Making Irish Dance Accessible
Tyneside Irish Dance is not like the traditional dance schools - we're here for fun and community above all else, so we don't take part in competitions and it's okay if your steps aren't perfect!
Our classes are for all ages and abilities - you're never too old to start a new skill or go back to something you left years ago, there's something wonderful about being able to dance in a group of all ages for the fun of it. Classes are tailored to those who join, rather than making you fit the class. If you have an injury or disability, we will work with you to learn and have fun.
Why We're Here
Tyneside Irish Dance was set up in 2022 to bring people together who want to continue (or start) Irish Dancing after school and uni, without the pressure of competitions (and no wigs or fake tan required!). It brings the Festival style of Irish Dance to the North East, which is less rigid and more individual than Feis, with more of a focus on storytelling, and mixes this with more modern songs and styles that you may have seen online. Our classes are here for fun, exercise, community, and learning without judgement.
Your Teacher
Derianna started Festival Irish Dance at 14 when the Aisling School of Irish Dance started to run beginner classes for older students. She then joined Newcaslte University Irish Dance in 2014, a student-led society where both Festival and Feis styles come together to perform throughout the year, which influenced her mixed dance style of traditional and modern steps.
She started teaching in 2018, and set up the Northumbria Irish Dance Society in 2020, which works together with the Newcastle society for classes and performances, before starting Tyneside Irish Dance in 2022 for those who had left uni and wanted to keep dancing, and for those who wanted to start back up but had nowhere to dance in the north east.
Testimonials
The classes are so much fun. I really love Deriannas teaching style, shes so easy to learn from and everything about the class is very relaxed. The content taught is always suitable for the class level and Derianna works hard to make sure it always suits the class. Overall I really look forward to going to classes!
I would strongly recommend Tyneside Irish Dance classes to anyone with an interest in dance, music, Irish culture or who just want to try something new.
Great fun for every ability with a very friendly and dedicated teacher!
I would highly recommend those with and without dance experience to join for the pure enjoyment and fun
A great way of keeping fit & learning, or honing, your skills as an Irish dancer.
Derianna is a patient, kind & fun teacher.
Really fun lessons - I love that there is no pressure at all to be perfect and you can just have a laugh
I already feel fitter from the classes and this will only get better.
the classes are very fun and an enjoyable way to learn a new skill, could not recommend enough
Derianna’s teaching is always so fun, positive, and supportive
The class members are really lovely & very willing to go over things with those new, or just returning after some years, to Irish dancing.
Derianna's teaching style provides a very welcoming atmosphere to newcomers and provides an accessible space for all abilities to begin to develop their Irish dance skills