FAQ
Who Can Sign Up?
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Our Irish dance school, located in Connecticut, has classes for girls and boys aged 4 and older. We have locations and lessons in Fairfield County: Newtown, CT.
You do not need prior dance experience or need to be Irish to enjoy the art of Irish dancing. For more information on registration, please see Register or for information on our programs, visit Classes & Camps.
We are proud to teach Irish step dancing to students from Newtown, Sandy Hook, Danbury, Southbury, Brookfield, Bethel, Oxford, Ridgefield, Monroe, Redding, Woodbury, Washington, New Fairfield, Woodbridge, Easton, Middlebury, Trumbull, New Milford, Redding, CT and more!
Where Are You Located?
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Newtown Studio: 3 Simm Lane 3L1, Newtown, CT
The Simm Lane complex is located off Route 25 near the Car Wash & Fashion Exchange. Enter through Door A and go right down the hallway. ​
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What Is The Dress Code?
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Students are expected to arrive to class 5-10 minutes prior to start time with dancing clothes on, hair tied back in a ponytail/bun, and shoes neatly tied. No sweatshirts, leggings, skirts or yoga pants are to be worn during instructional time (with the exception of adult classes).
GIRLS: Ashurst Academy top or black t-shirt/black tank top, black shorts, poodle socks. Hair must be in a ponytail or bun. No leggings, pants, skirts or skorts.
*Beginner I & II level dancers may wear black ballet shoes or ghillies.
BOYS: Ashurst Academy top or black t-shirt, black shorts, solid color socks. Beginner level dancers may wear regular socks and black jazz shoes or black ballet shoes. More advanced dancers may purchase boys reel shoes.
ADULTS: T-shirt, leggings or yoga pants, regular socks, sneakers or dance shoes.
Ashurst Teamwear can be ordered periodically throughout the year.
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Where Can I Buy Or Sell Shoes?
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Beginner I and Little Shamrocker level dancers are not required to have ghillies or hard shoes, black ballet shoes are preferred. From Beginner II level onward or once competitive, dancers should wear proper ghillies or boys reel shoes. We recommend:
GIRLS SOFTSHOES/GHILLIES: Hullachan Pro (via Fay’s) - $85
https://fayshoes.com/product/new-hullachan-iv-embrace/
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BOYS SOFTSHOES: Boys Reel Shoes (via Fay’s) - $85
https://fayshoes.com/product/boys-reel-shoes/
When ready, the teacher will advise students to purchase hardshoes.
HARD SHOES: Fay’s $155-170 (Flexi Level based on dancer preference)
Please purchase all black leather shoes (no white leather accents).
Dancers may use white electrical tape to cover top strap and one layer around ankle rim of ankle only.
NO further taping or alterations to light or heavy shoes is permitted.
https://fayshoes.com/product/super-flexi/
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USED SHOES: May be available for purchase - please email desired size and shoe type to see if in stock.
To submit used shoes, place the shoes in a plastic bag with the following information on it:
1) Name Who Payment Can Be Written To
2) Asking Price
3) Size
4) Include an Envelope with your Name
How Are Students Placed?
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Each class level has required pre-requisites which a student must have complete prior to attending that level. See Class Levels for details. Placement is done on ability, not age with the exception of our Little Shamrocker/Beginner I programs.
The progress of each student is monitored continuously throughout the year and the faculty reserve the right to change a student’s level when appropriate. Students do not automatically advance to the next level at the end of each year. Many times, students placed in a class too advanced, not yet having grasped and implemented the correct technique for the next level, may find progression hindered with bad habits rather than good ones. It is our goal to push, challenge and encourage each student to do their very best, whilst maintaining a high level of technique. All decisions are subject to teacher's discretion.
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How Can I Hire Ashurst Academy Irish Dancers?
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If interested in hiring Irish dancers for an event, please email us for more information. We perform at gigs big and small including: cultural events and Irish festivals, St. Patrick's Day festivities, concerts and theaters, corporate events, weddings and receptions, parades, charity events, school assemblies and more. Our Ashurst Irish Dance Troupe have performed all through Connecticut including Fairfield County, New Haven County, Litchfield County and more.