I started taking Irish dancing lessons when I was 5 years old and continued to dance for another 13 years. It was an incredible experience dancing for festivals and parties over the years. If I was to do it all over again, I definitely would retake my Irish dancing lessons and here's why:
1. Cultural
Irish dancing is rich in Irish culture. I’ve always been proud of my heritage and eager to not only learn more but also get involved. Taking Irish dancing lessons was the route I took, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I got to learn about Irish music by dancing to it, not listening to it on repeat in my car. If you want to learn more about your Irish culture, then consider taking lessons yourself!
2. Focus
Irish dancing is all in the footwork. It took me quite a long time to keep my arms firm by my side and not flopping all over the place. By maintaing a straight torso, the audience focuses in on your footwork. It taught me as a child to harness my energy and direct it into one place. This skill comes in handy when I want to realign my toes in a yoga pose or bring my awareness to my hands as I draw.
3. Workout
Irish dancing is a great leg workout. You really learn to work your legs and move them in intricate ways to perform step after step. My sister used to turn on Irish music in our home and start dancing for her weekly workout. It also works your brain as you remember steps and the sequence in which they occur. This form of exercise gets your heart-rate up and tones those calves.
4. Socialize
Irish dance lessons are just like any other activity that you might join. It was cool being able to socialize with people interested in their culture or the dances themselves. My Irish dance school mainly danced at festivals. It was always fun to branch off with your friends after the dances were over to explore the festival before coming back for the second round of dancing. After St. Patrick’s Day dance-outs, you can guess that we flocked to get ice cream or go out to eat as a group.
5. It’s Cool
How many people do you know that can Irish dance? It’s not as common a skill as drawling, singing, or even doing a sport. It’s pretty cool to Irish dance; everyone thinks so. I can remember being interviewed in a mock-college-interview during a class in high school where I mentioned that I Irish danced. Everyone in the class was fascinated because it’s something different but totally awesome.
6. It’s Its Own World
Once you get involved in any activity, you realize there is a whole world behind it. The world of horse racing was opened up in the ABC Family show “Wildfire.” The world of gymnastics was opened up in the TV show “Make It Or Break It” and film “Stick It.” The Irish dance community is a world into itself. There aren’t reality shows on this world that I am familiar with but trust me, it is quite big once you get involved.
7. It’s Fun
Irish dancing is fun! I’m one of those people who believes that you should do things that make you feel good about yourself. I enjoyed Irish dancing because it allowed me to hang out with friends, dance, and perform. It gave me something to look forward to each week. And I always left with inside jokes that you had to be an Irish dancer to understand. It was great!
Irish dance lessons are a good way to learn more about the Irish culture, whether you are Irish or not. You can dance and have a good time while performing either for festivals or competitions. Have you ever taken Irish dance classes?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the health benefits of Irish dancing?
- Irish dancing boosts cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and improves flexibility, making it a great full-body workout.
- Is Irish dancing suitable for beginners?
- Absolutely! Irish dancing lessons are designed for all levels, including complete beginners.
- Can Irish dancing help with weight loss?
- Yes, its fast-paced movements burn calories effectively, aiding in weight management.
- Do I need prior dance experience to start?
- No prior experience is needed; the lessons will guide you step-by-step.
- How often should I attend classes to see fitness results?
- Attending classes 2-3 times a week can help you notice fitness improvements in a few weeks.
- Is Irish dancing good for improving posture?
- Yes, Irish dancing promotes core strength and body alignment, which enhances posture.
- Can Irish dancing be a fun social activity?
- Definitely! Classes often foster a supportive community, making it a great way to meet new people.
- What age group is Irish dancing suitable for?
- Irish dancing is suitable for women of all ages, from teens to adults.
- How does Irish dancing compare to other fitness workouts?
- It combines rhythmic cardio with strength training, offering a unique and enjoyable alternative to regular workouts.
- Do I need special shoes or equipment for Irish dancing lessons?
- While traditional soft shoes help, many beginner classes allow you to start in comfortable dance shoes or sneakers.