Getting a good workout isn’t why most people visit Anna O’Brien’s, best known as a lively Irish bar and nightclub in Moiliili.

But on Tuesday evenings that’s exactly what you’ll get if you take part in weekly classes offered by Hawaii Irish Dance. During the sessions, participants perform skill- and strength-building exercises and learn traditional steps and group dances — no experience required. Dancers age 12 and older are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.

The class I attended began with stretching and a warm-up that included calf raises, feet pointing and flexing, and an introduction to some basic footwork. The group dances had us partnering off and switching partners using skipping patterns.

My feet kept wanting to go in another direction, but the other dancers guided me along so I almost looked like I knew what I was doing.

Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes if you go, since you’ll be moving around a lot. Athletic shoes, ballet slippers, jazz shoes or Irish ghillies all work, but some students wore split-sole dance sneakers for extra support.

Instructor Nicole Wilder suggested bringing a notebook to write down the steps for future reference.

"I’m barking orders the whole time," she said. "People need to get used to that."

The two dances we learned were the Waves of Tory and the Haymakers Jig. Wilder’s constant instruction definitely helps.

During the jig, two opposing lines of dancers move toward each other and then step back to their starting point. The two dancers on the ends at opposing diagonals moved through the line and did half turns, with each dancer using the right and left hand. The gents spun the ladies several times and sent them back to their starting position.

"We do the group dances because it’s more fun," Wilder said.

Vigorous Irish dancing can increase physical fitness, flexibility, balance and precision. And newcomers can expect to pick up some of the basic moves in about 10 or 15 minutes, she said.

"Everyone can participate in these dances from the very first day. We practice those basic steps until everyone is comfortable with them, which I would say takes about two to three class periods," Wilder said. "Most of our dancers feel ready to perform in the pub or at other gigs within a couple of months."

Many of the dancers attend pub nights at Irish saloons to refine their moves.

Lynn Scully, a civilian staff officer at the Marine Corps’ Camp Smith, has been doing Irish dance since she moved here five years ago. She commutes to her job from Wai­mea on the Big Island and looks forward to meeting her friends for dancing on Oahu.

"The classes are so great, not only for the fitness, but also for the social aspect. We get a great sense of camaraderie and teamwork because we end up having to plan and coordinate performances and pub dancing," she said.

Scully said the dancers have put their skills to use at events sponsored by local groups that celebrate Irish culture and Irish-themed activities.

"There are so many fun things like the Finnegans Wake Pub Crawl (sponsored by the Society of the Friends of St. Patrick) to do as a group," she said. "We are brought together by a love of Irish dance and culture."

“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.