Beginners & Jiggy Tots
JIGGY TOTS® SENIOR/YOUNG BEGINNERS
(Age 5 & Under)
A true intro to Irish Dance class suitable for the youngest dancers (a independent participation merge of Jiggy Tots with beginner level Irish Dance). Focus on basic posture, timing and first level technique/beginner steps- in jig and reel time, all set in a patient and fun environment- often incorporating a special seasonal dance each semester.
Registration for Fall 2024/Spring 2025 will open in May
About JIGGY TOTS®
Saturday beginner classes have long been a point of pride at Ridgewood Irish Dance. The most popular class for student volunteers and teachers - a big deal for teens to be up before noon on a Saturday! Director, Ashling, has long loved working with the youngest RID Jiggers and believes they deserve a program that develops with them.
In Fall 2022, Ridgewood Irish Dance teamed up with Jiggy Tots! Patricia McGuigan (McManus), TCRG, founded Jiggy Tots in 2014. Fun Fact, Patricia was an instructor at RID for about five years in the mid-2000s before starting McManus Irish Dance in 2013.
Patricia noticed NYC offered toddler & children "pre-dance" movement programs for most dance styles but not Irish Dance. Patricia decided to see if she could adjust the intricate persuasion of Irish dance to a toddler-friendly program. Jiggy Tots develops social skills, movement, and rhythm while providing a balance of fun and structure. Working with Urban Stages & the NYC, Brooklyn, and Queens Public Library Systems, NYC Parks System, and Summer Kids program, Jiggy Tots quickly found itself in all five NYC boroughs.
Ridgewood Irish Dance is excited to bring the Jiggy Tots program to northern New Jersey! The program offers young dancers routine and repetition that they strive on while keeping them engaged and challenged through new activities in each class. Jiggy Tots is more than just a dance class; it teaches children how to be dance students. Offering an introduction to studio/dance class etiquette and setting them up for success as they progress to higher level/ older classes.
RID offers Jiggy Tots in Six Class sessions from September - June. You can register for our upcoming sessions here.