Stunning Stage Presence for Irish Dancers

Are you an Irish dancer looking to take your on-stage performances to the next level? 

Whether you're a beginner or an Open Champion, one aspect that can truly make or break your performance is stage presence. In this blog, we'll delve into why stage presence matters in Irish dancing and provide you with practical tips to enhance yours.

Why Stage Presence Matters

Judges see countless performances during feises, especially when it comes to major competitions. To stand out, you need more than just skill - you need to leave a lasting impression. A confident stage presence ensures that your dancing is etched into the minds of those watching, increasing your chances of success. I am sure you can remember a time when you have seen a dancer on stage who looks like they are super confident and having the best time…we want you to be THAT dancer! If you struggle with this, try these three steps:

Tips to Improve Stage Presence for Irish Dancers

    1. Confidence is Key

It is so important to have confidence in your dancing, show that you believe in yourself and your abilities. Confidence shines through in your posture, smile, how you walk on, and overall demeanour. Without feeling confident in your abilities, it is extra difficult to have a confident stage presence at a Feis.

    2. Command the Stage

We find ourselves saying this to dancers all the time, but you are equally as entitled to the stage as anyone else in the competition, so own the space you're dancing in. Use the entire stage, making sure to engage with all of the judges and audience. Holding back only results in appearing unconfident, scared, or nervous. 

    3. Practice Performing

Don't just practise your steps at home or in dance class but also practise performing your dance from start to finish. In dance class hold yourself and smile the way you want to on stage, so that when you get to the Feis you are well practised in the skill of performing. Just like you would practise your turnout, your performance and stage presence are simply other skills. We also encourage dancers to visualise themselves on stage so that this performance is ingrained into their brains. 

Remember, stage presence is not something you're born with; it's a skill that can be improved upon through practice and dedication. At your next Feis, step onto that stage with poise and purpose, and let your presence leave a lasting impression on all who watch you dance. Not only will you have a better chance of reaching your goals, but it will feel better too. 

If you want to learn more about how working on stage presence helped Meg to become a multiple-time World Champion, then you can in our Masterclass on the 22nd of May. Our BTS (behind the scenes) Secrets of Becoming A World Champion Masterclass is FREE and you can sign up here.