The foundation of all Irish dance is "sevens and threes". As the dancer masters these basic techniques, they will be introduced to new rhythms and more complex steps. The character of these steps varies with the traditional music to which they are performed - the quickness of reels, the lightness of jigs and slipjigs, and the rhythmic measure of hornpipes. 

     The first dances a student learns will be performed in soft shoes, but as the dancer develops coordination and timing,they will need a second kind of shoe - hard shoes - filled with fiberglass heels and tips. Now the dancer will learn to make rhythmic sounds using the toe, heel, and ball of the foot.