Frequently
Asked
Questions
What do I wear to class? (Children and adults)

Shorts and a close fitting T-shirt or tank top with long socks or leg warmers.

Shorts must be above the knee as so that corrections can be made to knee positions. If shorts are very short
(approx. one to three inches long) then tights must be worn underneath.

OR

Tights and bodysuit (skirts are fine): Any color and style are acceptable although, beginner students perform
wearing black tights and a blck bodysuit with T-shirt length sleves and a boat neck.

*For all dancers in their second year of dance and up, please wear long white socks to class so that we can better correct your technique. Socks can be worn over top of tights if you like tights and they don't have to be poodle socks.

DANCERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WEAR PANTS OR LONG SKIRTS OF ANY SORT TO DANCE CLASS AS THEY CAN CAUSE DANCERS TO TRIP AND FALL.

Hair: During class, hair should be back from the face and out of the eyes.

What do we wear for shows?
See our Show Info page for details
What kind of shoes will I need?
Beginners may wear black ballet slippers. (Pink ballet slippers may be worn but if dancing in performances,
black slippers are required) These can be purchased at any dance store throughout the city.

Or they may wear Irish ghillies (also called pomps)- the small, black Irish dancing shoe. If you intend to
purchase these shoes, please do not buy them at the ballet shops around town as they will sell you Highland
dance shoes which are the wrong shoe.
What about hardshoes?

Dancers are usually ready to begin using hardshoes in their second year, around December.

For more information, please read our Hardshoe 101 guide. (Just click the link to the left)
Where can I buy Irish dance shoes?

Shoes can be purchased used online, or from another dancer at MJP by using the "Shoe Exchange"

Or purchase new at Steele Celtic Dancewear at the following address: 576 Coach Grove Road S.W. Calgary,
AB Phone:(403) 686-3514
Where can I buy Irish dance music?

Music can also be found at Steele Celtic Dancewear at the following address: 576 Coach Grove Road S.W. Calgary, AB Phone:(403) 686-3514

You can also purchase Irish dance music per song online at: Setdances.com
Do I have to compete?

No. Competition is a big decision and requires that the dancer and the family make the choice together to take
the next step with their dancing.
Are the adult classes for complete beginners?
Yes. Although the more advanced students are mixed with the new students. This makes classes larger and
more enjoyable for the students. As well, the new students learn faster when they are with the previous year's
students.
Are adult classes for serious dancers only?
No. Adults can take lessons just for fun and/or exercise or they can do shows or compete or any combination
of these.
How old are the students in the adult classes?
Adult classes range in age anywhere from young adult and up. (I would be in trouble if I told how old our
oldest dancer is). There is no age limit in the adult classes at MJP.
What is MJPIDA?

MJPIDA stands for: MJP Irish Dance Association. It is a not-for-profit association composed of parent volunteers and dancers of MJP. Their main goal is  to support  and encourage involvement in the fun, social and energetic activity that is Irish Dance.

This group is in place to raise funds for dancers of MJP to be used for items such as: Costumes, Competitions, Flooring or whatever the committee sees fit.
Who is a member?
All family members of MJP dancers or MJP dancers over the age of 18 are automatically part of MJPIDA.
Are meetings mandatory?
No, but the decisions made at MJPIDA meetings affect all dancers at MJP academy. Also, going to meetings
helps parents to keep informed and allows parents from the North and South locations meet one another.
When are receipts given out for tax purposes?
Receipts are handed out twice a year: January/February and June
Does Irish Dance qulalify me for a tax cut?
Yes it does! Under the "Children's Fitness Tax Credit".