Irish dance classes for children in Eccles, Salford

Looking for a new hobby for your child? 
Why not give Irish dancing a go!

Irish dancing is a traditional style of dancing originated from Ireland. It includes solo dancing, as well as team dances such as a ceili dance. Even though Irish dancing has been around for centuries, the dancing style has definitely evolved over the years with more modern choreography being performed by groups such as Prodijig and within more recent Riverdance or Lord of the Dance shows.

FD Academy of Irish Dance offers children 4 years and over the opportunity to give this exciting dance style a go in a fun, friendly and welcoming environment.

Children are taught the traditional steps & more modern steps, and are supported to reach their potential and achieve their dancing goals – building confidence, making new friends and having lots of fun along the way!

Classes take place at Bridgewater Studios, Bridgewater Mill, Legh Street, Eccles, M30 0UT.  

Our dance home is only a short 10 minute drive from Manchester City Centre, and we have dance classes for beginners through to championship level. 

We pride ourselves in the community feel we have built through our dancing families, and we can’t wait to welcome you    into our school. 

Don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information or to book a class. 

About Us

Meet the Teacher – Faye Downey T.C.R.G

Faye began dancing at a young age, and she danced for the Morgan School of Irish Dance for most of her competitive career, competing in both solos and teams at the World Championships, British National Championships, Great Britain Championships, All Irelands, All Scotlands and Regional Championships, where she became North West Regional Champion in 2010. Faye was part of the Dance Drama team who were crowned 2004 World Champions in Belfast, alongside her fellow teammates at the Morgan School of Irish Dance.

After 15 years of competitive dancing, Faye found her passion lay in teaching and after passing her TCRG Examination in 2012, she set up a the Robinson Downey Academy of Irish Dance with former Morgan dancer, Nicola Robinson, before opening up her own Academy in 2020 to expand her classes across Salford.

FD Academy is also registered with “An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha”, the largest Worldwide Irish dancing governing body.

Outside of Irish dancing, Faye earned a BA Hons in Sport Development in 2010, and since then as gone on to gain qualifications in the sports and fitness sector and is currently working towards a Level 2 Dance Fitness qualification. Faye works as a full time Project Manager in the fitness industry, and works primarily on projects that bring about positive change through exercise & sport.

Class Timetable

We are now enrolling for all classes. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

MINI JIGGERS CLASSES

Who are beginner classes for?
All children aged 3-5 years are welcome to attend our Mini Jiggers classes where they will be introduced to the basics of Irish Dance through fun games.

All children aged 6years and over are welcome to try out Novice Classes, where we teach them their first novice dancers working towards entering their first feis.

When are the classes?
Mini Jiggers classes are on Monday evenings from 5.15pm .

Novice classes are on Monday’s at 5.15pm and Thursday’s at 5.30pm – both at Bridgewater Studios in Eccles, M30 0UT.

What can I expect?
Mini Jiggers are taught 7 basic Irish dance moves through fun and engaging routines and games.

Novice Dancers are taught basic Irish dance steps and their four Novice dances in soft shoes. Once they can perform these dances to a good standard they will then move up to the next group.

PRIMARY – OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES

Who are advanced classes for?
Dancers with prior experience of Irish Dancing are welcomed into our advanced classes. We have dancers from Primary Grades all through to Open level in these classes, so if you have danced & competed before, these classes are for you.

What day are the classes?
Classes are held on Monday’s from 6.30pm & Thursday’s from 5.30pm at Bridgewater Studios, Bridgewater Mill in Eccles. Dancers are split into groups depending on their age, grade and dancing ability.

What can I expect at class?
Classes cover fitness, drills and solos dances. We may also include display routines depending on upcoming event bookings. All classes take place in a purpose built dance studio with dance floor, mirrors and supporting equipment such as ballet bars to help with technique. All classes adhere to social distancing guidelines and are COVID-19 safe.

Please note that we will be working on different dances per class, so dancers are strongly encouraged to attend all classes per week for their dance group.

JIGFIT – adults fitness classes

JigFit is a new Irish dance fitness class for adults coming soon to Eccles ☘️

The focus of classes is on fitness and fun, it’s not about getting it right it’s about having fun and moving our bodies – learning an Irish step or two along the way 💃🏼

No prior experience required, open to all abilities.

Book for the full term or select dates pay as you go.

BOOK HERE: https://bookwhen.com/jigfiteccles

Come and join us for some cardio and craic ☘️💚🤍🧡