Whenever I tell someone new that I’m an Irish dancer, it’s always interesting to observe the kind of reaction I get. Most people will think it’s cool, some will even ask to be invited to a show. Every now and then, however, the reactions I get are a little dumb, sometimes even rude.

I’ve learned that once in a while you’ll come across people who see Irish dancing as more of a joke than a respected dance form. It’s those people who make some Irish dancers a little nervous about telling others what they do. To be sure, anyone who makes fun of Irish dance has never actually witnessed first hand what an Irish dancer can do, let alone tried to accomplish it themselves.

So, I thought it would be fun to make a list of the top five dumbest reactions I get when I tell someone I’m an Irish dancer.

“I’m an Irish dancer…”

5: “That’s cool… so do you think it will rain today?”

This is the reaction I’ll get more than any other. I’ll tell someone I’m an Irish dancer and they change the subject very quickly. You’d think sharing the fact that you Irish dance would be some sort of conversation starter, but for some reason they’ve decided it’s not interesting at all, or perhaps they weren’t actually listening. Either way, a really bad reaction.

4: “Why do you do that?”

The very question implies that you can’t understand why someone would want to do something like Irish dance. The fact that you asked me shows you know nothing about Irish dance and therefore have given me the annoying task of convincing you that what I do is not a joke.

3: “So… you’re a leprechaun?”

Could you be more cliche? Are you actually using the idea of Ireland being associated with leprechauns to make fun of me? This type of reaction is so dumb I can hardly muster any respect for the person afterward.

2: *silence*

This reaction is much like the change of subject, but even worse. I’ll say I’m an Irish dancer and they’ll say nothing at all, often they’ll turn to someone else and start a new conversation, ending the one they were having with me. So weird! I really can’t explain this reaction, but it’s definitely the one I dislike more than any other.

1: “Like this?” *starts shuffling their feet and kicking in every direction, in an attempt to imitate Michael Flatley*

This has to be the most entertaining reaction, but at the same time the absolute dumbest one. Do you really think it’s wise to show someone who’s an expert in Irish dance a pathetic attempt to imitate them?

What’s the dumbest reaction you’ve ever received?

Article written by Shelly Hathaway
Visit ShellyHathaway.com for more Irish dance articles, videos & more.

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I’ve talked about Prodijig’s groundbreaking audition before, but here it is again if you haven’t seen it. Really dynamic stuff.

Brosena is a on-stage and off-stage couple that mix great dancing with fun chemistry. Love their dynamics.

While both groups rock phenomenal dancing, they also have great styles. Prodijig has a very rigid, strong look while Brosena has a more traditional, flirty look. Both styles are perfectly suited to inspiration in the Irish dance world and the real world.

1. Prodijig

Prodijig on Got 2 Dance

Prodijig’s look matches their fierce and dynamic dance style. They’re truly pushing the boundaries of Irish dance and their futuristic look reflects that. The all black look keeps the focus on their feet with enough detail to keep visual interest. They jazzed up the costume in a later interview with touches of color. Finally, they keep it androgynous and keep the group looking like one cohesive Irish dancing machine.

The keys to their look:

• A futuristic, strong look
• Dark colors
• Geometric and popping accents
• Slick, pulled back hair
• Androgynous look

Dance dress with a Prodijig feel:

This dress perfectly evokes Prodijig’s fierceness. It has a dark base with a geometric pop to keep the visual interest. The collar adds to that sharp, futuristic feel and would look great with a pulled back bun wig! And, just like Prodijig, it’s on the cutting edge. Love it!

Outfit inspired by Prodijig:

This outfit takes its Prodijig’s all black look to the real world. The key to making a monochromatic look work is by mixing textures, styles and keeping it fashion forward. The accessories add a pop of color and keep interest. The overall look is relatively gender neutral but still looks figure flattering. And again, the shoes and leather jacket keep it on trend! Pair it with a fabulous high bun and get your power on, Prodijig style.

2. Brosena

Brosena at Got 2 Dance auditions from their gallery.

In many ways, Brosena are the opposite of Prodijig, but equally fantastic. The on-stage and off-stage couple of Erin Trevena and Tom Brosnan are more traditional, but play with their chemistry to create enthralling numbers. Their overall look is classic and flirty, playing with floral patterns and classic colors. They add to the traditional look with black tights and pants, creating great lines with their legs. However, there is still an edge in their choreography that’s complemented with her skirt and his funky shirt. In stark contrast to Prodijig, Erin finishes her look with a lovely, romantic hair style complete with flowers and loose curls. I wish I could do that in my normal life!

The keys to their look:

• A flirty look
• Classic colors
• Florals and classic styling
• Loose, romantic hair
• Extras to add a bit of an edge

Dance dress with a Brosena feel:

I love this dress from Celtic Star. It melds the traditional and modern look, just like Brosena. The sweetheart neckline invokes Erin’s dress while still fitting Irish dance criteria. The knotwork on the bodice isn’t floral, but it does give the same patterny vibe. It also has classic primary colors, just like Brosena. The bling and edging on the skirt add the dramatic touches that bring the dress to the next level. Finish the dress with some tights (the edging will let the dress pop) and a loose hair style.

Outfits inspired by Brosena:

For Brosena, I have two outfits because I couldn’t chose between them! The overall look is classic, but there are little pops to spice it up, like the bows on the shoes. The flower earrings invoke the flirty look and the flowers Erin added to her hair. This look will take you from the classroom to a night with friends!

I really love this outfit, so stay with me on this one! This outfit is clearly not as classic, but it does have classic elements like the sweater and earrings. However, the skirt is bold and edgy, like her skirt. By layering the sweater over the skirt, it tones down the skirt and makes it wearable, but still fun and edgy. The accessories bring in the blue from their look while adding some visual interest. The shoes tie up and have a bit of an Irish dance shoe vibe! The overall look is trendy, but romantic – just like Brosena. Finish with some fantastic curls and prepare to find your own dance partner!

Best of luck to both groups this weekend in the semis! I can’t wait to see your routines!

What do you think of their looks and the outfits? Are you inspired by their look and dancing? Anyone planning on putting their own take on our Got 2 Dance celebrities?

Stay Fashionable, Feisers!

To see Feisonista’s original blog, click here.

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But as every photographer knows, not every shot is perfect. Some shots are too fuzzy, some have bad composition and others are… well let’s just say REALLY funny. Every now and then a dancer slips right when I take a photo, sometimes the angle is odd or the photo was taken too early or too late. Sometimes I don’t even know how it happened, but some of the photos I’ve taken are just plain hilarious. Those are the photos that not many people get a chance to see, but I just can’t throw them out. Even though most of the time they are not considered great photography, genuine funny Irish dance moments caught on camera are rare. They’re also really great for a laugh.

So I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my favorite funny Irish dance photos. I’m sure you’ll enjoy these, every time I come across them I can’t help but laugh.

I believe Sadie was about to do a stag leap in this photo. I definitely failed to capture it.

Sierra’s reaction to almost getting kicked in the face but David during practice. I love this one.

I’m very proud of this photo. Cayla slipped and fell right as I snapped this photo. Cayla has excellent leaps, so that’s what I was hoping for, instead I got something much more rare! Don’t worry, she didn’t get hurt. I had fun showing the photo to everyone, including Cayla, right after it happened. They all loved it.

Tina showing Tiernan how to act excited for the Siamsa dance. I think she’s got it down…

Annie kicks her leg up while sticking her tongue out at Sierra. I have to admit, this one may be funny, but it’s also kind of cool.

To see some GOOD Irish dance photos, go to Shelly Hathaway Photography.
Also check out my new Irish Dance Blog.

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Girls from the Pickett Irish Dance Academy rocking the side bun! Thanks for the picture! Love the look.

The main looks:

1. Side Bun

I absolutely love this look. It take’s the classy bun that Ciara Sexton popularized to the next level. Here’s a picture of Caroline Gray rocking this style at this year’s Great Britain’s. It looks elegant and natural, but still enough going on to even out an Irish dance dress. Above is a great picture of several dancers from the Pickett Irish Dance Academy rocking the look. They all look fabulous and classy! For people who hate the big curly wig look, this could be a perfect look.

The keys to making this work:

• Keep it classy and elegant – this is not the side bun you throw on for class. This is going to take time to practice and perfect. Take plenty of time to practice this before you rock it at a feis. Need some help getting the bun look? This blog has a great tutorial
• It still has to be large enough to balance out the dress. Just like with the loose bun wig style, don’t slick back your hair. Rather, tease it up a bit to create some volume. This will also add to the elegant factor. Check out the back of Caroline’s hair (in the background of that picture) for an example of creating volume.
• Location, location, location. Aim for the nape of your neck, right below your ears, and make sure it’s firmly attached there. Bobby pins are your friends for this look!
• Accessorize, as always! This look is screaming for a flower pinned on the side of the bun by your ear. Feel free to bling out the accessory, but keep the overall look classy. You don’t want your accessory to overwhelm the look. It should be just that – an accessory.
• Here’s a picture where you can see the Side bun more in detail. The great thing about this look is that you can really get creative with it. Here are some ideas for your bun from pinterest. The last picture has a tutorial as well if you click the image (via The Small Things Blog)
• 

2. Pony Tail Wig

This is another look that emerged in the qualifier season. It’s similar to the side bun, but instead of pulling your hair into a side bun, you pull your wig into a side pony tail. Here’s one example from the US Southern Oireachtas and another from the US Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas.  It looks like the blonde wig is a Seaneen wig from Emerald Key. Their website shows a picture of it in it’s full form and tied back into a ponytail.

If you’re curious, this is how it looks in action:

Personally, I prefer the bun look or just a full normal wig, but it is cute. It’s much easier to do than the side bun, as long as you’re OK with possibly damaging your wig.

The keys to making it work:

• Try to smooth the curls that you’re pulling back. Some of these can look like serious cases of fly-aways. Maybe attack it with some bobby pins or hair spray to avoid the humidity attack look.
• Poof up the front of your hair to make it look more natural. You don’t have the crown to help that transition so you want it to look as natural as possible. Be wary of this look if your wig doesn’t match your hair – it will only emphasize any inconsistencies.
• Add a bow or ribbon at the ponytail for a cute accessory. I also like some jeweled hair pieces along your hair line like both girls did.
• Rock it with confidence – not a look for the timid, so be sure to have your A game on. If you’re a little nervous about your steps, maybe now is not the best time to try this look. Try it out at a small feis or class before you rock it at a major.

3. Elegant Up-Dos

These are more popular among the adult crew, but I think they’re a fun change for any age. As bun wigs have become more and more popular, dancers are just option to leave the wig and have fun with the bun. Here’s a great thread on dance.net with tons of suggestions on how to pull your hair up in a clean, but fun way. The best part about this is that there are tons of resources on the wig for fun updos – just google wedding updos to get some ideas!

The keys to pulling any of these looks off:

• Make sure it goes with your dress. Don’t have a super girly updo if your dress is very aggressive looking and vice versa.
• The same rule from above is true here, try and tease it a bit to get more volume. Make sure the bun itself is big enough so that it can be seen from the audience.
• Again, accessories are your friend. Add fun hairbands and clips to jazz it up. I would say to definitely go big on accessories if your look is more simple – add some bling and make sure it can be seen from the audience. Although – make sure this doesn’t counteract the first rule! Make sure it matches the sparkle level of your dress, whatever that may be.

4. Natural hair

I already posted on this so I won’t describe it again, but check out the article for suggestions on how to rock your hair down. It’s definitely a growing trend, so don’t be afraid to try it!

One last caveat – talk to your teacher before trying any of these looks. Most teachers have a set look that they want, so the last thing I’d want is for you to get on your teacher’s bad side for trying something! But, if they’re game, play away! Just like dresses, it’s looking more and more like anything goes these days!

What do you think? Are you a fan of any of these looks and planning on trying them? Already tried them? Let us know! Remember – constructive, not mean.

Stay Fashionable, Feisers!

To view Feisonista’s original post, click here.

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Every Irish dancer has strengths and weaknesses. Some dancers leap higher, some dancers never miss a beat and others are so light on their feet you wonder if they’re even touching the ground. Sometimes watching other Irish dancers can be intimidating. It’s hard not to notice what they can do and you can’t.

I was at a feis once waiting to compete and was making casual conversation with the girl next to me. Once the music started and the competition began however, she quickly turned her back to the stage. She told me she can never handle watching the other dancers in her competition. She was afraid watching them would intimidate her and effect her own performance. I almost laughed, but part of me understood where she was coming from.

Human beings have a natural tendency to compare themselves to one another, and in doing so we often make the mistake of comparing our weaknesses to other’s strengths. Since feiseanna are all about comparing one dancer to another, it’s hard not to get caught up in the stress of comparisons. So the best way to avoid feeling intimidated is to take some time to recognize your own strengths.

We spend hours and hours in class looking for something wrong when we dance so we often forget to notice what techniques we have already mastered. You may have a hard time staying high on your toes and your TCRG never lets you forget it, but if spend too much time dwelling on that weakness you may never notice that your clicks are higher than any one else in the class.

Some strengths are obvious right away, while others are not. For example your strength could be picking up new choreography incredibly fast, or easily holding a smile from start to finish. Once you recognize your strengths, you won’t be so easily intimidated by other Irish dancers. At the next feis, you will be much more likely to compare their strengths to your strengths.

The most important thing to remember is that the only healthy habit is comparing yourself to yourself. Everytime you practice you get better and if you compare yourself to others too much you won’t even notice how much you’ve improved. Don’t be intimidated by what you can’t yet do, instead celebrate what you can do and the next time you compete, you might make the other dancers watching you feel a little intimidated.

Photo by Shelly Hathaway Photography.
Visit Shelly’s new Irish Dance Blog.

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Make sure you visit my photography website to view the complete gallery which includes over 100 great action shots of Irish dancers!

Click here to view the complete gallery.

Photos by Shelly Hathaway Photography.
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Photo Credit: Shelly Hathaway Photography*

When the phrase, “Short term pain, long term gain,” is spoken, often glacial ice baths are the first image which come to mind. Not the sort of ice baths that those on the Titanic endured of course, but the sort which the likes of Lance Armstrong and Michael Flatley would soak in, night after night, after a day of intense performance. I, myself only discovered the benefits of Ice Baths as I got older and found I could no longer walk after a week of strenuous and extensive dancing. The first time I experienced an Ice Bath I found it was exactly the chilling experience one would expect when sitting in a bin of near frozen water! The next morning however, I awoke with what can only be described as a feeling of total relief, as if someone had given me a fresh pair of legs.

The benefits of Ice baths and their benefits as a post-exercise recovery method are still being debated in the health and fitness industry, however, having used them myself over the last 4 years I can definitely say they have proved to be extremely effective in doing what they are supposed to do.

So, what is it that Ice baths actually do for a dancer? Well, as we go through a long dance session and begin to stress our legs, they begin to get tired and heavy due to a build up of lactic acid which causes a lead like heavy feeling in the legs. This usually occurs either at the end of a dance, or towards the end of a long class. By getting into an ice bath as soon as possible after a dance session, the cold begins to constrict the blood flow throughout the legs – much the same as what occurs when a muscle is iced immediately after an injury. With the blood flow constricted, the blood vessels begin to draw the lactic acid and other chemical byproducts out of the legs, reducing inflammation and toxins. It is this inflammation and these toxins which cause the pain the next day. Once the dancer takes themselves out of the Ice bath, the blood begins to flow back into the legs, replacing the old toxin filled blood with the new fresh blood. New blood, means new legs! Well, new enough anyway!

Don’t get too put off by the word blood, that just has to be said with the technical explanation of what an Ice bath will actually do to the legs. All that really needs to be said is why not give it a go yourself and see if it works.

Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Finish dancing and cool down. Stretch significantly while still warm.
Step 2: Fill a bath or waist high tub with 2-3 bags of ice and cold water.
Step 3: Get a sweater, a towel and your iPod. Trust me, you will need these!
Step 4: Get into the water. Try to go in without, but if you have to, wear tights.
Step 5: Sit in the water for up to 10 minutes. Then get out and dry off.

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*View Shelly Hathaway’s complete Irish dance photo gallery here.

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Did you get any boots as presents over the past few weeks that didn’t fit? Serious Irish dancer problems. Never fear – Feisonista is here to help you out with your boot struggles with advice from feisonistas who have been in your shoes – literally! Return those tight boots for some that will fit your well earned calves with these tips!

Photo Credit: flickr - www.flordemariafashion.com

1. Before you go out shopping, get out your tape measure and check out zappos.com. They list boots by calf circumference so you can figure out your options before you hit the mall. -Craniotomy114

2. Leather is usually a better bet than a cotton based fabric. As we know from Irish dance shoes, leather will stretch to a custom fit and is more forgiving.

3. Boots with an elastic strip built in can be a great way to add some extra width without sacrificing style. I like ones in black with the strap in the back of the boot. I find it camouflages the elastic better. -Caffeine

4. Lace up boots are another great way to add extra width and stay stylish. And, luckily, they’re super trendy right now! -gnrdancer and BeautifulMistake

5. For rainboots, try ones with an elastic top. Ones like these will give your calves room while still looking stylish and keeping your feet warm. – Sakura_Effect

6. Try boots with a wider opening like cowboy boots. They were originally designed to wear comfortably over jeans, after all! They might be a bit country but you can find very fashionable versions in a wide variety of fabric to wear in various occasions.

7. If they work on your figure, slouchy boots tend to fit wider and can look very nice. Make sure you try these first though! They can hit at an awkward place and make your calves look larger. -@RincePop

8. If you’ve really struggled finding boots that fit, try the mid-calf approach! This works especially great if you have long legs. Tuck a pair of skinny jeans into mid and lower calf boots, like these. – Meggo67

9. Try adjustable length boots like these that are very on trend right now. You can tie them up as high as your calves will allow! -Meggo67

10. This is fairly common sense, but boots will fit better when you’re wearing tights and thinner leggings than under pants. Rock black boots and tights for a chic look that will be much less of a struggle getting on.

Brand Suggestions

1. Uggs, or if those don’t fit, try knock off brands. Other brands have a wider variety of calf widths.

2. Payless and BCBG Slouchy Boots

3. Classic knee high black boots: Aerosoles and Bandolino -highlander

4. Avoid Nine West boots – although stretchy, they fit very tight and make for a long day!

To view Feisonista’s original blog post, click here.

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The Irish dancers who win are the ones who don’t mind losing. It’s true, there are a few dancers out there with natural talent who win almost every competition they enter, but there aren’t many. Most of us have to lose a few, sometimes even a lot, before we ever get close to winning.

Let’s say you’ve been competing for a few years and you have decided to set a goal to win at a feis before the end of the year. You’ve worked hard and developed the confidence to know you have a good chance of winning. You’ve decided it’s your time and you are ready to win.

That’s when you need to ask yourself a very important question. You know you’re ready to win, but are you ready to lose?

Chances are, if you’ve lost before, you’re going to lose again, and maybe even again… and again. Are you ready for that? If you really want to win, you have to be. A dancer who is truly determined is ready to lose 50 times before getting their chance to shine.

It’s the start of a new year and a lot of us are setting some big Irish dance goals for ourselves. Don’t get discouraged when you don’t reach your goal after the 1st, 2nd or even 6th try. Every dancer has to go through a lot of failures before enjoying success. Don’t be the one who gives up simply because the road to victory is longer than you anticipated.

Photos by Shelly Hathaway Photography

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So here’s a little recap for you of all the great things I’ve experienced while Irish dancing with the Shelley School this year:

January
Ireland: The Dance Experience ~ Three week run of shows put on by The Shelley Irish Dance Company at the Scera Center for the Arts.

February
The Wasatch Winter Feis ~ The Shelley School hosted their 2nd annual winter feis in Kearns, Utah.

March
March Madness! ~ The Shelley Irish Dance Company put on a show for multiple elementary schools on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Shelley School Recital ~ A Night At The Movies! All classes dressed up and danced to movie theme music! Our championship class performed a hard shoe number wearing Tron costumes that glowed in the dark.

April
Utah Premiere Brass Concert ~ The Shelley Irish Dance Company danced to live music played by the Utah Premiere Brass Band.

May
Feis SLC ~ Another feis, this time hosted by Acadamh Rince in Salt Lake City.

June
The Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games ~ The Shelley School performed at the annual Scottish festival held at Thanksgiving Point.

BYU Folk Dance Camp ~ The Shelley Irish Dance Company was featured in a showcase at the BYU Folk Dance Camp.

Utah State Feis ~ Multiple Shelley School dancers won trophies at the Utah State Feis this year, including Sierra Klein who won into Open Championships.

July
North American Irish Dance Nationals ~ Me and two other Shelley School dancers competed at our first ever National Irish dance competition.

August
Midway Swiss Days ~ The Shelley Irish Dance Company danced two shows at Midway Swiss Days.

October
Crossroads Feis ~ Another feis, hosted by the Power Academy of Irish Dance. At this feis, The Shelley School reached a record number of championship trophies won in a single year. Me and four other dancers also performed the ‘Wicked Witches of the West’ dance in the costume special.

Oireachtas Team Practice ~ I took photos of the Shelley School Oireachtas teams practicing at the studio.

November
Western US Region Oireachtas ~ The Shelley School took more dancers the the Oireachtas this year than ever before. Amelia Walker won 15th place, qualifying for The World Championships in 2012.

If you’re thinking about signing up for Irish dance classes, just do it! There’s so much fun to be had, so many friends to be made. It’s changed my life for the better and I’m thankful every day that I get to be a part of such a wonderful school.

Photos by Shelly Hathaway Photography.

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