Irish dance becomes a part of you the minute you start as a beginner. It doesn't leave your heart unless you let it, but I've never met a person who didn't like it. It's your life and you wouldn't have it any other way. Here are 15 struggles every Irish dancer knows to be true:
1. The beloved "Irish dance isn't a sport" argument
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If you want to get a dancer really mad quickly, tell them that Irish dance isn't a sport. The athleticism, agility, and coordination required for dancing is very extreme. The amount of hours we spend in the studio sometimes exceeds the amount of time spent at home. We are athletes and we will hurt you with our leg strength. You should feel our calves.
2. The lovely post feis hair and makeup look
There's really no better feeling than taking your wig out after having it in for 12+ hours at a competition. When this wonderful moment finally happens, it's as though a small explosion has taken place throughout the day. As you try and run a brush through your hair to contain the mess, you feel defeated.
3. Trying to explain things about dance to an outsider
You don't realize how complicated Irish dancing really is until you try and explain it to someone who's never heard of it. From treble jigs to sevens to slices, Irish dance has its own language.
4. Not being able to sit in class without running through steps in your head at least once
Let's face it, we're all guilty of tapping our feet under our desks hoping our teachers wouldn't see. We have restless feet that must be satisfied through dancing. Whether it's the newest choreography or your favorite steps from 7 years ago, you're always tapping away. Just don't get caught by your teacher because that's awkward.
5. Being too afraid to approach your role models when you run into them at majors
At major competitions, you are surrounded by incredible dancers that you've looked up to your entire life. When you approach them, you become starstruck by a normal human being who may even be younger than you. You make a stupid smile and they may even give you a weird look, but it's okay because that was one of the best moments of your life.
6. The tan
Yes, we get spray tans. Nobody really knows why because Irish people usually have pale complexions. We have a love-hate relationship with our "hot-dog" looking extremities, but if it gives us a competitive advantage, dancers are willing to do almost anything.
7. The awful early mornings
Getting up at the crack of dawn to prepare to dance at 8 in the morning is probably you're least favorite thing in the world. Breakfast at 6, warm up at 7, pep talk at 7:45. By 5:00 in the evening, it feels like midnight.
8.When people tell you to "jig" on command...
For some reason, people find it fascinating and will ask you to "jig" on command. We are not animals, yet maybe we will if you ask nicely.
9. New hard shoes
OUCH! Blisters, bleeding, bruises and everything in between, new hard shoes are the worst thing ever. Our shoes have to mold to our feet, but it's a constant battle of shoe versus foot every time you try and break them in. We've bled through our socks and have given up on any dreams to have somewhat nice looking feet. Thank you hard shoes.
10. Waiting for recalls
Shaky hands squeezing your best friends as you wait for your number to be called so that you can dance a third round and get to go to awards. This is probably the most nerve-wracking experience for a dancer. You've done all you can and just hope that you were good enough to have impressed the judges.
11. Trying to figure out new choreography
We scream "I'm never going to get this" immediately after learning a new step from your teachers. But, we always put our heads together and figure it out every time. Even though it seems impossible at first.
12. "Are you in a beauty pageant?"
We've gotten this question multiple times and it makes us laugh every time. It's cute when the little kids do it or ask if you are a princess, but sometimes we hate being confronted by strangers. We see you staring, stop it.
13. 10,000 career wipe outs
At least once a week, your hard shoes get the best of you and you find yourself face planting into the floor. Slippery new hard shoes call for a significant increase in the number of weekly falls. They sure have made for some funny stories and a whole lot of bruises.
14. Wishing the "Irish Dance fairy" actually existed
Your teacher may speak of the "Irish Dance fairy" from time to time. The one who magically fixes all the problems in your technique overnight and makes you a world champion. But even if you can't see it, hard work gives way more gratification than any magic fairy could ever give you.
15. People who don't understand that these people are actually your family
You've known them since you started dancing, you've grown up together, cried together, laughed together, and celebrated together. You can't imagine your life without them and they've become your second family. When you leave them, you miss them like you would your own family and can't wait for the next class. Dance families are forever.
Despite all of these struggles, you love dance with every part of your being and can't imagine your life without it. When you feel like giving up, remember why you started and how far you've come. Once a dancer, always a dancer.
