Beyond Irish Dance

Join us in speaking with Mary Slowey, former Irish Dancer and current Irish Dance photographer, about the grief dancers experience as they retirement from Irish Dance. The conversation navigates the complex landscape of identity loss and the mental health implications often unaddressed in such major life changes. We also discuss ways in which dancers can capture moments of their Irish Dance journe...

Irish Dancers have strong opinions on their shoes. But our socks are an equally important, but under discussed, aspect of our footwear! In this episode, we talk about the history of socks in Irish Dance, how we got to the beloved Poodle Sock, and review Irish Dance specific socks. Links to our favorite socks: Apolla Performace Socks: Amazing compression, support, and energy distribution! We tried...

In this episode, we chat with Meghan Lucey-Brelsford, TCRG; Owner and Director of The  Brennan-Lucey Irish Dance Academy; and Inventor of Turn Out Socks! Meghan shares behind-the-scenes logistics of life on tour, her joy in teaching, and her inspiration for Turn Out Socks! Meghan has earned awarded numerous titles including National Champion, All-Scotland Champion, NAFC Senior Belt Champion and 6-...

Over the past decade adult Irish dancers have had a growing presence, and have gained more attention and recognition. In part 2 of this two-part interview, we rejoin dancers Dominika (Domi) Cedro-Culver , Holly Olitan , and Lyla Medeiros - three adult dancers with diverse dance background and experiences - to discuss the joys and challenges of being an adult Irish Dancer. The discussion covers the...

Over the past decade, adult Irish dancers have had a growing presence, and have gained more attention and recognition. In part one of this two-part interview, we meet with dancers Dominika (Domi) Cedro-Culver , Holly Olitan , and Lyla Medeiros - three adult dancers with diverse dance background and experiences - to discuss the joys and challenges of being an adult Irish Dancer. The discussion cove...

Wish you could spend a little behind-the-scenes time with the Camp Rince Ceol instructors, directors, and camp counselors? Then you won't want to miss this episode of Beyond Irish Dance podcast, recorded after hours with the California Camp team, where we discuss favorite camp memories, dance friendships, and lessons learned. Thanks to Sheila Ryan, Tony Davoren, Joe Harrison, Noel Spillane, Chloey...

We just experienced North American Irish Dance Nationals for the first time! Join us for a recap of our preparation, our mindset day-of, our thoughts on the venue and the vendors, our takeaways, and our highlights. Thanks to the NAIDC 2024 Committee; our teachers at Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance - Lauren Carroll-Bolger, TCRG, Anna Grussling, and Katie Resch; our mindset coach Scott Doher...

In this collaborative episode, we partner with TCRG to CEO Radio podcast host Courtney Jay, TCRG to discusses things to look for when dancers and families are considering a transfer to a different Irish Dance school - including conversations to have prior to making a change; the importance of knowing your learning style and goals; red flags; timing "The Ban"; and navigating the transfer process. C...

In this episode, we interview Camp Rince Ceol (CRC) Camp Director Sheila Ryan, TCRG on how to prepare for and make the most of the Irish Dance Camp experience. We talk about the cell-phone policy, packing list requirements, roommate assignments, and the ins and outs of camp life. A must listen for new and returning CRC campers! You can find Camp Rince Ceol at https://irishdancecamp.com/ or on Inst...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Róisín Cahalan a Physiotherapist, Associate Professor at the University of Limerick, ADCRG, former Riverdance dancer, and editor and co-author of The Complete Irish Dancer: Optimization of Health and Performance in Irish Dance . Dr. Cahalan is revolutionizing the field of Irish dance and advancing our understanding of dancer health through her extensive resear...

In this fascinating episode Zack Warsaw , who dances and is certified to teach both Irish and Highland Dance and adjudicates Irish Dance as a ADCRG, meets with us to talk about the similarities and differences between Irish Dance and Highland Dance - in movements, music, complexity, and visibility. We talk about how we can foster a deeper sense of Celtic community and grown both dance disciplines...

Are you new to Irish Dance and feeling lost when you hear unfamiliar words and phrases? This podcast episode is for you! Join us as we break down the meaning behind common Irish Dance terms that may seem confusing to outsiders or those new to Irish Dance. We give meaning and context to Irish Dance lingo.  Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you l...

Competative female Irish Dancers often use some type of fake tanners to make their legs pop on stage. How does one get a beautiful fake tan - not one that's orange, green, grey or streaky? Is fake tanner safe? Do other dance disciplines fake tan? We answer all these questions in this episode. Interviews with an esthetician, a dermatologist, and a choreographer shed light on the tips, health risks,...

In this eposide, we talk with Riverdance Summer School , Camp Rince Ceol (CRC camp) and Reels in the Rockies about their summer experiences for Irish Dancers. Listener warning: After this episode, you will want to attend all these summer camps! We discuss the wide range of summer camp experiences available for Irish dancers, and the highlights of each program.  Hear interviews with Padraic Mo...

Coming back from an injury is demanding - physically and mentally. In this episode with physical therapist Dr. Teresa Drew , we discuss the unique physical demands of Irish Dance and how an Irish Dance trained physical therapist can help safely navigate the return to dance process. Dr. Drew provides wise insight on when to seek professional advice and how to rebuild confidence and trust in your bo...

in this episode, we explore the power of a healthy mindset with Mindset Coach, World Champion, Producer, and Mentor Scott Doherty . We discuss common mindset challenges faced by dancers - such as managing nerves, building confidence, and dealing with disappointment. Scott provides practical advice on how to overcome these challenges and offers insights into his mindset coaching approach, which foc...

In this episode of the Beyond Irish Dance podcast, Oona Harrigan, known on Instagram @wmh_x_0 for her Sad Globes, funny memes, and outrageous dance videos, joins the conversation to discuss her journey from feeling like a nobody in Irish dance to becoming a popular and influential voice in the community. Oona shares her experiences of dealing with imposter syndrome, social anxiety, and the pressur...

Strength training and conditioning play a crucial role in the performance and longevity of Irish dancers! In this episode, Ellen Waller, Founder and Coach of Target Training , shares her insights on the importance of strength training and conditioning for Irish dancers. She discusses the evolving landscape of Irish dance, the common areas for improvement, and the need to balance mobility, flexibil...

In this podcast episode,  TCRG Lauren Carroll-Bolger, CEO and head of the Caroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance , provides valuable insights for dancers and parents in the Irish dance world. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying the dance experience and finding passion in the art form. Lauren encourages dancers to have an open mind when learning new steps and to focus on their technique...

Sarah and Porter, along with their mom as the host, introduce themselves in the first episode of 'Beyond Irish Dance'. Sarah talks about her journey from a beginner dancer at a recreational school to competing in prelims, overcoming recent injuries, and discovering her passion for the medical field. Porter shares his enthusiasm for competition, his experience in bagpiping and cross country, and hi...

Welcome to the Beyond Irish Dance Podcast! We are your hosts, Sarah and Porter Jacobson, dancers with Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance; and Jan (their mom). We ask all your Irish dance related questions, and get answers from the experts, so you don't have to.  Find us on Instagram at @BeyondIrishDancePod, and don't forget to follow us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or where ever you listen...