The Secret to Irish Dance Crossover

Although Irish dancing is a subjective sport (meaning that every judge will look for different things), there are some basics for Irish dancing that we all try to perfect. Turnout, timing, correct posture, arch, stamina and the focus of today’s blog…crossover! 

So we asked Meg, Aimee and Aoibheann for their top tips to improve your crossover. 

Aoibheann talked all about the importance of understanding where your crossover comes from. Although most people think it comes from your feet and ankles, crossover actually comes from your hips and inner thigh muscles - that is why it is so important to lengthen your hip flexors and mobilise the hip joints. A great exercise for this is Froggers. Want to learn how to do Froggers? Follow this link here https://youtu.be/005KzrJQa54

Meg mentioned the spine and how its mobility can have an impact on all Irish dance techniques. In between each vertebrae (small bones that join together to make the spine) we are meant to have some forwards, backwards and twisting motion, however as we dance from such a young age the lower vertebrae (near our hips and tailbone) tend to become less mobile. This lack of mobility can then make it difficult for our hips to allow the legs to cross. Try this barre back stretch to begin lengthening the muscles that will allow more movement in this area: https://youtu.be/005KzrJQa54

Aimee’s top tip was all about breaking your steps down when you practise at home. What we love about this advice is that working on your turnout at home can be done in a small space, meaning that everyone can do this. Aimee suggested breaking your steps down in front of a mirror and focusing solely on your overcross and turnout. We can do many exercises and stretches at home to help with our crossover, but unless we engage our brains and think about crossover and turnout when we dance, we won’t see much of a difference. 

So what are you waiting for?! You can start working on your crossover today!! All you need is yourself and the passion and determination to consistently work on your crossover. By the time Oireachtas comes, you’ll see a huge difference in your crossover in every dance. Have fun!