Mulvihill-Lynch Studio of Irish Dance  EST. 1996

WELCOME NEW STUDENTS TO THE

Mulvihill-Lynch School of Irish Dancing

"Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance." – Oprah Winfrey

HELPFUL FAQ's

What should my child wear to class?

Dancers are expected to dress in proper dance attire for every class. Mulvihill-Lynch Spirit Wear offers two types of shirts and a pair of black shorts. These items are available to purchase at our Lake Ronkonkoma studio at your dancer's first class. Our Kings Park and Speonk/Eastport dancers should speak with Ms. Debbie about purchasing the class uniform. Only white socks may be worn with the class uniform. Hair must be neatly tied back in a pony tail or bun. Bangs must be pinned off face.

What kind of shoes will my child need?

For the first few months, we only require dancers to wear plain ballet slippers (any color) or jazz shoes. Prior to our January recital, all new dancers will be fitted for the official Irish dance soft shoes, which are known in Irish as “Gillies”, but we refer to them as soft shoes. Information on when they will be fitted will be distributed in November.

What if my child has to miss a class?

We do not offer refunds for missed or cancelled classes. Dancers are welcome and encouraged to make up a class at anyone of our other beginner classes in any of our three locations. You may makeup a class during any time of the semester.

Do classes at Mulvihill-Lynch follow the traditional school calendar?

No, classes do not follow the school calendar, so please be sure to refer to the monthly class schedule which is updated on our CLASS SCHEDULE page of our website. In cases of cancellations due to inclement weather or unforeseen emergencies, an announcement will be made on our website and posted on our internet message board. Please check the website before heading out to class!

When is tuition due?

Tuition is paid in two semesters. The first deadline is September 1st and the remaining balance is due before February 1st. Please refer to your registration packet for tuition rates. Payments should be mailed to: Mulvihill-Lynch School PO Box 461, Lake Grove, NY 11755 or dropped in the tuition box at the Ronkonkoma. Please try to make your payments on time to avoid the late penalty!

Will my child participate in a dance recital?

Yes! Each year, Mulvihill-Lynch hosts a fund-raiser dance recital (with all proceeds going back to the dancers of Mulvihill-Lynch), in late January at Centereach High School. The official date and time of the recital will be announced later this fall.

What other opportunities will my child have to perform their Irish dance?

Mulvihill-Lynch encourages dancers to both perform and compete, although it is each family’s individual choice to do so. Performing and competing build self confidence and allow each child to express themselves artistically. Mulvihill-Lynch participates in many St. Patrick’s Day parades during the month of March, and eventually dancers are invited to volunteer their time and talents to our community by performing at various nursing homes, children centers, street fairs, and Irish festivals. In addition, dancers may choose to compete. Mulvihill-Lynch hosts an annual Irish dance competition, referred to as a FEIS (pronounced FESH) each May. Dancers are encouraged to attend one competition per year to experience the traditional aspects and roots of Irish dance. Information is distributed in March and a meeting will be offered to all new parents on the traditions and workings of a feis. Please note that competition is optional.

What type of costume will be required of my child?

Beginner dancers are required to wear the Mulvihill-Lynch School jumper uniform along with a bun wig and accessories. (Photo to the right). The jumper uniform will be worn for all events, including the recital, annual dance competition, and any performances they choose to volunteer for. The jumpers are made to adjust for some growth, so your dancer may possibly use her jumper for up to two years after it is ordered!

What is the approximate cost of the costume and accessories?

The black jumper/blouse/shawl costs approx. $115.00.

The soft shoes and poodle socks cost approx. $47.00

The bun wig and hair bow cost approx. $50.00

**These are the only expenses your dancer will incur as an Irish dancer. If they choose to pursue a more competitive track, then costume costs and accessories increase with progress and level of the dancer.

Are there any other things I should know about Mulvihill-Lynch?

We consider ourselves here at Mulvihill-Lynch, a family. We encourage good sportsmanship, hard work, and first and foremost…fun!! Please utilize our website as much as possible to find out about the goings-on of our family!!

A few things you should be aware of:

• Parents with children in the Pre-K/Kindergarden and the Beginner 1 and 2 Irish Step dance classes are welcome to wait in the lobby area of our Lake Ronkonkoma and Speonk/Eastport dance studios. Unfortunately, due to lack of an appropriate waiting area in our Kings Park location, classes have a Drop-Off/Pick-Up policy only.

• Please label all your children’s belongings with NAME and PHONE #. Please send them with water bottles and dance bags that are easily recognizable to them. This way they know it belongs to them when leaving and speeds up the dismissal procedure and makes it easy for everyone.

• At no time, will your child be released in the hands of any other adult other than the parents or guardian. If Grandma or Grandpa or Auntie or Uncle will be picking up, or even a neighbor or babysitter, please make this known to one of our staff.

• It is asked to please communicate with our director by e-mail or phone conversation only. Because classes here at Mulvihill-Lynch are run back to back, each minute is precious to both the teacher and the students. If you have a brief, non-urgent message or question, feel free to ask one of our office volunteers.