W25-23 Low Impact Adult/Senior Exercise Class Using Irish Dance Basics ONGOING NEW LOCATION
Class | Registration closed 12/15/2024
This class provides a low impact exercise opportunity for seniors. Irish Dance offers many health benefits, including but not limited to improving balance, sharpening the memory and strengthening muscles around the joints to assist with arthritis and overall fitness. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. The class will cover various styles of Irish Dance from “old style” to “Irish Ceili” (social dance) and basic steps of traditional Irish step dance that are used in Ceili Dance.
Sean Nos (Old Style) Irish Dance
Sean Nos is the oldest form of Irish Step dance characterized by a relaxed upper body and steps danced close to the floor. It is very different from modern style Irish Dance. In Sean Nos, arms move freely with the natural rhythm of the dance steps and the steps are typically confined to a small space. The steps interpret the music. There are many similarities to tap dance and clogging.
Ceili Dance (Social Dance)
Ceili dances can be danced with partners or in small groups in an informal setting, such as a party or social gathering. Ceili dance uses very basic Irish dance steps, allowing all to participate. Everyone can do it!
The NEW LOCATION will be at the Old Oak Center in a large space with a wooden floor.
Peggy Cannon
Founded in 1982, Cannon Irish Dance offers Irish Dance instruction for ages 3 through adult, from preschool and toddler classes to a low impact senior exercise program and everything in between. Instructor, Peggy Cannon, began Irish Step Dance in 1970. She won both the Mid-America and North American Championships in 1980-1982. Peggy is a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area and Cannon Irish Dance has offered lessons in the Fairview/North Olmsted area from 1982 through present.
In 2016, Peggy began to offer a low impact exercise program using Irish Dance basics. With all of the health benefits provided by Irish Dance, the class was a perfect fit for seniors to enjoy exercise while they benefit from improved balance, keep their mind sharp by memorizing step patterns and strengthen muscles around the joints. The lively and rhythmic Irish music not only lifts spirits but also makes the class enjoyable and feels less like exercise.
Peggy believes that Irish Dance is for everyone. Age doesn’t matter. No experience is necessary. Everyone can enjoy and benefit from the health benefits of Irish Dance.