The Sionnaine (pronounced Shannon) Irish Dance Academy dancers have been a part of the proud tradition of Irish dance for the past 9 years. They range from ages 3 to adult, male and female, beginner to advanced, and recreational to competitive. They work hard and train weekly in both traditional and modern Irish step dancing including hardshoe and softshoe, as well as ceili (group) dancing and choreographies.
The majority of SIDA dancers attend 8 to 15 competitions and/or championships per year. Their top dancers travel to compete in the Western Canadian Oireachtas (World Qualifying Rounds) every year. Some have qualified to compete in the World Championships, many have qualified to compete in the North American Championships every year.
Michelle is dedicated to creating a fun but disciplined learning environment. She creates numerous opportunities ranging from award days, performances for local events/functions, adventure-packed river rafting camps, to traveling and touring nationally and internationally in such places as Switzerland to perform or compete in Irish dance. See our events page for more information.
(PAC of Sionnaine Irish Dance Academy)
The purposes of the Fraser Valley Irish Dance Association is to promote the awareness and appreciation of Irish culture and dancing in the Lower Mainland, to promote the study and performance of Irish dancing, to foster goodwill and sportsmanship among the members of the club, affiliated dancers and the community, to operate as a not for profit organization and to receive donations of any kind toward the purposes of the society, to provide financial assistance to members and affiliated dancers in purchasing specified Irish Dance costumes, and to provide financial assistance to members attending special dance-out events and traveling to competitions.
The FVIDA help in organizing events like our Ceilidhs (Irish Celebration with food, music, and dance show), extra training (gymnastic classes, workshops, pilates), St.Patrick's day functions & Parade, and our annual Call to Dance production (year end performance). They are also in charge of searching for sponsors and planning fun events for the dancers like an Awards Ceremony; where dancers receive a school medal as well as individual trophies for special achievements, and our Annual Fun Day. FVIDA’s main goal is to ensure there is always enough funds in the dancing pool to pay for SIDA Traditional Irish Costumes; worn by the students of SIDA for competitions and performances.
Our Expectations...
FOR PRACTICE:
- To be on time, have both shoes, & a water bottle.
- To wear shorts, t-shirt, and have hair tied back off face.
- To stay in the classroom during class time.
- To tape blisters/ankles before class.
- To be able to tie their own shoes.
- To approach Michelle with questions or problems.
- To be friendly, courteous, and supportive to those involved with SIDA and the FVIDA.
- To say thank you and goodbye to teachers at the end of class, as will they.
- To practice regularly outside of class times.
FOR PERFORMANCES:
- To make themselves aware and available if possible.
- To act professionally so as to reflect positively on SIDA and the FVIDA.
- To always arrive READY (hair curly, proper make-up, and all costume accessories).
- To arrive/leave looking presentable (in school gear).
- To call Michelle if the have committed to a show/practice and then have to cancel.
COMPETITIONS ARE NOT MADATORY. Children are not forced to compete: they may do so if they wish. If your child is scared of competition, it may be a good idea to take them to watch an event, instead of throwing the idea out the window. Most kids that are initially scared of competition are usually the ones that end up liking it the most.
MISS A CLASS Please make sure to check the bulletin board for any notices you may have missed. You are welcome to make up your class on another day.
Questions? Want to sign yourself or your child up for lessons?
604-836-8201
Check out the new Irish Dancing Blog
About Us...
