Register for Jersey Shore Irish Arts Camp

www.shannondunne.com/jerseyshore

The newly launched Jersey Shore Irish Arts Camp, sponsored by the Irish American Society of the Jersey Shore and presented by Shannon Dunne Studios is a one-week immersive cultural arts program, offering children ages 7-to-12-years-old an engaging introduction to traditional Irish music, song, and dance in a structured and supportive environment.

The Jersey Shore Irish Arts Camp aims to create a joyful and enriching experience that connects young people to the living traditions of Irish music and dance while building artistic skills and lifelong cultural appreciation. The camp will run daily Monday through Friday, July 13-17, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. It will be held at the Goodwill Hose Company building located at 610 7^th Avenue, Belmar, NJ.

Throughout the week, students will participate in daily instruction in: tin whistle, traditional Irish singing, Irish social dancing – including céilí and set dances, old-style (sean nós) Irish step dancing, and ensemble music-making and collaborative performance practice. No previous experience is necessary.

The curriculum emphasizes both technical skill development and cultural appreciation through hands-on learning and group participation. Students will explore traditional Irish repertoire, rhythm, movement, storytelling, and ear training in an encouraging environment designed for learners of all experience levels.

Fran Griffin, founder of the Irish American Society of the Jersey Shore, says, “in this, our first year of operation, the Society is delighted to partner with Shannon Dunne on a program for children, helping to achieve our mission to promote cultural awareness to young audiences. Students will be encouraged to tap into their artistic abilities, while preserving the legacy of age-old traditions. My hope is that the camp will help to promote a multi-generational appreciation of culture and the arts, creating connections between participants, families, and the wider community, all while celebrating traditions that continue to inspire.”

The Irish Arts Camp will be directed by Shannon Dunne, an internationally recognized sean-nós dancer, musician, and educator with over 25 years of practice in Irish traditional arts as well as experience in leading youth Irish arts camps and cultural education programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and will begin study at the University of Limerick in Ireland in the fall for a Master of Arts in Ethnochoreology, which blends studies of anthropology, sociology, and dance.

Dunne’s work combines lived traditional practice with high-level competitive experience, along with extensive teaching proficiency. Her work in developing Irish arts programming at the University of Notre Dame and documentation by the Smithsonian Institution reflect her longstanding commitment to cultural preservation and arts education. Additionally, Dunne has conducted extensive fieldwork in Connemara, County Galway, where she worked with local community cultural practitioners to enhance her craft.

“My goal for the camp is to help students build creative skills that foster confidence, teamwork, and community through accessible teaching techniques and shared practice. Students will be encouraged to develop their artistic capabilities as they learn in a fun and supportive environment. By working together and learning together, participants will have an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the arts as a powerful means of communication, connection, and personal growth,” says Dunne.

The Jersey Shore Irish Arts Camp seeks to foster a fun, meaningful experience that inspires young people to engage with the vibrant traditions of Irish music and dance. Advance registration is required. For additional details and to register for the camp, go to: www.shannondunne.com/jerseyshore.