ANNETTE COLLINS
OLD-STYLE IRISH STEP
Level: Intermediate +
*Live Online via Zoom| Sunday, Oct. 27 | 2pm - 3:30pm
Annette will teach the South Derry old-style version of the well-known solo Irish step dance, King of the Fairies. Annette learned this particular version from Thomas, son of May Allen, herself a long-time and much-beloved dance instructor in Counties Antrim, Derry and Tyrone. This hornpipe includes an 8 bar step danced on both the right and left, and a 16 bar set (B part of the tune) is also repeated right and left. Whether you dance old-style or modern Irish step -- or another step dance tradition altogether -- you'll enjoy this rare nugget of Irish dance history.
Annette graduated with a degree in Music from the Ulster University and teaches music and dance from her home in Ireland. She is an experienced and accomplished old-style step dancer, based in Co Armagh; her enthusiasm for step dancing was triggered as an adult, learning her craft from Patrick O'Dea, Michael Tubridy, Joe McGuiggan, Brenda O'Callaghan among others. Annette wholeheartedly believes that it is never too late to try something that triggers an interest, and advocates the benefits of dance for both mind and body.
Annette's reputation as a teacher of dance grew hugely during the pandemic; she started to teach online in May 2020, with students zooming in from Ireland, Scotland, England, across mainland Europe, not to mention USA, Canada and Japan. Her classes and workshops are characterised by her creation of a supportive and professional environment; and by her consistently inclusive and engaging style.