The Culkin School class year runs from September through June.  Classes are offered at a number of levels for beginner, intermediate, advanced and adult students.  Additional information specifically for our adult students is available at www.culkinadults.com.

• Fall New Student Registration Form (Word File)

For the school year beginning in September 2010, six beginner classes will be offered that are open to boys and girls aged 5 and up. Beginner teens, aged 16 and up, are invited to join the adult beginners class. See the Adult Classes page for more information.

• Monday at 4:00 in Bethesda
• Monday at 4:15 in Silver Spring ~ CLASS FULL
• Tuesday at 4:00 in Bethesda ~ CLASS FULL
• Wednesday at 4:15 in Silver Spring ~ CLASS FULL
• Thursday at 4:15 in Kensington ~ CLASS FULL
• Saturday at 9:15 in Rockville

Bethesda: Classes at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 7009 Wilson Lane (Near Wilson & River Rd)

Kensington: Classes at St Paul’s Methodist Church, 10401 Armory Avenue (Near Connecticut & Knowles)

Rockville: Classes Rockville United Methodist Church, 112 West Montgomery Ave.

Silver Spring: Classes at Hughes Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Avenue (At Georgia Ave & Plyers Mill Rd)

Class Information

• Class Schedule (2009-20010 Currently Posted)
• Class Guidelines
• Clothing & Shoes (information on where to purchase new Irish Dance Shoes)
• Dress & Shoe Exchange (information on used shoes available for sale)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Parades and Performances

The first performance opportunities for many new students fall during our version of "March Madness" -- St. Patrick's Day season.  All Culkin School students are encouraged to participate in one of the local parades or some of the many performances on our schedule.

Performance and event information is updated regularly in our Calendar of Events and on our News page on this site.  You'll also notice we have links to the News page on the right hand side of every page and a "quick link" to the Events calendar at the top of each page.

What to wear???

The Culkin School parade uniform  is a black Culkin crewneck sweatshirt, black pants, a white turtleneck and white tennis shoes.  More information on what to wear for parades is on the parade information sheet.

For beginner girls dancing in performances,  a white top and a black skirt with a black shawl is appropriate attire.  For boys, a black long sleeve shirt and black pants are appropriate.  More information on school costumes as well as ordering information for Culkin School gear is available on our Clothing and Shoes page.

For adults, dancers wear a long sleeve, A-line stretch velvet dress.  Any long sleeve black skirt and shirt combination and black tights are appropriate for Culkin adult performances.

Irish Dance Competitions

Part of our mission at the Culkin School is to prepare our students for Irish dance competitions, known as a feis (prounounced "fesh").  For most beginners, the local feis season begins in May with the Comhaltas Irish Dance Festival.  Other area competitions include the Old Dominion Feis in June, Nation's Capital Feis in July, the Baltimore Feis in September and our own Feis Culkin in November.

Participating in a feis is a whole experience in itself.  Below are some helpful links on what to expect:

• Culkin School Feiseanna Tips
• Dancer's Guide (Antonio Pacelli website)
• For Beginners (From the Ireland's Dance website)
• List of Area Competitions

What to wear???

For beginner girls dancing in in a feis,  a white top and a black skirt with a black shawl and white poodle sock is appropriate attire.  For boys, a black long sleeve shirt and black pants are appropriate.  More information on school costumes as well as ordering information for Culkin School gear is available on our Clothing and Shoes page.