| History
Leslie Wilson, the school's arts director, danced and taught with the Violet Moore School of Irish
Dancing for over 20 years, beginning at the age of six. She has participated in numerous
festivals, performances and competitions including the World Championships
in 1985.
 Leslie successfully completed the Irish Dancing Commission's
teacher's exam (T.C.R.G) in California in January, 2000. In forming
her own school, Scoil Rince De Danaan, she combines her love of dancing
and teaching with her background in cultural anthropology.
A student of indigenous cultures, Irish history and lore, Leslie
introduces her students to Celtic mythology and Irish history,
in addition to Irish dance technique and choreography.
Methodology
Irish Dance classes are offered to children and adults, beginner through advanced,
in solo step dancing (reels, jigs, slip jigs, hornpipes), and ceili
dancing. Each class is organized by age and ability and the dancers
follow a progression from elementary steps to more intricate ones. Story time is an integral part of the
beginner classes every fall where dancers learn about the tales, characters,
and events in Irish history and mythology that will later be portrayed in dance dramas. Basic Irish language is also introduced.
Dancers are encouraged to compete in local and out-of-town Feiseanna
(Competitions). De Danaan dancers have held top results in Western Canadian Regional and North American Championships.
Scoil Rince De Danaan encourages competition that promotes a healthy
attitude towards personal goal setting and life skills through the art
form of Irish dancing. We also provide opportunity through
non-competitive events such as Ceili Music and Dance Camp, local and out-of-town performances, and ceilis for students
to enjoy the culture and participate in a fun, social, and educational
environment.
Workshops
De Danaan dancers have the great fortune of having quarterly workshops with two-time World Champion and former Riverdance cast member, Stephen McAteer, A.D.C.R.G. Stephen began teaching De Danaan workshops in 2000 and been integral in developing the dancers to world calibre.
Origins of the name De Danaan
Means: "of the goddess Danu"
The goddess Danu was the creator goddess of the half-god, half-men
called the Tuatha deDanaan (the people of the goddess Danu) who were worshipped
by the Celts. When the Tuatha deDanaan were conquered by invaders, they went
underground to "fairy rings" and are now known as the little folk - or
leprechauns.
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