closed fully
for a brief duration of time, usually 2-3 weeks in July. If you and your family are taking an extended holiday please let the
Director know in advance and we can freeze your membership tuition for that month. It is not advised to take an entire
season off if you are serious about progressing through the levels of Irish Dance. If a prolonged absence has occurred and
your class has advanced you may be asked to remain at a lower level.
HOMESCHOOL VOUCHERS
The McKeever School of Irish Dance accepts Visions in Education Vouchers and Inspire Vouchers. These are to be given
at the start of the month for one total month’s tuition. Visions Vouchers will not be applied to the Summer months since
Visions does not provide funding for vacation months when traditional school is not in session.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are arranged when a student needs to catch up or receive specific choreography. A student must already
be enrolled in regular weekly classes. Private lessons can be shared, are booked 7 days in advance and paid for upon
booking. Cancellation of a Private Lesson may be only for an extreme situation such as illness, injury or extreme weather
conditions. If there is no advanced notice of cancellation and you fail to attend your scheduled private you will be charged
the full amount. Private lessons are $70 an hour for one student. It can be split between two for $40 each, and if split
between three or more dancers each student pays $30 for the hour. Maximum amount of students in a private lesson is
generally 5 unless otherwise determined by the Director. If a teacher has to cancel a private lesson for any reason, all
payments made for the cancelled class are refunded in full. Private lessons are generally held on Sundays and by
appointment.
METHODS OF PAYMENT
All families are required to fill out a profile in our online program called Studio Director that will help families keep track of
payments and which classes they are registered for. Through this program we are able to accept credit card payments. It is
highly recommended to click on the automatic payment option in Studio Director. Cash and check are also accepted.
Please make all checks payable to The McKeever School of Dance or Nicole McKeever. If you require a specific
payment schedule because a unique employment payday please discuss this with the Director and we will try our best to
st
accommodate. Membership payments are taken out on the 1 of every month. Be sure you add or drop classes BEFORE
that time. You will be required to put a credit card on file as part of your Studio Director profile, however this will only be
charged if you have an outstanding tuition payment or fee. You will be notified by email that this charge will be taken out.
PAYMENT GUIDELINES
Tuition is paid during the first week of the month. Prolonged failure to pay tuition will unfortunately mean you have lost your
place in the program. You may change the level of membership or amount of hours you are taking each month before your
monthly payment is due. Late payments are subject to a $15 late fee. A payment is considered late after the second
week of that month. All bounced checks will have to pay a fee, that fee is determined by whatever financial penalty the
bank has placed on the McKeever School of Irish Dance.
MAKEUP CLASSES
If you miss a class it is appreciated when you email us and let us know. You are allowed to make up your missed
classes but it has to be within the same month. For instance if you missed two hours of class you can make up two
hours at some point that same month. These makeup classes do not roll over to the next month unless you missed a
class on the last week of the month and make it up on the first week of the next. If the class you are enrolled in does
not have a similar duplicate ask us and we will try to help you find a good class to make things up. If a scheduled class is
cancelled by the instructor you do not pay.
PHONE ACCESS
Contacting us via phone and text is only allowed on the day of a show or competition or in the case of an emergency
during working hours. You can always reach us by email which we answer quickly. We will not respond to phone calls or
texts outside of studio or event hours
6
PRICING EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2022
4 CLASSES A MONTH once a week = $70 PER MONTH
HOURLY RATE PER CLASS $17.50
8 CLASSES A MONTH twice a week = $136 PER MONTH
HOURLY RATE PER CLASS $17.00
12 CLASSES A MONTH three classes a week = $192 PER MONTH
HOURLY RATE PER CLASS $16.00
Classes are 60 min long. Champion classes are 75 min long at
no additional charge.
Each New Registration or family profile will be charged a $35
Registration Fee. If you decide to stop your membership for
REGISTRATION FEE longer than 2 months and it is not due to illness or other
unforeseen circumstances, you will be charged $20 upon joining
again.
Private lessons are $70 an hour for members and $100 for non -
members. Members may split a lesson for $40 each between
PRIVATE LESSONS
two people or $30 each for 3 - 5 dancers. $35 for half hour
lesson which is recommended for grade level dancers.
Tuition is paid monthly on the 1st of the month. We encourage
you to be enrolled in automatic payments. You must give two
weeks notice to stop enrollment. After 7 days in a month has
LATE FEE
passed you will be charged $15 late fee and notified by email. If
you fail to pay tuition for more than one month without
explanation you will lose your membership.
You may only have one make-up class a month. If you are
enrolled in 3 or more hours a week you may have 2 makeup
classes a month. If you miss a class you must make this class
MAKE UP CLASSES
up within the month. Exception is missing a class during the last
week of the month, students are then allowed to make up a
class during the first week of classes in that next month.
Enrolled student drop in rate is $20 per hour
DROP IN RATE
Non enrolled student drop in is $25 an hour
*PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL TUITION IS PROCESSED THROUGH STUDIO DIRECTOR SOFTWARE. YOU CAN
ACCESS YOUR TUITION CHARGES AT ANY TIME IN YOUR ACCOUNT.
*WE OFFER A 20% FAMILY MEMBER DISCOUNT. APPLIED TO THE FAMILY MEMBER WITH THE LEAST
AMOUNT OF TUITION.
7SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
NOVICE
TINY TOTS TINY TOTS Beginner One Digital BEGINNER ONE
PRIZEWINNER 4:30 - 5:30
1:00 - 1:30 4:00 - 4:30 4:30 - 5:30
4:30 - 5:30
NOVICE
NOVICE
CHAMPION BEGINNER ONE BEGINNER TWO PRIZEWINNER
PRIZEWINNER CHAMPION DIGITAL
1:45 - 3:00 4:30 - 5:30 5:30 - 6:30
5:30 - 6:30 5:30 - 6:30
NOVICE NOVICE
BEGINNER TWO CEILI CLASS KIDS CHAMPION
PRIZEWINNER 6:30 - 7:30 PRIZEWINNER
5:30 - 6:30 6:30 - 7:45
3:00 - 4:00 6:30 - 7:30
CEILI CLASS
BEGINNER ONE TEENS AND ADULTS ADULT ADULT CHAMPION
15 and Up
4:00 - 5:00 7:30 - 8:30 7:45 - 8:45 7:30 -8:45
6:30 - 7:30
CHAMPION
7:30 -8:45MCKEEVER SCHOOL CLASS LEVELS
Dancers new to Irish Dance start here and begin learning basic technique as well as their first 4
Beginner One soft-shoe dances. These are the Light Jig, Single Jig, Reel and Slip Jig.
Dancers who have earned their 4 soft-shoe ribbons will move to this level and start learning their
Beginner Two 3 beginner hardshoe dances!
Dancers who have learned all 7 beginner dances will advance to Novice Prizewinner. This
level is the training ground for becoming a Champion. Harder dances are learned and
Novice Prizewinner technique and strength is increased. You must compete OR do grade exams once a year to
remain in this level.
This level is by invitation only. Dancers have achieved specific goals in competition, grade
exams or class and have exhibited certain admirable ethics and behaviors in class. A
Champion Champion is an ambassador for the school and has the potential to compete at a local,
Regional, National and International Level. You must be enrolled in two classes a week to
compete at the non- local level, ie. Regional Championships and higher level competitions.
These classes are for anyone starting Irish Dance or returning to Irish dance after the age
Adult of 17. Dancers learn 7 beginner dances and move on to harder material.
Once Covid restrictions ease up we will be adding Ceili or teams class back to our
schedule for both children and adults. These are traditional social dances done in groups of
Teams Class 4-16 people and are eligible to be performed in competition at the local and International
level!
MCKEEVER SCHOOL
“BRING A FRIEND” DISCOUNT
At anytime, get a friend to
register for classes and receive
$20 credit applied to your Studio
Director Account.
Does notThis
retroactively apply after 2before
is not retroactive months of enrollment
8/4/19.
YOUR NAME_________________________________________
YOUR FRIENDS NAME _______________________________
Thank you for helping us to spread Irish Dance to the community!
8McKeever School of Irish Dance Liability Waiver Student Name _____________________________________________ Age _______ D.O.B. ____/____/____/ Student Name _____________________________________________ Age _______ D.O.B. ____/____/____/ Student Name _____________________________________________ Age _______ D.O.B. ____/____/____/ Parent of Legal Guardian’s Name __________________________________________________________________ Email ________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Other than Parent _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Does the Student have any allergy restrictions? YES or NO If yes, please explain: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NEW STUDENTS How did you hear about us? _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Has the student had any previous dance training? Yes or No Name of current or previous dance school ___________________________________________________________ Photo Release Form & Agreements I give full rights to the McKeever School of Irish Dance and its staff to use photos and video images of me, or my child to use for promotional purposes of the McKeever School of Irish Dance. Photos and video will be used in brochures, websites, advertisements, and other promotional material created by the studio. Photos may appear with or without names in press releases and other print advertising. These photos may be taken during class or at performances both public and private. Release of Liability I have read understood all the policies in the McKeever School Student and Parent Guidebook. I release and hold harmless the McKeever School of Irish Dance, its owner and operator Nicole McKeever, and all assistant teachers at the McKeever School of Irish Dance from any liability, claims, demands and causes of action whatsoever, arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, including death, that may be sustained by the participant and or the undersigned, while in or upon the premises or any premises under the control or supervision of the McKeever School of Irish Dance, its owners and operators or in route to or from any of the said premises. The undersigned gives permission to the McKeever School of Irish Dance its owners and operators to seek medical treatment for the participant in the event they are not able to reach a parent or guardian. I hereby declare any physical/mental problems, restrictions or condition and or declare the participant to be in good physical and mental health. INSURANCE COMPANY: _______________________________________________________________________________ POLICY NUMBER:_____________________________________________________________________________________ CHILD’S PHYSICIAN: _________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Printed Name ____________________________________________________DATE ________________________________ SIGNATURE __________________________________________________________________________________________
MCKEEVER SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE
AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
NAME ___________________________________________________________________________
DATE ____________________________________________________________________________
Describe how you went out into the community to show people what Irish Dance is and how
much you love the Art form. This must be something outside of the organized McKeever
School Events.
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Please attach proof of this event in the form of a picture, video stills or written
recommendation from someone at the event.
This application will be reviewed by an expert individual in the field of Irish Dance and or Education who is outside of the McKeever School of Irish
Dance staff and student body.
One student will be chosen as the recipient of this scholarship. They will receive three months of a 50% discount applied towards their tuition. You
may apply multiple times for this award but not by using the same event. Students can win once in a calendar year.
Deadlines
Sept 15th - Applied to October, November, December Tuition
Dec 15th - Applied to January, February, March Tuition
March 15th - Applied to April, May, June Tuition
June 15th - Applied to July, August, Sept Tuition
9McKeever School Of Irish Dance
Parent and Dancer Handbook
The signature below certifies that as a dancer or
parent of a dancer I,
___________________________________________
Have read what is contained in The McKeever
School of Irish Dance Parent and Dancer
Handbook and agree that myself and any of my
children enrolled in the school will adhere to
these rules and regulations.
It is mandatory that you sign, print and hand in
copy of this page to the McKeever School of Irish
Dance otherwise registration will not be
complete.
Print Name:
_______________________________________________________
Name of Children Enrolled:
_______________________________________________________
Signature:
_______________________________________________________
Date:
_______________________________________________________
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