Irish Dance & Culture: Reels and Hornpipes
Ages: 8 through High School
Cost: $60 per semester / $40 per month per student
Step into the rhythm of Irish tradition! This beginner-level class introduces students to foundational skills in Irish dance, with a special focus on reels and hornpipes. Dancers will explore a variety of dance forms including Sean Nós, Ceili, and Social Dancing. As students progress, greater emphasis is placed on Sean Nós (an expressive, percussive solo style) and group Ceili dancing.
Each class also incorporates engaging lessons in Irish culture, tailored to match the season or time of year. These cultural insights enrich the dance experience and help students connect more deeply with Irish heritage.
Expectations
Students should:
Participate to the best of their ability each class.
Be physically able to jump, move on and off the floor, and dance with all classmates.
Follow directions respectfully and cooperatively.
Required Materials
Water bottle
Notebook and pen/pencil (for cultural note-taking; students will be tested on this material)
Dance-appropriate clothing (no jeans; dresses must have leggings or shorts underneath)
Dance Shoes:
Students may begin dancing in socks, jazz shoes, jazz sneakers, ballet shoes, gymnastic shoes, or ghillies.As the class progresses, leather-soled dress shoes will be required for Sean Nós dancing.
Tip: Stacy Adams often offers leather-soled shoes at affordable prices. Thrift stores can also be a great source.
Note: Once a pair of shoes is used for dance, they must not be worn outside of class. Shoes worn outside are considered street shoes and will not be permitted on the dance floor.
Your Instructor
Bonnie Hardison
Meet the Instructor: Mrs. Bonnie Hardison
Mrs. Bonnie Hardison’s love of dance began at just 3 years old with classical ballet and has continued as a lifelong pursuit of rhythm, artistry, and cultural tradition. While studying at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, she trained in jazz with Leon Von Brown of the Atlanta Ballet and explored modern and tap dance. After college, she expanded her repertoire coast to coast in cabaret and tribal belly dance.
In 2009, Bonnie discovered Irish dance and began competing within the CLRG, earning multiple awards and adult championships. Her passion eventually led her to specialize in Sean Nós (old-style Irish dance), where she has achieved international acclaim—including top placements at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and Fleadhfest na hÉireann in Ireland.
She holds a teacher certification in Sean Nós under Shannon Dunne (University of Notre Dame) and has trained under renowned instructors such as Siobhán Butler, Edwina Guckian, and Sharleen McCaffrey. In 2023, Bonnie began teaching Traditional Irish Dance at the Alabama Youth Ballet in Huntsville, AL, and continues to perform locally, regionally, and abroad.
With over four decades of diverse dance experience and deep cultural knowledge, Bonnie brings joy, discipline, and authentic Irish tradition to every class she teaches.