Courses

our

Dance programme in west yorkshire for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

fundamental

Courses

🟩 4-Week Fundamental Irish Dance Course

At Kane Irish Dance, our 4-week fundamental courses are designed to give new pupils the perfect introduction to traditional Irish dance. Across one lesson per week, dancers will develop strong foundational skills in posture, foot placement, rhythm, and coordination. Pupils will begin learning basic movements and steps that form the building blocks of Irish dance technique.

Each course follows our structured, grade-focused curriculum and is delivered according to our class age groups, as seen in the Classes section of our website. From our supportive Shining Stars group for SEND children to Little Shamrocks (ages 3–5), Leprechaun Kids (5–12), Teenagers, and Adults, we ensure every dancer learns in the right environment for their age and ability.

We also offer progression opportunities beyond fundamentals—including graded exams and the chance to compete for those who wish to pursue Irish dance further.

👉 Please click on the relevant button below to book your Fundamentals Course based on your age group.

Shining Stars SEND Little Shamrocks (Ages 3-5) Leprechaun Kids (Ages 5-12) Teenager Irish Dance Adult Irish Dance

Introductory

Courses

🟩 Introductory Irish Dance Course (2 Lessons per Week)

Our Introductory Irish Dance Course is ideal for pupils who are ready to commit more fully to their Irish dance journey. This structured 4-week programme offers two lessons per week, allowing dancers to progress faster and build both confidence and technical ability at a deeper level.

Designed for Shining Stars children with SEND, Leprechaun Dance (ages 5–12), , this course focuses on developing precise technique, building strength and stamina, and refining movement with increased attention to performance and accuracy. Pupils will work on foundational steps and routines that are aligned with our grade-based syllabus, while also being introduced to more challenging material suited to their age and commitment level.

As a grade-focused school, pupils will also have the opportunity to work toward formal assessments and, if they wish, begin their pathway to competitive Irish dancing.

👉 Please click on the relevant button below to book your Introductory Course based on your age group.

Course Buttons
Shining Stars SEND Leprechaun Kids (Ages 5–12)

beginner

Courses

🟩 6-Week Beginner Irish Dance Course (Includes Uniform + 1 Lessons per Week)

Our 6-Week Beginner Irish Dance Course is perfect for new dancers looking to make a confident and committed start to their Irish dance journey. With one lessons per week, this course offers steady progress and a strong foundation in both technique and performance.

This course is available for Little shamrocks ages 3- 5 years, Shining Stars children with SEND, Leprechaun Kids (ages 5–12), Teenager Irish Dance, and Adult Irish Dance.

Dancers will learn the essential skills of Irish dance—step patterns, timing, rhythm, posture, and turnout—while also beginning to master choreographed routines. Pupils will also receive a Kane Irish Dance uniform, helping them feel part of our team from day one and ready to take their dancing seriously.

As a grade-focused school, pupils will be introduced to our structured syllabus and given the opportunity to work toward formal grades. Those with competitive goals will also find a clear pathway to prepare for feiseanna (competitions) and future performances.

👉 Please click on the relevant button below to book your Beginner Course based on your age group.

Little Shamrocks (Ages 3–5) Little Shamrocks (Ages 5–12) Shining Stars SEND Teenager Irish Dance Adult Irish Dance

benefits

Of Dance

Balance:

Dance significantly improves balance by strengthening core muscles, enhancing posture, and increasing body awareness. Through controlled movements, shifts in weight, and coordination with music, dancers learn to stabilize themselves with greater ease and precision. This leads to better overall stability, reduced risk of falls, and improved performance in both everyday activities and other physical exercises. Whether you’re spinning, stepping, or holding a pose, dance challenges and sharpens your sense of balance in a dynamic, enjoyable way.

Memory:

Dancing is a powerful way to boost memory and cognitive function. Learning and remembering steps, rhythms, and sequences keeps the brain active, improves focus, and enhances mental agility. Regular dance practice has been shown to support long-term brain health and may even reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age.

Confidence:

Dance boosts confidence by helping individuals express themselves, improve posture, and build a sense of achievement. As dancers learn new steps and see progress, they gain self-belief and pride in their abilities. Performing in front of others—even in a class setting—encourages courage, body awareness, and a positive self-image, all of which contribute to greater overall confidence in everyday life.

Fitness:

Dance is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness. It gets your heart pumping, increases circulation, and helps build stamina—all while having fun. Regular dancing strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and can reduce the risk of heart disease. It also improves coordination, flexibility, and muscle tone, making it a full-body workout that supports long-term physical health without the monotony of a typical gym routine.

Bone Health:

Dance is a proven way to improve bone density, particularly weight-bearing styles like Irish dance, ballet, and other forms of active movement. The impact of dancing, especially when it involves jumping, landing, or bearing weight on the legs, helps stimulate bone growth and strengthens bones over time. Regular participation in dance promotes healthy bone density, which is especially important for preventing osteoporosis as we age. The rhythmic movements and full-body engagement in dance help increase bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures, supporting long-term skeletal health.

Musicality & Co-ordination:

Dancing to music enhances coordination by training the body and brain to move in sync with rhythm and timing. As dancers learn to match steps to beats, they develop better balance, agility, and spatial awareness. This connection between movement and music strengthens neural pathways, improves motor skills, and increases body control—benefits that carry over into everyday tasks and other physical activities. Plus, moving in rhythm is not only beneficial—it’s deeply satisfying and fun.