AMA Irish dancer

[Candyflossstrawberrysauce]

i started as a child and danced competitively for around 10 years.

I don’t compete anymore and only dance for fitness now!

if anyone has any questions about Irish dancing or the dancing world in general-AMA!

What do you think of the costumes/make-up/wigs? Are they really necessary?

Also, does the dancing cause any heath issues or joint damage long-term?

Honestly, no they’re not necessary and are definitely getting close to too extreme.

It’s a tough one and I have mixed feelings about it- as a competitor, I loved wearing the big wig (at one point I wore 2 on top of each other for extra height and bulk!) and the make up and the tan. I wouldn’t have felt confident going on stage without it. The wigs give the illusion of bouncier dancing when we jump and you definitely notice the difference, although they’re quite itchy and heavy and I always felt happier comfort-wise dancing without it.

the costumes are another funny one. I liked it but I’m very aware how fortunate I am to have a family who could afford any dress I wanted or needed and realistically a lot of people can’t so it’s not fair. There’s a push to wear simpler and cheaper costumes but until the majority take it up the expensive costumes will always be more popular and favourable. It’s a shame because it’s definitely unaffordable for a lot of people - a new solo dress can cost £1.5k+ and a top dancer would be ‘expected’ to get a new dress from a top designer which can cost £3+. That’s for the dress alone and it’s usually only worn for a year before it’s sold as second hand (usually with a big drop in price because it’s now out of date from the current trends) it’s just not practical for a lot of people and it’s a shame because lots of talented dancers will simply be priced out the sport. As a teenager I was selfish and didn’t really care about that, I was happy with my sparkly costume, but as an adult I can see that it’s unfair.

sorry a bit of a mixed answer!

100%. my feet are awful looking- bunions, covered in lumps and bumps, and they ache a lot too. There’s a lot of emphasis on getting up high on your toes- sometimes right up on pointe- but unlike ballet shoes our soft shoes don’t have any blocks or support. It’s very very thin leather. My podiatrist was appalled when I showed him the shoes I was dancing in, not to mention they were 2 sizes too small to allow them to stretch.

Thanks for your reply @Candyflossstrawberrysauce.

Thx for this! have daughters who dance & I worry about their pelvic floors...do you know if it's a cause for concern? Also-it's a ferociously competitive sport and hat's off to you for competing and for continuing to dance. Would you allow your children`? Not sure I'd encourage it knowing what I do now!!

Is it seen as cool? I ask because if I'd have said at primary school that I went English country dancing I'd have been bullied.

No questions but following out of interest!

What’s your view on the current cheating controversy?

You mention the ballet style dancing on pointe - is that a completely separate discipline from the tap style dancing?

Can I ask if buying heavy shoes for my daughter who is still a beginner, do these need to be a size smaller than her ordinary shoes?
Thanks… from a clueless mum