Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio

Are you or your children looking to connect with a vibrant cultural art form that is both energetic and steeped in history? Look no further than the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio, a beloved institution nestled in the heart of Portland, Michigan. This passionate group of dancers and instructors is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Irish heritage through the captivating art of Irish dance. Since its inception, the Troupe has grown into a thriving community, offering a unique and enriching experience for dancers of all ages and skill levels across Mid-Michigan.

At Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio, the mission extends beyond teaching steps; it's about fostering a deep love for Irish dance while nurturing growth, creativity, and confidence in every individual. In their supportive and inclusive environment, dancers not only learn traditional Irish dance steps – from beginner jigs to advanced trebles and hornpipes – but also connect with the rich history and culture that defines this art form. They pride themselves on being a non-competitive studio, focusing instead on group choreography and year-round performances that allow their dancers to shine and share the joy of Irish dance with the wider community. As one audience member aptly put it, "Always love seeing these kids perform!" If you're in the Michigan area and looking for a truly unique and enriching dance experience, Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio is a fantastic local choice.

The Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio is conveniently located at 125 Kent St, Portland, MI 48875, USA. This central location in downtown Portland makes the studio highly accessible for families residing within Portland itself, as well as those coming from surrounding communities in Ionia County and beyond. Portland is a welcoming town in Mid-Michigan, and the studio's address on Kent Street ensures straightforward navigation for parents and guardians.

Being situated in downtown Portland means the studio is part of a charming local area, contributing to a sense of community for its members. The ease of access, often with available parking nearby, makes dropping off and picking up dancers convenient for busy schedules. This strategic location allows the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio to serve a wide range of aspiring dancers from various nearby towns and rural areas, ensuring that the rich tradition of Irish dance is accessible to many across the Michigan landscape.

Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio offers a comprehensive range of Irish dance classes and programs designed to accommodate various age groups and experience levels. Their curriculum is carefully structured to promote a love for Irish dance while ensuring proper technique and development. Based on their offerings, some of the key services and classes include:

• Classes for Young Dancers:
  • Sprites: Designed for incoming 3-4 year olds, introducing them to the very basics in a fun and engaging way.
  • Kerry Fairies: For incoming 5-6 year olds, building upon foundational movements.
• Beginner Classes (Age 7+):
  • New Troupers: An entry-level class specifically designed for older beginners (age 7 and up) to quickly grasp the basics of Irish dance.
  • Limerick Lads/Ladies: Beginner level soft shoe instruction.
• Intermediate Level Classes:
  • Blarney Jiggers: Beginner/Intermediate level, focusing on soft shoe, jig steps, and ceilis (group dances).
  • Aran Emeralds: Intermediate soft shoe and beginner pre-hard shoe, learning reels and jigs.
  • Causeway Celts: Intermediate soft shoe and beginner pre-hard shoe, focusing on reels, slipjigs, and beginner treble reels.
  • Killarney Kickers: Intermediate soft and hard shoe, learning reels, slipjigs, and intermediate treble reels.
  • Shannon Shufflers: Intermediate soft and hard shoe, with focus on intermediate reels, slipjigs, and treble reels.
• Advanced Level Classes:
  • Dublin Dancers: Advanced intermediate soft and hard shoe.
  • Belfast Bellas: Advanced soft and hard shoe.
  • Galway Girls / Galway Girls+: Advanced soft and hard shoe, with Galway Girls+ having a heavy technique focus and extra group choreography.
• Adult Classes: Beginner and intermediate soft shoe, with hard shoe optional. These classes offer a fun way for adults to get a great workout, learn Irish dancing, and enjoy partner work and basic moves.
• Technique Classes: Dedicated sessions, like "Technique Wednesdays," focused on improving dancing over the summer and preparing dancers for new fall classes.
• Group Choreography: A strong emphasis on learning and performing group routines rather than individual competition.
• Community Performances: Regular opportunities for dancers to perform at various venues throughout Mid-Michigan, including schools, assisted-living centers, and hospitals, showcasing their talents and sharing Irish culture.
• Annual Spring Showcase: A major event held each year where all dancers have the chance to perform for family and friends.
• Cultural Immersion: Classes are designed to connect dancers with the rich history and culture of Irish dance.

What truly sets Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio apart and makes it a cherished resource for the Michigan community are its distinctive features and highlights. These aspects contribute significantly to the positive and enriching experience for all its members:

• Non-Competitive Focus: Unlike many dance studios, HIDT prides itself on being a non-competitive Irish dance studio. This means the emphasis is placed on group choreography and performances, fostering teamwork and a shared love for the art without the pressures of individual competitions.
• Preservation of Irish Heritage: The troupe is passionately dedicated to celebrating and preserving Irish heritage through dance. Dancers learn not just steps, but also connect with the rich history and culture of Irish dance, making it a culturally enriching experience.
• Experienced and Supportive Instructors: Under the direction of Emma Jandernoa, who has led the troupe since 2010, the experienced instructors guide students of all levels with patience and expertise, fostering growth and confidence.
• Inclusive Environment: The studio provides a supportive and inclusive environment where dancers of all ages (from 3 to 18, and even adults) and abilities feel welcome and encouraged to explore Irish dance.
• Extensive Performance Opportunities: HIDT is a performance-based troupe, offering numerous opportunities for dancers to perform year-round at various venues across Mid-Michigan. This provides invaluable stage experience and allows them to give back to the community.
• Community Involvement: The troupe is deeply involved in the local community, enjoying sharing the joy of Irish dance at various events and contributing to the artistic scene of Portland and beyond.
• Holistic Development: Beyond dance skills, the program is designed to be a "good workout for the kids" and a "good confidence builder," helping students develop a sense of teamwork, poise, and self-assurance.
• Dedicated Studio Space: Since 2019, the troupe has had its own studio in downtown Portland, providing a consistent and professional space for classes and rehearsals, which has allowed them to accommodate more students.
• Adult Classes Available: Recognizing that a love for dance isn't limited by age, the studio offers classes specifically for adults, providing a fun way for grown-ups to learn Irish dance, get active, and enjoy the camaraderie.

If you're ready to experience the joy and camaraderie of Irish dance, or if you have any questions about classes and registration, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio. Their dedicated team will be happy to assist you.

Address: 125 Kent St, Portland, MI 48875, USA

Phone: (517) 526-0048

You can contact them during their operational hours to inquire about their schedule, placement for new dancers, or any other details you might need to begin your journey into the world of Irish dance. Their staff is committed to providing a welcoming and informative experience for all prospective students and their families.

For families in Portland, Ionia, and the broader Mid-Michigan area, the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio offers a uniquely appealing and enriching opportunity. Its commitment to a non-competitive, performance-based model sets it apart, providing a joyful and supportive environment where children can truly fall in love with dance without the intense pressure often found elsewhere. This approach fosters genuine teamwork and a shared passion, creating a strong sense of community among its dancers.

The studio's dedication to preserving Irish heritage means that students gain more than just dance steps; they immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience. From the youngest "Sprites" to advanced "Galway Girls" and even adult dancers, the wide range of classes ensures that everyone has a place to learn, grow, and express themselves. The numerous opportunities to perform across Mid-Michigan are a huge draw, allowing dancers to gain invaluable stage experience while sharing their art with the community. For Michigan locals seeking an extracurricular activity that builds confidence, promotes teamwork, offers a healthy outlet, and connects them with a vibrant cultural tradition, the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio is an outstanding choice right in your backyard. It's a place where children can truly thrive, make lasting memories, and "love seeing these kids perform" for years to come.

Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe Studio

125 Kent St, Portland, MI 48875, USA