Finding the right physical activity for your child can sometimes feel like a sport in itself. We all want our children to find something they love, a space where they can burn energy, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging. Like many parents, I watched my own daughter try different avenues, from team sports to individual pursuits, before she discovered her true passion: Irish Dances.
Initially, we enrolled her in soccer, hoping she would take to it like her athletic father. While she enjoyed being part of a team and the post-game camaraderie, the actual game wasn’t her forte. Recognizing that pushing soccer wasn’t the answer, we explored other options. A Jazzercise class offered a brief moment of fun, but its unstructured nature didn’t quite click. Being petite, she felt hesitant about sports like softball or lacrosse, worried about the impact and physical demands.
It was then, while flipping through my college alumni magazine, that I stumbled upon an article about Irish dance. It was a lightbulb moment. My daughter had a natural skip in her step, a bright, engaging smile, and absolutely no stage fright. It seemed like Irish dance was practically made for her. We signed her up for an introductory camp, a decision that would change her life in the most wonderful way.
Like any parent venturing into a new activity for their child, I had some preconceived notions. Whispers of dance world competitiveness and the “dance mom” stereotype lingered in the back of my mind. However, after just three sessions of the camp, my worries began to dissipate. My daughter was genuinely thrilled. She eagerly showed me the basic steps she had learned, her brow furrowed in concentration as she counted the rhythms. She even downloaded Irish music to practice on her own.
That was just the beginning. Two years later, Irish dance is an integral part of her life. Every evening, she puts on her ghillies, those soft leather shoes, and practices her routines on a dance floor we installed at home. She’s now progressing from the simple beginner uniform to a beautiful, ornate school dress, far more elaborate than my wedding dress! Paired with poodle socks adorned with rhinestones, this dress is for competitions, where she’ll also wear a wig, an ever-growing symbol of advancement in the Irish dance world. As dancers progress into their teens, self-tanner and stage makeup become part of the glamorous, pageant-like presentation.
But beyond the sparkle and costumes, Irish dance is a serious and demanding physical discipline. These dancers are athletes. They train rigorously to build the strength and stamina required to execute complex steps and movements across the dance floor. Drawing parallels to ballet, Irish dancers extend their legs with precision and leap with impressive height. Their footwork is incredibly rapid, a blur of motion that is mesmerizing to watch.
Irish dance uniquely blends individual performance with team spirit. In solo dances, the arms are held rigidly at the sides, a seemingly simple feat that requires considerable control and practice to prevent arm movements mirroring the intricate legwork. Group dances, known as Ceili dances, involve arm movements and formations, adding another layer of complexity and coordination. The camaraderie within Irish dance schools is strong. Dancers enthusiastically support their schoolmates at competitions, offering encouragement and constructive feedback. They develop a keen eye for detail and learn from each other, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
My daughter’s dance teacher, Beverly O’Connor, who founded her school with her sister, emphasizes the profound impact Irish dance had on their own lives. She believes the most crucial element in Irish dance is confidence. “No matter what challenge they face,” she explains, “they can overcome it if they believe in themselves.”
Witnessing my daughter’s journey, I couldn’t be happier that she has discovered Irish dances. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a sport that provides exercise, builds self-assurance, and offers a strong sense of community. She is not just a dancer; she is an athlete, empowered and passionate about her chosen art form.
