IRISH DANCE CLASSES - CALGARY


At MJP, discover Self-Confidence, Teamwork, Leadership Skills, Strength, Endurance and awareness of a Healthy Lifestyle.


- Top quality instruction for boys, girls and adults

-Age 2 and up

-Classes in both the North and South of Calgary.


M.J.P. Academy of Irish dance is one of Calgary’s top Irish dance schools. M.J.P. has had numerous dancers qualify for and compete at both North American Championships and the World Championships.

MJP allows dancers the choice to develop their dance careers towards competition, show dancing, team dancing, fitness or any combination of the above. We expect our dancers to achieve a high level of standard in their dancing no matter which path they choose.

Classes


Do the Impossible, Find your Passion

 

2020-2021 Schedule Sept-JuneRegistration PackageIn-Person Class Fees Locations Class Descriptions

More Helpful Links can be found Here Below:

FAQ's Used shoe and dress exchange Parent and Student Handbook Child Protection Policy Parent Committee Handbook

COVID-19 INFO

In response to COVID-19, MJP will be following government distancing and cleaning guidelines very closely. For more details, see our restricted class guidelines below and in our registration package. If your dancer is showing symptoms, use our MJP COVID PROTOCOL FLOWCHART.

TO SEE FULL GUIDELINES, CLICK THE POSTER BELOW

COVID Saftey

REGISTRATION WEEK
September 2020

If you would like to give Irish dance a try, come join us for our 2020-2021 dance season! We will be accepting registrations during our first week of classes from 5:00pm-7:00pm each evening.

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES/ REGISTRATION NIGHTS

NORTH

Tuesday, September 8th - 5:00pm-7:00pm –Highwood Community Center, 16 Harlow Ave. N.W
Thursday, September 10th - 5:00pm-7:00pm Highwood Community Center, 16 Harlow Ave. N.W.

SOUTH
Wednesday, September 9th - 5:00pm-7:00pm – Midsun Community Center, 50 Midpark Rise S.E.
Monday, September 14th - 5:00pm-7:00pm –Midsun Community Center, 50 Midpark Rise S.E

For maps to our locations, please see our "Locations" page.

MJP at the
WORLD QUALIFIER'S
2019

A fun video highlighting our favourite moments from this year's world qualifiers in November, 2019.




Our 2 studio
locations



Midsun Community Center Highwood Comm Center

PHOTOS ANS ADDRESSES OF OUR STUDIOS

MIDSUN COMMUNITY CENTER
50 Midpark Rise S.E.
Calgary, Alberta

Midsun Exterior

Midsun Exterior

 

HIGHWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
16 Harlow Avenue N.W.
Calgary, Alberta

Highwood Exterior

Highwood Exterior


MJP's
used shoe & dress
exchange
provided by the volunteer association: MJPIDA



Dancers from MJP (or from any dance school) are welcome to use our shoe and dress exchange. To buy or sell an item, simply e-mail our used shoe exchange at mjpshoes@hotmail.com. If you are selling an item, please include the following information:

1) What item you are selling (Dress, Hardshoes, MJP Jacket etc.)

2) The size of the item

3) Brand

4) Colour (If applicable)

5) The price you would like to sell the item for (Remember to add on $5.00 as a donation to MJPIDA for selling your item for you).

If you would like to have a look at the dresses that are currently for sale on "Smilebox", click HERE




The only way of finding the limits
of the possible is by going beyond
them into the impossible.
Arthur C. Clarke

HOW TO
Register

Circle 1

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT OUR REGISTRATION PACKAGE

Can't do much without the Registration Form! Download it here first and then print it off. After that, grab your trusty pencil and you're ready to go!

REGISTRATION PACKAGE 2020-2021


Circle 2

CHOOSE YOUR CLASSES

Use the class schedules below and the descriptions of our classes (also below) to help you choose what level your dancer should be in.

Schedule 2 Class levels

Circle 3

CALCULATE YOUR CLASS FEES

Use our "Class fees" chart below to calculate your monthly fees.

Class fees

Circle 4

READ OUR HANDBOOKS

Have a read through our "Parent and Student Handbook" and our "MJPIDA Handbook" to see in more detail what MJP is all about. Be sure your dancer is aware of information that pertains to them, then initial the form provided in your MJP registration package.

Parent/Student Handbook CHILD PROTECTION POLICY MJPIDA Handbook

Circle 5

COMPLETE YOUR FORMS AND BRING THEM IN

Fill out all remaining forms* in the “Registration package" and bring them along with payment into your first class OR,
mail them to:

Rae Bailey, 8843 47 Ave. N.W., Calgary, AB. T3B 2A3

*The workshop forms only need to be completed if you are in your second year of dance and up.


If you have any more questions regarding, shoes, what to wear to class etc, have a look at our FAQ page

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION
During first week of classes from 5-7pm


NORTH

Tuesday, September 8th - 5:00pm-7:00pm –Highwood Community Center, 16 Harlow Ave. N.W
Thursday, September 10th - 5:00pm-7:00pm Highwood Community Center, 16 Harlow Ave. N.W.

SOUTH
Wednesday, September 9th - 5:00pm-7:00pm – Midsun Community Center, 50 Midpark Rise S.E.
Monday, September 14th - 5:00pm-7:00pm –Midsun Community Center, 50 Midpark Rise S.E

Follow Us, Like Us...all the social stuff

A true artist
is not one who is inspired,
but one who inspires others.
Salvador Dali

Our
Calendar




For more information on upcoming competitions (times, location etc.) please visit the feisworx website. For a full list of all North American feiseanna, please visit the North American Feis Commission website.


When you dance to your own rhythm,
life taps its toes to your beat.
Terri Guillemets

About
MJPAcademy

We bring a personal focus
to teaching Irish dance
and instilling self-confidence,
Which is why
our students love to dance
and why they keep coming back.

JOELLE ANDERSON

Creative Director

Joelle started Irish dancing at age 5 at the Regent Academy of Irish Dance and continued dancing and competing until the age of 22.
Reaching Open Championship level, Joelle competed at the Western Canadian Oireachtas, Munsters Oireachtas in Ireland, the North American Championships, in both teams and solos, and the World Championships of Irish dancing in solos. Joelle's teaching career began at the Regent Academy of Irish Dance where she began student teaching at the age of 12. At age 16, Joelle obtained her first job teaching Irish dance at Kel Soloway’s Dance Arts. For the next six years, Joelle continued to compete and student teach with Regent Academy while teaching the Irish dance program at Kel Soloways, Free House Dance and Celtic FX.
During this time, Joelle obtained her Bachelor Degree at the University of Calgary while taking classes in Jazz, Modern and Ballet at various dance studios and the University of Calgary.
Following this, Joelle attended the university of Limerick, Ireland and obtained her Master of Arts in Irish dance performance.
Joelle returned to Ireland the following year to study for and obtain her T.C.R.G.* under the tuition of her mentor Orfhlaith Nibhriain and the added help of Michael Ryan.
Joelle went on to get her adjudicators certification (A.D.C.R.G.**) in September, 2017, allowing her to judge Irish dance competitions .
After returning home from Ireland in December of 2006, M.J.P. Academy was created and had its first official class on February 6th, 2007. Since it's first class, M.J.P. has experienced exponential growth and soaring success. The students and teachers of M.J.P. are like a big family and Joelle loves nothing more than to help a student's dance dreams come true.

*T.C.R.G. stands for: Teastas Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha. Which when translated to English means Irish Dancing Commission Teacher.

**A.D.C.R.G. stands for: Ard Diploma Coimisiuin le Rinci Gaelacha. Which when translated to English means Commission Certified Irish Dance Adjudicator.

Teachers

of MJP Academy


Marissa Braden

Marissa is as dedicated to her students as she is to her dancing. Any students that have her as a teacher adore her and can’t wait until their next class.


MONIQUE BLESSING

Monique treats everyone with kindness and respect. She maintains high espectations of her students, encouraging them to reach their full potential.


Leora VICZKO

Leora expects hard work and dedication from her students. Her caring approach makes her students feel challenged and accepted.


LONNI ROBLEY

Lonni enjoys sharing her passion for Irish Dance. A hard worker and very talented dancer, she inspires her students to strive for excellence.

Life is the dancer
and you are the dance.
Eckhart Tolle

Questions
& answers

Have a question?
take a look below

FAQs

Below are the most frequently asked questions we get from families of MJP. If you have a question you don't see below, feel free to contact us.

What do I wear to class? (Children and Adults)
Shorts and a close fitting T-shirt or tank top, shorts or leggings with white socks. Leg warmers are also permitted. All dancers in their second year of dance and up must wear white socks (they don't have to be poodle socks) to class so that we can better correct your technique. Socks can be worn over top of tights if you prefer tights. Shorts must be above the knee as so that corrections can be made to knee positions. If shorts are very short (approx. one to three inches long) then tights must be worn underneath.
OR
Tights and bodysuit (skirts above the knee are fine): Any color and style are acceptable although, beginner students perform wearing black tights and a blck bodysuit with T-shirt length sleeves and a boat neck.

DANCERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WEAR PANTS OR LONG SKIRTS OF ANY SORT TO DANCE CLASS AS THEY CAN CAUSE DANCERS TO TRIP AND FALL.

Hair: During class, hair should be back from the face and out of the eyes.
What age should wear a mask?
A mask should not be placed on a child younger than age 2. Age 2 and up CAN wear a mask but, for ages 2 through 4, we may not be successful in getting them to keep it on. :) We encourage these youngest dancers to wear a mask on their way in and out of the building and when they head to the bathroom but we also understand that kids are kids and if these youngest dancers are having a "day" and arrive without their mask, they can still dance. Social distancing measures will be maintained to keep them safe.

We have also ordered some super cute one-use masks that might get them excited enough to put one on as they enter the building. :)

PLEASE PREPARE YOUNG DANCERS Please let your dancer know ahead of time that their teachers will be wearing masks. We don't them to get a scare on their first day!
What do I wear for shows?
This question requires a long answer so please see our Show Guide in our "members only" section of the website.
What kind of shoes will I need?

A CHEAPER OPTION

Beginner girls may wear black ballet slippers. (Pink ballet slippers may be worn but if dancing in performances, black slippers are required)
Beginner boys may wear a black jazz shoe.
These can be purchased at any dance store throughout the city.

IRISH DANCE SHOES
Girls wear a soft black slipper-like shoe called a ghillie (also called pomps)
Boys wear a boys reel shoe. These shoes have a hard heel on them that makes a clicking noise when they hit their heels together.
If you intend to purchase these shoes, please do not buy them at the ballet shops around town as they will sell you Highland dance shoes instead of ghillies which are the wrong shoe.

For more information, please read our MJP Shoe guide HERE

Where can I buy new or used Irish Dance shoes?
Shoes can be purchased used online, or second hand at MJP by using the "Shoe Exchange" at mjpshoes@hotmail.com

Or purchase new at Steele Celtic Dancewear at the following address: 576 Coach Grove Road S.W. Calgary, AB Phone:(403) 686-3514
When do I get to use hardshoes?
Dancers are usually ready to begin using hardshoes in their second year, around December. For more information, please read our MJP Shoe guide HERE
Where can I buy Irish music?
Music can be found at local Irish dance competitions and also at Steele Celtic Dancewear at the following address: 576 Coach Grove Road S.W. Calgary, AB Phone:(403) 686-3514 Itunes can be a good resource. Try starting with a search for "Light Jig". That will usually bring up Irish dance music.
We also have links to some of my favourite dace CD's in our "members only" section of the website.
Do I have to compete?
No. Competition is a big decision and requires that the dancer and the family make the choice together to take the next step with their dancing.
Are the adult classes for complete beginners?
Yes. Although the more advanced students are often mixed with the new students. This makes classes larger and more enjoyable for the students.
Are the adult classes for serious dancers only?
No. Adults can take lessons just for fun and/or exercise or they can do shows or compete or any combination of these.
How old are the dancers in the adult classes?
Adult dancers range in age from young adult and up. (I would be in trouble if I told how old our oldest dancer is). There is no age limit in the adult classes at MJP.
What is MJPIDA?
MJP Irish Dance Association (MJPIDA) is MJP Academy of Irish Dance’s Non-Profit Society. Membership is open to anyone over the age of majority. Parents/guardians of dancers and/or dancers who have reached age of majority may apply for family membership.
All families and dancers are encouraged to join and participate in the MJPIDA. The full MJPIDA handbook can be read HERE and outlines the benefits of membership and participation by parents and dancers.
MJPIDA supports all MJPIDA member dance students.
Are the MJPIDA meetings mandatory?
No, but the decisions made at MJPIDA meetings affect all dancers at MJP academy. Also, going to meetings helps parents to keep informed and allows parents from the North and South locations meet one another.
When are receipts given out?
Receipts are handed out twice a year: January/February and June.
What do the initials M.J.P. stand for?
The intials M.J.P. stand for Miss. Joelle's Performing (Academy of Irish Dance).

The only way of finding the limits
of the possible is by going beyond
them into the impossible.
Arthur C. Clarke

ContactUs

Get in touch
let's have a chat
we can help you
with your questions

  • HALL LOCATIONS
    Mondays & Thursdays(SOUTH)
    MidSun Community Centre
    50 Midpark Rise S.E.
    Calgary, Alberta

    Tuesday Classes (NORTH)
    Highwood Community Centre
    16 Harlow Avenue N.W.
    Calgary, Alberta

    Wednesday Classes (NORTH)
    Highland Park Community Centre
    3716 2nd Street N.W.
    Calgary, Alberta

Fundraiser Volunteer:
mjpidafundraising@hotmail.com

Follow Us, Like Us...all the social stuff

Believe you can
and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt