(208) 520-9978


Dear Students:
 Thank you for your interest in Scoil Rince na hEasan. I aim to serve Eastern Idaho with quality instruction in all forms of Irish dance. Classes, performances, and the occasional competition will be challenging, but, with these rules in place, I hope you will find them safe, fun, and mentally and physically uplifting.

Class Protocol
 Each lesson is an hour long, except for special workshops and intensives. Dress code for lessons requires that long hair be tied back, and that you wear clothes comfortable and appropriate for dancing. Do not wear jeans, pants, or skirts that are long or tight. If you don't yet have your Irish dance shoes, ballet slippers or jazz shoes will suffice. Please write your name on the bottoms of shoes. All coats and street shoes must be left in the waiting area, as must all food and drink.
 Family members and friends are welcome to stay and watch their children's lessons, but they must remain in the waiting area unless they are enrolled in the same class. Students must have shoes on and be prepared to dance when the lesson is scheduled to start. Unless there's an emergency, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance of any absence or tardiness. Good money is paid for your lessons, and I can only give you the best deal for your money if an unanticipated absence or tardiness doesn't upset my lesson plans. 
	Practice is essential if you prefer getting the most learning and enjoyment out of your lessons to spending your time in class relearning steps. I recommend an average of a half-hour of practice per day, and practice sheets should be filled out and shown to your teacher every week. The class that achieves the recommended daily average will receive a special award, and monthly awards are given to individual students who practice the most. Practicing a step correctly is even more important. If you are having trouble remembering a step, please contact me, and I'll be happy to help. I am also making videos for a $5 deposit. Practicing to music is also important. CD's are available through any Irish dance supplier. I would recommend "One More Time," and any of Olive Hurley's "Sets and Solos" volumes. Or, for $2, I can burn a practice CD for you with all the music you'll need for practicing your soft-shoe, hard shoe solos, and traditional set dances. 
       For classes through the Idaho Children's Dance Theater, payment of $45 per student is due the first scheduled lesson of the month. Please make checks out to the Idaho Children's Dance Theater, and follow their policies.  You will also be in the unique position of having membership in two dance organizations for the cost of one, since Scoil Rince na hEasan is a separate entity contracted and sharing responsibilities with, rather than employed by, the ICDT. Scoil Rince na hEasan is also run according to the policies of an Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, the Irish Dance Teachers' Association of North America, and the Western Region. All students who want all the opportunities of membership in an accredited Irish dance school have the responsibility of following those policies, which are on the following pages.

Performance Protocol
	All performing dancers must arrive at the event 30 minutes early to allow for time to change shoes and warm up. Unless otherwise noted, they must be in full costume. Jewelry must be tasteful and kept to a minimum. Tara brooches for the cape, small earrings, hair slides for those with long hair, and a ring or two are permitted. Necklaces and bracelets are not, with the exception of medical alert tags, if necessary. Makeup should be tasteful and appropriate for the venue. For instance, full stage makeup would be appropriate for Colonial Theater but would be too much for a performance at a restaurant or retirement home. Please, no glitter. Hair must be neat and clean. Girls should curl their hair if possible, and wear the uniform headband. Anyone unable to attend a performance must notify me in no uncertain terms at least 1 week in advance, or at least as soon as possible, so I'm not stuck rearranging or calling off a performance at the last minute. And if there are any special rehearsals before a performance, those intent on performing must attend so we can polish up our group numbers.

Competition Protocol
	Each feis has its own set of rules, An Coimisiun has its rules regarding competition, and the North American Feis Commission also has its rules, which are quite often subject to change. And I have the following guidelines. If you intend to enter a specific feis, please let me know well before the entry deadline. This way, we have time to get updated on the competition regulations, get your dances prepared, make travel arrangements, and get your entry forms and fees sent off by the deadline. I strongly encourage team events for all competitors whenever feasible, so attendance of what extra figure dance rehearsals may be held prior to a competition is mandatory for those intent on competing. 
	Regulations may differ from one competition to another, but two requirements remains constant- promptness and good sportsmanship. Always arrive at your stage on time for your competition and, when applicable, your awards presentation. And, no matter how tough the competition may be onstage, don't make it tough offstage. Respect the judges' decisions, even if you don't agree with them. They have, after all, the highest level of expertise in Irish dance. Respect your fellow competitors and their teachers. Be happy for those who beat you, be sympathetic to those who don't, and congratulate generously. The best thing about feiseanna is not winning trophies or medals, but winning friends. On the other hand, you only earn disciplinary measures with bad sportsmanship.
	I hope this helps you start a long, enjoyable Irish dance experience. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

-Valerie Finnigan, TCRG


I understand and agree to the protocols put forth here and will abide by the rules of An Coimisiun le Rince Gaelacha, the Irish Dance Teachers' Association, and the Western Region. 

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(signature of student, parent, or guardian)