Register For Classes

And Class Information

To register for classes in The Murray School, please fill out the pre-registration form (follow link below) and send it in with your $25 registration fee.  You will receive a confirmation Email when your registration is received.

We are accepting new students now for Winter classes!

Advanced Beginner, Novice/Prizewinner & Championship Classes Also Available Throughout The Week.  Please Contact The Murray School For Schedule.

Beginning Classes

For

Boys & Girls Ages 5-12 

Wednesdays

4-5 PM

In SW Portland

4620 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway

Thursdays

3:45-4:45 PM

In SE Portland

3228 SE 21st Ave (Powell & 21st)

Saturdays

9-10 AM

In SW Portland

4620 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway

Beginning Classes

For

Teens/ Adults

Wednesdays

7-8 PM

In SW Portland

4620 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway

Class Attire

Girls: Bike shorts & T shirt

Boys: Soccer shorts & T shirt

White socks are essential for both girls and boys.  It is imperative that the teacher is able to have an unrestricted view of the dancers legs, knees and feet.  Any clothing that will restrict this view or any clothing that will inhibit free movement of the dancer is not appropriate for class.

Shoes

Dancers will start out in soft shoes before they train in the hard shoes. If a dancer already has a pair of black Ballet shoes, they can wear these for class until they start performing or competing.  If you don't already own a pair of Ballet shoes, you will need to purchase Irish soft shoes.  Girls wear the lace up soft shoes known as pomps or gillies. Boys wear split soled jazz shoes. Geraldine has some used shoes available for purchase.  You will receive information at your first class regarding where to purchase new shoes if there are no used shoes available in your size.  You can wear white socks for your first class. 

Tuition

$60/ Month For 1 Hour Class Per Week

$20/ Month For Additional Hour Per Week

Family Discounts For Two Or More Students

Registration Fee

$25 For All New Students

We accept cash and checks only, sorry, not credit cards.

Please note that registration and tuition is due by the students first class

All Tuition And Registration Fees Are Non-Refundable

Class Levels

Children's classes are split according to levels of experienced following the descriptions used in competitions: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Novice/Prizewinner and Championships.

Adult/ Teen classes are beginner through advanced levels

Beginning Classes

Beginning students in The Murray School start out learning and mastering basic technique including foot placement, balance, posture and music. While mastering these techniques, four solo dances are taught in the soft shoes; Reel, Light Jig, Slip Jig and Single Jig. Students then move on to training in the hard shoes. Students will also learn group dances during their classes giving them a chance to develop team skills.

Performances & Competitions

The Murray Irish Dancers Perform extensively throughout the Portland area all year round. Our performance troupe, which includes beginner through open championship level dancers, is especially busy around St Patrick’s Day. Being part of our performance troupe gives dancers at all levels of experience a chance to perform before a live audience. We also hold a yearly spring recital in which all Murray School dancers are encouraged to participate.

Murray School students are also encouraged to participate in our annual school sponsored Irish dance competition called The Portland Feis (pronounced FESH) The Portland Feis is a 501c3 organization dedicated to the promotion of Irish Dance and culture. It is also the longest running US Pacific Northwest Irish Dance competition.

There are also other local and regional competitions throughout the year in which our dancers regularly participate. We do not require that you compete, but if you are serious about competition, The Murray School has a fabulous track record in local and major competitions. Some Major Competition result highlights include: Our dancers have place first, top three, top five top ten and top 20 in solos at our Western US Regional Championships as well as top three and top ten in teams. We have dancers who have placed top ten, top 20 in solos and top 15 in teams at The North American Irish Dance Championships. Murray School dancers regularly qualify to compete at The World Irish Dance Championships and have placed in top 35 and top 45 in solos at The World Championships.

Costumes

School costumes, designed exclusively for use by students in the Murray School, are worn for competitions and recitals in solo and team dances. The Murray School has an inexpensive beginner school costume which makes it easy for dancers to get started in performances and competitions. Novice and prizewinner level dancers wear a more elaborate and embroidered Murray School costume. These can be purchased new or used and are resold to another Murray School student when they no longer fit or a dancer retires. Championship level dancers wear a solo costume for their solo competitions and a Murray School costume for their team competitions. At The Murray School, solo costumes are only worn in the championship levels of solo competition. The focus with our pre-championship dancers is on their technique and ability first and foremost. We have found that dancers are better prepared for championships when the focus is on their dancing, not on a solo costume. Also in today’s economy, it makes it easier for dancer to afford competition when they do not wear a solo costume until the championship level due to the solo costume’s expense.