a non-competitive traditional Irish dance program at
Dance Biz
Longview Plaza--1742 Long Pond Road
Rochester, NY 14606
(585) 227-6614
Welcome to Rince Na Saor, Rochester's recreational Irish dance school! Since 1997, Rince Na Saor ("rinka na sayer") has provided an alternative to the typical competition-based Irish dance school, offering children and adults the opportunity to learn traditional Irish dance in an environment focused exclusively on recreational students. Rince Na Saor's unique curriculum was developed specifically to meet the needs of the recreational student, which include lower costs, a smaller time commitment, and a more relaxed learning pace.
There are several different types of Irish dance, all of which are available at Rince Na Saor. We offer instruction in the Modern style of Irish stepdance which most people know from Riverdance, including hard shoe and soft shoe stepdancing, ceili and figure dances, traditional and contemporary set dances, family dances, and dance dramas. We also offer Rochester's first Sean Nós classes ("shah nose"--old style Irish stepdancing), and Country Set classes for beginners.
The links below will tell you more about us, and you can contact me at kathyw[at]rns.dance with any questions you may have.
It was a busy weekend! On Saturday, September 29, The Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Rochester Irish Musician's Organization) sponsored music and dance workshops at Fisher which were a great success. Our Sean Nós and Social Dancing workshops were well attended, and everyone had a great time!
Later that evening, Rochester Irish Arts hosted a ceili at McGinnity's. Great dancing, music, craic, and friends from Buffalo--a wonderful way to spend a fall evening!
Our next ceili will be October 20, also at McGinnity's. We always have some dances for beginners which are first taught, then called. All are welcome!
We are accepting registrations for fall classes. Register online for Children's Level I and Adult Level I at the "Registration" link above. No experience necessary!
Our Sean Nós I class continues! $10/class to "drop in". See our "Class Schedule" page for more information.
Sean Nós I: Friday, 8:30-9:15 p.m., September 21, September 28, October 5, October 12. No prior experience in Irish Dance is necessary.
Sean Nós II: Friday, 8:30-9:15 p.m., October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9. Familiarity with beginner Sean Nós or other forms of percussive dance is recommended.
This is an exellent video describing Sean Nós dancing. Since it was filmed, Sean Nós has become very popular all over Ireland, and has made its way to America.
One of my favorites, Kieran Jordan Sean Nós dancing to jigs. A useful reminder that Irish dance does not have to be fast to be compelling.
The hornpipers piped, the reels reeled, the jigs jigged, the brush dancers brushed, the Brideog processed, and the audience danced! A hundred thousand thank you's to all the dancers, parents, and audience members who made our 21st Ceili Mor such great fun. DVD's are available from the link below:
