Registration Forms & Fees - As part of the teaching rules, each child needs to complete a registration form (nag me if you have not done one). To remain as a registered qualified teacher I have to pay an annual registration fee as well as public liability insurance to the "An Coimisiun" affiliation. To cover this there will be a small annual charge per family each year, January time. Fees for classes will be charged by the term. There will be no refunds if pupils miss classes unless I have to cancel one for some reason. As long as the fee is paid by the end of the current term I don't mind when you pay. If fees are not paid within the current term you are risking your child losing their place.

Classes - Please arrive and leave punctually.  Parents are welcome to stay during class but please be quiet and keep other children under control and by your side. I will make classes fun for the younger ones but they are here to learn Irish Dancing and I expect them to do so. If children repeatedly misbehave they will not be allowed to attend. Once dancers progress I may switch them from one class to another depending on what is more suitable for them.  There is no dress code for dance classes; any loose fitting clothing is fine. 

Parking for classes in Reading - Most of the land immediately outside of the Irish Centre belongs to the boxing club and NOT the Irish Centre, you need a permit to park there so please don't. There is a multi story pay on exit car park directly opposite the Irish centre. I can arrange to meet pupils outside the gates should you wish to drop and go.

Shoe's N Stuff - Pumps or trainers are fine initially until you are certain your child has got the bug before splashing your cash. Once they are addicted they will need some proper Irish Dancing shoes. I get my shoes from a lovely man called Pat Preston who has been selling Irish Dancing goods for donkey’s years. His address is 39 Goodman Close, Basingstoke, RG21 8AU, tel 01256 462716. His website is derryreel  which can be found on the links page. Ebay is worth scanning, just enter Irish Dancing in the search field. New soft shoes are around £24.00. Hard shoes range from £45.00 to £100.00. Cushioned insoles or shock absorbing material is recommended for inside Irish Dancing shoes. There is a dance shop in Reading called Dancia International, address: 36-38 Prospect Street, Reading, RG4 8JL, Tel 0118 947 8123. Another dance shop on Cardiff Road, Reading called Encore, tel 0118 9599500. There is also a dance shop in Abingdon called Centre Stage, 9 Bath Street, Abingdon, tel 01235 554060. Dresses can cost a small fortune and again look on Ebay. For beginners and primary grades the O'Gara School uniform is available from www.crazyladies.co.uk. You can choose whatever colour you prefer for the dress but please ensure the sequinned trim around the neck is gold as we match the gold sequins with a gold sparkly belt as modelled on the photo.

Feis and Displays - We regularly do shows and displays. Some venues are small and it would be impossible to invite all of the dancers. Once a child knows the easy reel and can perform it on their own they will be eligible to take part in the displays. I will try to share out the displays as best I can. Competitions (feis) are tough as Irish Dancing is extremely popular at the moment, you are not guaranteed a medal.  You do not have to compete at a feis if you do not want to.  Think hard as to whether your child could handle any disappointment,  www.instep.com has all the feis listings.

Maps & Directions - See the dance classes page for maps and directions for both Reading & Harwell (Didcot).