It’s important to know what you’re getting into when starting a new class. You can reviews on our Facebook page, Google listing and a few of our dancers kindly recorded short videos for us to share here!
I have always loved dancing. When I first came to Belfast from India in 2016, I was looking for a dance class to join to learn any traditional dance form. That’s when I heard about SBIDA from my then colleague Ciara Cunning. SBIDA was the best thing that happened to me in Belfast. Not only that I got to learn this amazing dance form, but also meet some awesome people. I have been a member of SBIDA ever since, even after leaving Belfast. From the numerous SBIDA ceili nights to the Belfast Culture Night to our trip to Malta for St. Patrick’s weekend, I have made some everlasting memories. I must say Irish music / dancing is truly soul-uplifting and rejuvenating and that it makes me so happy. Last but not least I thank my lovely teachers Ethan, Donna and Linda for being so friendly and kind and for their relentless efforts to keep the Irish dancing culture alive.
Dr. Ninu Poulose
Frankly, I joined SBIDA on a whim, thinking “I live in Belfast, I might as well give it a shot”. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made!
I was (and still am!) a complete novice when I started, but that was never an issue, as there are classes that accommodate all levels. Dancing to the upbeat Irish tunes is a lot of fun as well as great exercise! The people (teachers and students) are friendly and fun to be around, and SBIDA also organised social outings before the pandemic, so it’s also a good way to make new friends.
So if you’re thinking about joining (which you probably are, if you’re browsing this site), just do it! Who knows, it might be one of the best decisions you ever made 😉
Miltiadis Fotopoulos
My name is Linde and I am the Founder and Executive Director of Square Studio Dance, a nonprofit organization that provides free online dance classes for children who, for physical or financial reasons, cannot make it to the studio for in person classes. Over the past two years, Square Studio Dance has been collaborating with SBIDA. Ethan and his team have generously and enthusiastically taught our students Irish dance classes live on St. Patrick’s Day via the Zoom platform here in America, and done an incredible job doing so.
With their upbeat and encouraging attitude, clear teaching style, and overwhelming knowledge of Irish dance, the SBIDA team has brought our students a tremendous amount of joy. Most of our students participate from a hospital bed or Ronald McDonald House; I love working with SBIDA as they lovingly work with all abilities and levels of dancers.
With Ethan and his team, students not only learn traditional Irish dance, but also get to experience SBIDA’s warm and welcoming community and love of Irish dancing. We at Square Studio Dance have absolutely loved working with the SBIDA team and look forward to future collaborations!
Linde Spear, Executive Director of Square Studio Dance
South Belfast Irish Dancing for Adults 