Describing the hills of Ireland as simply being green does a great disservice to the majesty and intoxicating beauty of the plush rolling landscape. In the same vein, calling Dancin? Feet School of Music and Dance a Celtic/Gaelic dance studio falls laughably short of ecompassing the total package offered by the new business.
‘We don’t just teach dance here. We teach music and song and culture,? said Renee Ginell, owner of Dancin? Feet.
Nestled on the backside of Ritters Country Square off Dixie Highway, Ginell’s brainchild offers a unique, wholesome family-friendly experience which brings the rich Gaelic culture to life.
‘Mel Gibson in ‘Braveheart? said ‘Unite the clans,? and that is what we are doing here,? said Ginell. ‘I’m taking the Scottish side of the Celtic (Gaelic) culture, the Irish side and the Canadian side and uniting them all under one roof.?
Under one roof, Ginell’s students not only learn ancient Celtic dances, but also have the opportunity to be steeped in the Gaelic culture as a whole. Dancin? Feet offers instruction in traditional instruments and tutelage in the Celtic tongue.
Three classically trained musicians are available throughout the week to instruct students: Darylann Garcia offers classical piano and voice lessons, Marilyn Hotaling teaches the celtic fiddle, and Icie Marie illuminates the intricacies of the tin whistle and Bodhran drum and also tutors in gaelic language.
Ginell’s studio is unique even when compared to other Celtic themed studios.
‘Most Irish or Scottish studios run competitive programs. I do not compete,? said Ginell. ‘I am very firm about not judging art and letting traditions and art carry on as an heirloom from one person to the next.?
Dancin? Feet fosters an atmosphere of learning and comradery instead of competitiveness. Once a month all of the dancers hard work and training is rewarded at the Ceilidh (Kay-lee) celebrations.
‘Many dancers from other studios come to our studio on Ceilidh night just because they know they can dance and have fun,? said Ginell.
At the Ceilidh, everyone is decked out in traditional celtic regalia. A cross between a recital and dance party, the festivities usually run from 6 to 11 p.m.
Renee Ginell would like to cordially invite anyone interested in a safe good time to join Dancin? Feet as they celebrate St. Patricks Day on March 19th with a Ceilidh at the Ortonville town hall.
Dancin? Feet also travels to festivals across the state and puts on several recitals during the year.
From age three on up to 72, people flock to Ginell’s weekly classes and Ceilidhs. From the ‘Bravehearts? (just for the guys) to the ‘Bonnie Lassies? right down to the ‘wee ones,? dancers of all ages can find their niche.
‘There is a nice handful of dancers who are trained when they start here, but the majority come to me as beginners,? said Ginell, ‘The more experience that people get with the steps the more aerobic the dances become. They love what they are doing so they don’t realize that they are out of breath.?
Wednesdays are when the fun starts at Dancin? Feet. The classes begin at 4 p.m. with the wee ones and become increasingly mature and technical as the night continues. By the time the ‘Bonnie Lassies? wrap up in the evening the windows of the studio are fogged over.
‘Most people are very intimidated to explore their creative self. Here in the studio you become very comfortable,? said Gin’ell. ‘Every single person walking this earth has a creative self, and that is what I aim to bring out.?
Dancin? Feet’s next Ceilidh is on Mar. 19 followed by one on Apr. 30; anyone is welcome at the monthly Ceilidhs regardless of experience.
Dancin? Feet School of Music and Dance is located at 6678 Dixie Highway on the east side of Ritters Country Square. Contact Ren’ee Ginell at 248-240-2457. Classes are Wednesdays from 4-9 p.m. Specialized classes are offered throughout the week and Saturdays. Music and voice lessons are also available throughout the week.