Alan Foley Academy of Dance at Uillinn
TERM 1 – Saturdays 6 September 2026 to 10 January 2025 (excluding 1 Nov, 20 Dec, 27 Dec & 3 Jan) – 15 Sessions
TERM 2 – 17 Jan 2026 to 9 May 2026 (excl. 4 & 11 Apr) (rehearsal on 9 May and performance on 10 May) – 15 Sessions
About Alan Foley Academy of Dance at Uillinn
Founded in 1991, the Alan Foley Academy of Dance has branches in Skibbereen, Bantry, Clonakilty and Carrigaline. Under the direction of Alan Foley, the School offers a complete range of classes for young children and teens who wish to pursue recreational dance instruction in a supportive and encouraging setting.
Alan Foley’s Academy of Dance (AFAD) promotes dance as a vibrant and enjoyable art form through classes, workshops and performances in ballet, jazz and modern dance for 3 to 18 year olds. AFAD is part of Cork City Ballet (CCB) which embraces a policy of engaging dancers from international companies as well as Ireland’s finest classical and contemporary dancers, to perform to audiences all over Ireland.
The Company has worked in partnership with WCAC for over 20 years, developing programmes for children which offer continuous academic development and engagement with professional dancers. Annual performances, featuring professional dancers in The Everyman in Cork are an integral part of the programme.
https://www.alanfoleyacademy.ie/
Currently facilitated at WCAC by dance teacher Miss Hetty Gazzaniga.
Hetty Gazzaniga attended Alan Foley Academy of Dance from the age of 4 and Uillinn Young Dancers from her early teens working with artists such as Tara Brandel, Elaine McCague, and Inma Pavon. She has performed at Cork Opera House, Crawford Art Gallery, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre, and own solo work at Everyman Theatre, Cork in 2023 & 2024 as part of Alan Foley Academy of Dance Showcase. Hetty is currently studying contemporary dance at University of Limerick, Irish World Academy with choreographers including Grant McLay, Monica Munoz and Justine Cooper. Through college she has performed at UL Glucksman Library, Dance Limerick, The Irish World Academy, The Hunts Museum, and a site specific contemporary ballet at Kinsale Arts Festival (Choreography by Patricia Crosbie). She is currently participating in a nine month placement at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre as Dance Project Assistant, with responsibility for leading Uillinn Young Dancers, support work for Uillinn dance residency/UDS programmes, teaching with Alan Foley Academy of Dance and delivering several dance workshops (Skibbereen Arts Festival, Feelgood Festival etc..). Hetty’s studio residency at Uillinn in 2025 is focused on developing new movement, exploring new music, and taking creative risk to devise a new work for Uillinn Dance Season.
Pre Primary / Primary Ballet
In each session the participants will practice exercises from a syllabus that is designed to build on the foundations of formal dance training and basic technique. Emphasis is bases on a balance of activities that will make learning enjoyable. The sessions will inspire children from beginning to end as the exercises were developed to engage children. From sailing in a boat to rocking a doll, bouncing a ball and reaching for the stars. We aim to make the fundamentals the building blocks of fun.
Junior Ballet
Junior Ballet is the perfect stepping stone into the world of dance. Each week through a different story the class will bring ballet basics to life. Participants will enjoy walking on their toes around a magic castle, catching butterflies in an enchanted garden, pointing their feet at a snapping crocodile and jumping in icy puddles. This session places emphasis on creativity, musicality and enjoying the learning process.
Senior Ballet
In these sessions we teach ballet in a more formal manner. Each session begins with exercises practiced at the barre. The class moves to the centre where we practice exercises designed to improve balance, strength and coordination. The sessions progress to movements such as turns, pirouettes and faster jumps and leaps before finishing with a cool down and some stretching. Senior students will also practice pointe work.
Modern Dance
Modern dance is also known as Modern Theatre Dance and is the type of dancing seen in musicals such as Chicago, The Lion King and Fame as well as numerous pop videos. These sessions are perfect for energetic children who enjoy moving, stretching, jumping and interacting with other children while enhancing an appreciation for music.
Jazz Dance
Jazz/Modern is a fast paced energetic dance. A typical jazz session will involve a warm up then moves on to learning separate moves such as turns, jumps and leaps that travel across the studio. A short routine is taught in stages to pop, hip hop and rock music finishing with some stretching and a cool down.
Pre-primary (4-5) – 10:30 to 11:00. €150
Primary Ballet/Modern (5-7) – 11:00 to 11:45. €200
Junior Ballet/Modern (7-11) – 11:45 to 12:45. €230
Senior Ballet (11 upwards) – 1:15 to 2:30. €260
Senior Jazz (11 upwards) – 2:30 to 3:30. €230
Senior Ballet & Jazz €380
