Whelan School of Irish Dance, located in Indooroopilly, is a dance school offering Irish dancing classes for children aged 3 years and up in Brisbane's western suburbs. Led by Anna Bittner, a highly skilled and passionate T. C. R.
G-certified teacher, the school provides a supportive and engaging environment where students can experience the joy of Irish dancing while developing valuable life skills.
At Whelan School of Irish Dance, the emphasis is not only on learning the skills of Irish dancing but also on fostering self-confidence, teamwork, goal setting, and a love for music and culture. Whether or not your family has an Irish background, Irish dancing can be enjoyed by all! The school welcomes children aged 2. 5 and above to join in the fun, fitness, and friendship that Irish dance classes offer.
Anna Bittner, the founder of Whelan School of Irish Dance, has a rich background in Irish dancing. She started her journey at the age of 10 and advanced through the levels, competing at the highest level of competition. She has achieved impressive results, placing top 3 in Queensland, top 10 in Australia, and representing Australia in the World Championships. With her extensive experience as a performer and teacher, Anna is dedicated to passing on her love and knowledge of Irish dancing to the upcoming generation.
The school's class timetable offers flexibility and convenience for busy families. Classes are held on Wednesdays during school terms at St. Andrew's Anglican Church Hall in Indooroopilly. The Pre-Beginner class is designed for children aged 2.
5 to 4 years, introducing them to the concepts of movement, pattern, musicality, and rhythm. The Beginner class is suitable for beginners aged 5 and older, focusing on basic dance steps, sequences, technique, and performance. Advanced Beginner & Primary classes are available for dancers who have mastered their first beginner-level dances and are ready to learn more. Hardshoe dances will be introduced, and students have the opportunity to participate in competitions and grade exams.
For those who reach the Championship Level, where dancers have mastered the basics and gained competition experience in both soft and hard shoe dancing, they become eligible to participate in championship events such as State and National titles. Enrolments for championship-level dancers are now open, and class times will be advised based on age and ability.
Whelan School of Irish Dance takes pride in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children. As a registered nurse, Anna Bittner holds current CPR and first aid certifications, ensuring that your children are in capable hands during their dance sessions.
To address common questions, the school has a FAQs section on their website, answering inquiries such as whether Irish dance shoes need to be purchased and what students need to wear/bring to class. The duration of classes is also specified, and parents are welcome to sit in on their child's class. As for the cost of classes, interested individuals can contact the school directly for detailed information.
To register for a free trial class or for any further inquiries, interested individuals can get in touch with Whelan School of Irish Dance via email, phone, or by using the contact form on their website. Whether your child dreams of becoming a competitive Irish dancer or simply wants to experience the joy and cultural richness of Irish dance, Whelan School of Irish Dance provides a welcoming and supportive community where they can take their first leap into this captivating art form.