News

September 13, 2009

Class rules

Parents, ensure that your dancer is picked up inside the studio. Students are not allowed to leave the studio area without a parent present.
Long hair must be tied back in a ponytail. Long bangs must be slicked back.
All dancers must wear shorts and t-shirts. Teachers must be able to see dancer's knees. Dancers not appropriately dressed will be asked to sit out of class.
Please wear proper Irish Dance shoes in class with socks. If you do not have shoes they can be bought through Rosemary O'Brien at 613-591-3764. Please make an appointment to be fitted with shoes.
No gum or food will be permitted in class. All students are encouraged to bring water into class.
Teachers will not permit rude or disrespectful behaviour in class. Students who exhibit rude behaviour will be asked to sit out. If it continues, it is a sign that a child is not ready or doesn't wish to be in Irish Dance. Parents will be contacted and the student's progress will be discussed.

Trillium Wear — Order now!

Trillium Wear is now available on-line! You can now order Trillium t-shirts, pyjama pants, shorts, bags and more at Epsilon Plus, click on "Trillium Irish Dance" or call (613) 277-7175. We are hoping everyone gets a T-Shirt and black shorts for dance class — the best dance uniform ever. In the summer it's also a great dance costume for those hot days under the sun when we do outdoor shows.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are a great way for a dancer to have the best and most focused attention. A qualified instructor will assist dancers with their steps, poise and rhythm. The cost per private lesson is $30/hour for one dancer and $20 each/hour for two dancers. Please call the studio to make an appointment.

Upcoming Feiseanna

There are many competitions being held during the year in all parts of Ontario and northern New York. For a complete list of all North American Feiseanna during 2008, click here.

Please ensure that if you are going to a feis that Patty or Kathleen checks your entry form before mailing it.

Costumes/New Feis Rules

Dress Rules

The style of dress you wear depends on what level you are in for your solo dances. There are new rules in place that Trillium must adhere to. Any dancer in beginner or advanced beginner must wear a school dress. Hair may be curled but no wigs or makeup are allowed. Dancers in novice through to championship levels are allowed to wear their solo costume and wig, if you have them, and makeup for solo dances. For split level dancers please speak to your teacher.

If you are ready to purchase a wig, please consult the teacher(s) for recommendations on the style, colour, and size that would best suit you as well as the names/contact information for various retailers.

Costumes

Dancers competing in any feis require a proper Irish Dance costume whether it's a Trillium Academy costume or a solo costume, provided we follow the above mentioned rules. If you need a new costume or if your costume no longer fits please let your teacher know as soon as possible so we may arrange to have another made for you.

Figure dresses for girls

Beginner/Advanced beginner: green princess line or fully embroidered costumes with bubble socks.
Novice: green velvet dress with tights.

Boys

All male dancers need a pair of black trousers, black socks and a white dress shirt with a dark tie.

Tights/socks/shoes

Note: We will not allow any dancer without proper footwear and costume to perform in any upcoming show.

All students, new and old, should have traditional Irish Dance shoes. We have a selection of second hand shoes at the Ottawa Studio, please take a look on costume day. If you have shoes to sell or would like to see if we have any in your size, please speak to Kathleen. New dance shoes may be ordered through Rosemary O'Brien, call 591-3764. If you haven't reached her within a week, speak to Kathleen.

Irish dance socks (a.k.a., "bubble" socks or "poodle" socks) can be purchased from Patty or Kathleen for $12.00/pair.

This year we would like all advanced beginner, novice, and open dancers to purchase Black Mondor tights. These can be purchased at Brio (877 Bank Street or 380 Richmond Road) or Malabar (1545 Merivale Rd.). Please ensure that these tights have feet.

Practice

All dancers who plan to compete or perform should try to practice three times per week. It is especially important to go over new steps so that you are prepared for the next class.

We are often asked about purchasing music CDs for practicing. These can usually be purchased from vendors at competitions. The vendors will know, and dancers should ensure, that there are hard shoe dances on the CD. Many listening Irish CDs have jigs and reels on them, but almost never a hornpipe or treble jig.

Ceili

Every month Comhaltas holds a Ceili/party. It takes place at Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 4th Avenue at Percy Street in the Glebe in the lower level of the church (entrance on 4th). The evening starts at 8:30 pm and lasts until the music stops. There is an entrance fee of around $10.00, a cash bar, live music and dance. Soda bread and jam, coffee and tea are served around midnight. Every month a dance school is featured during the intermission. The Ceili season is now over, they will be starting again in September.

Visit the Comhaltas Web site to learn more about their organization.

Music Lessons

Comhaltas Ceoltori Eirann, a prominent Irish group, is purchasing new instruments for youngsters to be able to take lessons. If you are interested in finding out more information about this program, call Tony Cleary at 225-1757.