January News

Dance Dates:

We will have dance on all Saturdays in January.

February 7, 14 and 21.

Recital:

Due to the recent deaths in my family which have forced me to miss class, I have postponed the recital. At this point, I am looking at the first 2 weeks in April for the recital. I will confirm the date as soon as I confirm the venue, which I hope will happen this week. All costumes must be finished by mid-February so we will be ready for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Please See below for details.

Costumes:

10:00 class - Capes are being made by Lynn Mooney. Please see her for payment. Skirts are to be made by the individual dancer. Material can be purchased at Sew Smart Fabrics on N. Washington Ave. The pattern is available at JoAnn Fabrics, or ask other parents. Any parent that has a skirt they no longer need may bring it to dance and donate it or sell it to a beginner dance parent. Please remember you need to purchase two short sleeve Peter Pan collar shirts and send them to the embroiderer:

All Things Embroidered

5 Meadow Creek Lane

Glennmore, PA 19343

Please include a return envelope with postage paid. Each shirt will cost $5.00

This class will also need a white turtle neck shirt for the parade.

11:00 Class: All dresses will be made by Susan Becker. She will have invoices for each dancer within a week. She will take care of the embroidery as well.  

12:00 Class: Try on your purple dresses and report back to me ASAP!

All dancers need bubble socks and ghillies. {See Mrs. Murphy} All dancers also need black lollipop pants for under her costume.

Anyone wishing to order clothes, please print out an order form, circle your desired items and give it to Mrs. Murphy. No payment is necessary until we receive $150 of orders. We will then send them in with all payments. 

***During the next few months, please check here before leaving your house if the weather is questionable. I will have cancellations posted by 8:30 AM if not the night before.**

Dancers in 10 O'Clock Class...

Any dancer in the 10:00 class that needs a cape for their costume... please sign up at the bar so we know how many need to be made.

Reminder to all: Unwanted ghillies can be donated! Bring them in and put them in the donation box.

December News

December Dates:

December 6th and 13. 

We only have two classes in December due to holiday parties and activities. We will have extra classes in January.

January Dates:

3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

ICS Christmas Party

This year the party is scheduled for December 14. All dancers and their families are invited to attend. I will forward all info as soon as it becomes available. {Check here for updates!}

Adult Ceili Classes Begin Thursday November 13!

All are invited to attend! No experience necessary!

Ceili is traditional Irish group dancing that began during the Cultural Revolution in Ireland. This form of dancing promotes socialization and Irish cultural preservation.

Instructors: Caitlin Costello and Kielan O'Boyle

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Dates: November 13, 20

December 4, 11, 18

Location: Irish Cultural Society

1301 Beech St

Scranton, PA 18505

(570) 347-3746

Detailed directions.

Cost:  $5 per class

We encourage you to participate in all classes, but you do not need to commit to every class.

Please wear "comfy" clothing - yoga pants, sweats, t-shirts, socks!, ballet/jazz shoes {not required}. Avoid clothing that is too baggy or constricting, especially jeans.

If you have any questions, please email Kielan. We hope to see you soon!

Notes from Parent's Meeting

Notes from the 10/25/08 Parent's meeting are available here.

October News

October Dance Dates:
18th and 25th

November Dance Dates:
1st, 8th and 15th

Parents Meeting:
On Saturday, October 25th, there will be a series of Parents meetings. I will meet with each of the classes during regular class times in the buffet room. I will be addressing costumes, recital and fundraisers. Please make every effort to attend.

Clothing Sale:
Our clothing sale has begun! I am very excited about this year's products. Not only is the design beautifully embroidered, but the items are reasonably priced. Please take an order form {or download it here} and look over the items. All orders are due back with payment by Nov. 1st to ensure Christmas delivery. If you would like a name embroidered on any item, please print the name on the bottom of the order form and add $5.00 to your total. Please specify where you would like the name placed. Please place your order form and payment in a sealed envelope and place it in the order box on the bar. We also have some samples to view and a sample sheet with all the items. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Adult Ceili Dance:
Caitlin C. and Kielan O'B. will be starting a Thursday night adult class very soon. More details will follow. They are looking for some participation from all the Moms and Dads. It is a great way to meet some other parents in the school and it's a great work-out!

The Blog:
Now that the colder weather is upon us, please remember to check the blog before leaving your house if the weather is not good. I will post weather related cancellations on the blog usually the night before dance, or first thing in the morning. If you cannot access the blog, please call the ICS in the morning. I am usually there by 9:15. The number is 347-3746.

Judy Schofield Tugend
I'm sure you have all seen the flyer on the bar regarding Judy Schofield Tugend. Judy, her twin sisters, my sister and I were some of the original O'Connor School Irish Stepdancers. Her parents, Ruth and the late Roy were founding members of the Irish Cultural Society, and avid supporters of the dancers. I have known this family for the better part of my life and have always known them to step up and help those in need.

I am asking the dancing families to help Judy and her family now. Judy is a wife and a mother and cannot work due to her condition. I am hoping that every family will donate something to help defray Judy's medical bills. Please place your donation in the envelope on the bar marked "Judy Tugend". I will collect donations this week and next week and then the dancers' fund will match those donations and give it to Judy's family.

Please be as generous as you can. Thank you and God bless you for your generosity.

September News

Welcome Back! 

This year I have reorganized all the classes. I will be doing some different excercises and drills with each class. Your dancer may complain about sore feet and legs, but it won't last long.

In addition to myself, Caitlin and Kielan will be teaching each class. Both Caitlin and Kielan are former ICS Stepdancers. I have also added 2 student assistants to help in each class. Elizabeth C., and Colleen C.

Class Schedule

September 6, 20 and 27

October 4, 18 and 25

November 1, 8 and 15

A parents' meeting will be held in late October to discuss upcoming events. More info will follow.