How To FULLY Prepare As An Irish Dancer

Most Irish Dancers think that March is the busiest time of the year, but, if you are a CLRG Dancer, then October - November could be the most hectic time! With two CLRG Major Championships taking place within the space of two weeks, it can be a lot to deal with mentally and physically for Irish Dancers of any age. 

Here are our three top tips to help you navigate this busy Feis period, so you can attack busy times in your Irish Dancing calendar with ease!

• Mental Preparation

Firstly, you need to make sure that you are mentally prepared for this busy Irish Dancing time. Ask yourself these questions:

Am I managing my time effectively?

Am I planning in advance when I have the opportunity to?

Am I mentally prepared for the Feis day ahead?

How well am I managing my stress levels?

Do I have a positive mindset?

Am I enjoying the process?

Am I connected to my support system?

By asking yourself these questions and answering with honesty and openness, then you’ll discover what areas of your mental preparation may need more work or focus than others; this will give you the opportunity to take action before Feis day and ensure you are mentally prepared for whatever happens. 

• Physical Preparation 

We all know how important physical preparation is for us as Irish Dancers and during busy times in the dancing calendar, this is especially important. Physical preparation is more than just going to dance class and practising, it also includes how well you are sleeping, how much water you are drinking, and how much rest you are getting. Ask yourself these questions and see if there are any gaps in your physical preparation that you could take action on today to improve your chance of Dancing really well at your next Major Feis: 

Is my stamina where it needs to be? 

Am I managing any injuries properly? 

Am I giving myself enough time to physically recover? 

How much time am I spending on flexibility and mobility work? 

Am I eating and hydrating properly?

• Emotional Preparation

Finally, emotional preparation! We don’t believe this is talked about enough in the Irish Dancing world as it is quite often associated with Mindset Preparation, but in fact, it isn’t exactly the same. We want to make sure the dancers of all ages have the emotional preparation work done in advance of the busy Feis season so that they can manage the emotional demands of performing and competing week after week. Ask yourself these questions to see how emotionally prepared you are right now…

Do I know how to handle my pre-Feis nerves? 

How do I deal with pressure from myself and others?

Am I currently handling constructive criticism in the correct way?

Am I connected and do I understand my emotions?

Am I practicing enough self-care at the moment?

If you can ensure that you are taking action to mentally, physically and emotionally prepare yourself for the busy Feis season ahead, then you’ll be able to go into each and every Feis feeling confident, proud of your preparation and able to perform to the best of your ability on stage. Remember to answer these questions to the best of your ability and be super honest, as this is when we make the most important discoveries about ourselves and can best help ourselves. 

Our MWM Gold Club helps dancers of all ages and abilities across the world feel supported in their Irish Dancing journey and gives them professional help and guidance so that they are mentally, physically and emotionally prepared throughout their Dance careers. Join today for only £35 per month with free cancellation.