School Information

Registration   =   Bookings   =   FAQs

At what age should students begin dance lessons?

Students can have success starting as young as 5 years of age.  There is no age that is considered "too old"!

How are classes organized?

Classes are grouped by ability (beginner, novice, prizewinner, champion) and age.

How long will classes last?

Class for beginners is usually 1 hour, while novice and prizewinner students take class for 1 1/2 hours.

Who teaches the classes?

Judy DeNapoli, A.D.C.R.G., began Irish dance lessons as an adult over 15 years ago. After seasons of performance and prizewinner competition, she earned certification as a fully accredited teacher of Irish dancing from An Coimisium le Rinci Gaelacha, Ireland, and in 2003 she added to her credentials when she earned certification as an adjudicator for  "An Coimisium" sanctioned Irish Dance competitions.  Miss Judy is now qualified to judge Irish dance competitions around the world.

In August 2006, two new teachers, Shaun Casey and Aisling Toal Casey, T.C.R.G.,  joined the Celtic Steps Family.  Shaun is a Colorado native and seven time Western Regional Champion.  He placed third in the North American Championships, and tenth in the World Championships.  Aisling started dancing at five in Belfast, and won the All England Championship and placed seventh in the All Ireland Championships.  Over the past seven years both Shaun and Aisling toured with Michael Flatley in Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames.  Both danced the principal roles in Lord of the Dance and have worked side by side with Mr. Flatley.  They are very excited by the opportunity to teach here along the Front Range and our dancers are excited to have such experience in the school.

Our instructors are assisted in Colorado Springs by four of our senior dancers, Ms Juliet Christian, Ms Caryn Morgan, Ms Mickie Richardson, and Ms Andria Beauvais.  In Denver, Ms Molly Fandrich and Ms Michelle Farrell assist with classes.  Ms Richardson conducts limited classes in Woodland Park and in September 2006, Ms Beauvais began classes in Pueblo.

How did Celtic Steps begin?

Miss Judy initially taught adult classes with the Colorado Free University.  Some of those adults are still dancing with the school today.  In 1996, Denver hosted the Western Regional Irish dance championships and an adult team of eight dancers competed.  The school was then named the Johnson School. Three things quickly happened:  (1) acquaintances in Denver asked Ms. Judy to please begin lessons for children; (2) Lauren Martin (owner of Celtic Merchant) in Colorado Springs contacted Miss Judy for private lessons and then persuaded her to offer lessons in the Springs, and (3) Miss Judy got married and became Mrs. Judy DeNapoli.  Somehow, naming the school "The DeNapoli School of Irish Dance" didn't seem quite right.  "Saint Brendan's School of Irish Dance" was thus created, named after the patron saint of sailors and possibly the first European to reach the shores of North America in the late 5th century.

The school has grown in size since then, and now has over 200 participating dancers.  In August 2006, after 10 successful years, Miss Judy embarked on a new phase for the school.  With the addition of two new teachers and classes in Woodland Park and Pueblo, Miss Judy felt it was the opportune time to update the school's look and present a more modern face to the community.  "Saint Brendan's School of Irish Dance" became "Celtic Steps."  Same tradition of quality and dedication; new attitude!

What is the cost for classes?

Classes are grouped into four sessions per year.  Each session includes 9 - 12 classes. 

Class tuition is determined for each session, based on the length of the session.

Family rates are available.

How can I sign up for classes?

Classes are offered in Colorado Springs, Denver, Lakewood, Woodland Park, and Pueblo. 

For more information on registration, click the registration button below.

Registration   =   Bookings   =   FAQs

Questions, comments, suggestions?  Email us at webmanager@celticsteps.org!

Site updated on 04/21/2007