Why You Should Teach Me to Dance

Molly Bennett and adult dancers from the Bennett School of Irish Dance

This article was first published in the March/April 2011 issue of Feis America Magazine.

Teachers of Irish dance across the country are asking themselves: Should I teach adults? An increasing amount of teachers are adding adult classes to their curriculum as adults trickle into the growing tide of Irish dancers. Molly Bennett, of the Bennett School of Irish Dance in Denver, Colorado, teaches a large group of adults. "Adults love what they are doing and reinvigorate the Irish image," she says, "We should be doing more teaching aimed at anyone who wants to dance."

Molly Bennett and the Bennett School's adult team

Molly encourages other TCRG’s to take the time to teach adults and realize the benefits adult dancers will bring to their schools. Adult dancers are consistent and enduring, they contribute much-needed funds to their studios, and provide valuable volunteer work that benefits the entire Irish dance community.

When adults pick up a love for Irish dancing, they stick with it. Long after the junior champs have left their school to pursue other interests, adult dancers are found stomping the studio floor. Molly understands the stability that adults bring to a dance school, "Adults will decide if they like an activity, and if they do like it they will continue to come consistently; even through snowstorms!"

Bennett School adults

When adults get involved in dancing, they bring along friends, family and their children; resulting in monetary support not only for their schools, but the Irish dance community as a whole. While there are plenty of younger dancers, the adults (dancing and non) are the ones funding the lessons, costumes, and feis fees. In a declining economy, the adult members of a school can give security. Molly says, “If there is anxiety over the declining numbers of students in our schools and at our feiseanna, we should be opening our doors to any and all who are interested.”

Dance schools require hours of behind-the-scenes work, and adult dancers are found chipping in whenever help is needed. Because of their dedication, senior dancers often act as go-to helpers for their teachers. They can be found making posters, heading up fundraisers, scheduling shows, making costumes, providing food, donating funds, and cheering dance-mates of all ages. Adult dancers encourage an atmosphere of family and belonging at their schools.

As more adults ride the wave that is Irish dance, their contributions of time, money and stability are getting noticed. An increasing number of schools are offering adult classes in their curriculum. Your school can join in the benefits that adult dancers offer. Encourage your TCRG to offer adult classes. And if you are a teacher, open your doors to what adult dancers have to offer, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Diddlyi Offers Irish Dance Classes Online

Diddlyi is offering online workshops.  These classes are already getting rave reviews. 

Until February 4th you can try a workshop for half price.

I know of plenty of adults who wish they had an ID school near them.  Now anyone with an internet connection can improve their technique and have fun. 

Here's what Diddlyi advertises:

You'll get: 
Unlimited access to all premium content including video lessons and training videos
Special access to our famous Dance Masters
Support and motivation from highly qualified instructors. And more
Your own profile page and the ability to connect with other dancers for support and friendship


So, has anyone tried the workshops?

Interview with S.J. Velasquez-Dancing Again as an Adult

S.J. Valesquez is a fellow Feis America writer and adult Irish dancer.  She started Irish dancing when she was eleven, and recently took up Irish dancing again as an adult.  I asked S.J. to share with us her unique perspective on dancing Irish as a teen and an adult.  You can read her blog on Feis America.

How long have you been dancing?


I started when I was 11, and I'm now 25. I danced competitively with Rince na Tiarna (Buffalo, NY) through my teens and retired from competition at age 20. I recently competed for the first time in five years -- on an adult ceili team! -- for the Johnston School (Syracuse, NY).

As a dancer who competed as a teen and an adult, have you found the stress of dancing to be harder on your body physically? Do you learn the steps equally as quickly?

I actually had a harder time when I was in my early teens. I was definitely a chubby adolescent! I lost a considerable amount of weight in high school and college -- that's when dancing was the easiest on my body. I was stronger, and there was less weight to carry. Since college, my weight fluctuated and body changed, making dance more challenging as the pounds came back. But, to be honest, I am the physically the strongest I've ever been. I recently started running long distances (did my first half marathon in May) and have found that the best runners are typically not the younger runners -- the best are those who've been training and tuning their bodies over the years. The running scene has given me a new perspective on Irish dance and what our bodies are capable of doing after what's believed to be our physical peak.

But I must admit, there were a few years during and after college where I hadn't really danced at all. Getting back into dancing was very awkward and frustrating. It felt like my body couldn't keep up with my brain. Moves and techniques that I once could do without much thought were suddenly very difficult to execute. It wasn't so much my age that was holding me back as it was my lack of practice. I found a really great school in New York City -- the Aherne Sheehan School -- that helped me get my Irish dance groove back :)

Is there anything about Irish dancing as an adult that you like better than when you danced as a teen?

Absolutely. As an adult in the media world (I'm a journalist and web producer), I connect with Irish dancers on a whole different level. As a youth, I mingled with friends at dance class and made feis buddies, but I didn't really interact with dancers beyond my region. Now I connect with dancers of all ages and levels from around the world, and I maintain many of those relationships through social networks and travel. I even briefly interviewed my Irish dance idol, Jean Butler, at the World Irish Dancing Championships in 2009. It's amazing when you grow up gawking over the stunning beauty that is Riverdance, and suddenly you're interviewing the star of the show.

So, as a teen, my Irish dance circle was very local. Now it's a global network. I look forward to meeting up with international dance friends at events. And I particularly meeting up with dance friends for an adult beverage after class or performance. Couldn't do that as a teen ;)

Do you feel any animosity from others because you dance as an adult?


Sadly, yes. I admit that when I was younger, I snickered at the sight of adult beginners. That was completely childish and prejudice of me. I realize now that Irish dance adults are extremely talented and devoted, and they're capable of reaching great heights when their teachers and fellow dancers support them and challenge them. So often, dancers that start later in life are not taken seriously, and they may never reach their full potential. I personally feel just as capable of learning steps and training as I did when I was 14. But there aren't as many people who are willing to take me as a student now that I'm *GASP* 25! (I'll turn 26 on Dec. 7.)

What do you miss about competition from your teens?

I miss dancing as a soloist. I am very fortunate to have found a school in Syracuse that teaches adult ceilis, but I would love to compete as a soloist. I didn't feis a lot growing up (roughly three feiseanna a summer from age 13 to 18), but I worked my way up to preliminary championship level and placed regularly. I always wanted to make it to open championship level, but I never really had the chance to continue competing as an "and-over" lady. I miss wearing my hardshoes, too. Ceilis are great, but there's something magical about the rhythm of a slow treble jig or hornpipe.

What do you think the future holds for adults in Irish dance?

Adult dancers are getting better and better. I look at school's like O'Rourke (in New York), and I'm blown away by how talented the adult dancers are. It proves that Irish dance is something you can enjoy and master at different ages. I recently competed at the Mid-Atlantic Region Oireachtas with the Johnston adult team, and I could not believe how tough the competition was. The level of talent in the top adult ceili teams is definitely at par with the youth categories. Any preconceived notions about adult dancers that I had were completely shattered as I watched -- in awe, slack-jawed -- the adult ladies four- and eight-hand rounds.

How long do you intend to Irish dance? Will you drop down in &overs?

I'll dance for as long as I can physically dance. My Irish grandfather (I'm of very mixed ancestry) was always so proud of me for taking up Irish dance. He loved dancing around with me, his only Irish-dancing grandchild. Shortly after having one of his leg's amputated due to a diabetes-related infection, he propped himself up on one leg and hopped around the room while exclaiming, "I can still jig!" I figure, if my grandfather was dancing a one-legged jig, there's no reason I should stop dancing while I have two perfectly good legs. :)

Right now, I really don't have the opportunity to drop down to &overs, unfortunately. I haven't been able to find teachers in my area who cater to the 21-and-over solo dancers.

What is the best thing about dancing as an adult?

Irish dance has really shaped much of my social life, and it's now more apparent than ever. As an adult, I can appreciate what dancing has done -- and continues to do -- for me. I was a bridesmaid in my friend Rachel's wedding a few years ago. Rachel and I met through dancing when we were about 13 years old. And my friend Connor -- with whom I danced at Rince na Tiarna -- took up Irish dance classes with me when we both relocated to New York City. There's something about dancing friends that makes them different from your friends from school or work. It's like the bonds are enhanced because of this common interest and talent.

Also, as an adult, I'm interested in what Irish dance means. These last few years, I've been intrigued by the history of Irish dance and how it's developed over the years. Different styles reflect regional trends and cultural evolution, yet it ties me to a piece of my ancestry. I can identify, in some small way, with my ancestors through dance.

Michael Flatley Proves that Adults can Irish Dance

Of course you know that I am an adult who loves to Irish dance.  After battling an unknown illness, Michael is back on tour in Europe Riverdancing.  What an inspiration to those of us who are dancing past 20 years of age.

Old Guy Clicks up Heels at (almost) half a century young

*This article first appeared in the Sep/Oct issue of Feis America Magazine

Before signing up for Irish dance lessons at age 44, Mark Pottinger (a.k.a. “Old_Guy” on dance.net), had never taken any kind of dance. After watching Irish dancers on St. Patrick’s Day, Mark signed his then seven-year old daughter up for lessons at the Bennett School of Irish Dance in Denver, Colorado.

When Mark couldn’t answer his daughter’s dance questions, another father suggested that he take a class or two. He signed himself up for an adult session and he was hooked. Mark and his daughter began feising and it wasn’t long before they were both placing in competition.

Although Mark acknowledges the struggles that come with dancing as an adult, he knows firsthand how fulfilling it can be. In November 2009, at 48 years of age, Mark attended the Western Regional Oireachtas in Denver, Colorado. He placed fourth in his competition, qualifying for the 2010 World Irish Dancing Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

“This sport has been a fantastic opportunity for me to share an activity with my daughter,” Mark says. “We get to spend time together.”

Having a family member who competes has its challenges. Mark often finds himself running between stages, balancing his own dances with his daughter’s. As a result, dance steps are not the only new skills Mark has acquired while dancing with his daughter; he’s learning what it takes to get a teenager ready at a feis. “[Fastening] a wig is an engineering problem, all about transferring loads to anchor points,” Mark says. “And the makeup I pretty much do as a paint by numbers.”

Mark realizes that it takes him a bit longer than younger dancers to master steps. He counts himself lucky to have supportive teachers at the Bennett School of Irish Dance. “A lot of TCs simply would not or could not invest the time it takes to teach an older dancer like me,” he says. Mark has an agreement with his teachers: if it’s time for him to stop dancing, and he’s not realizing it on his own, they will let him know.

Like many people in their 40’s, Mark lives with pain. Recently, his type of pain has been diagnosed as Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Still, he doesn’t let the pain get in the way of his dancing.

“I think we just can’t expect to be pain-free past a certain age, so I do my best to work through it,” Mark says.

When Mark placed all of his dances in the adult Prizewinner category, he ran out of room to advance. Dropping from adult levels to the “&Overs” was a natural progression. Mark mentions that his adult status in &Overs has been well received in the Western Region, especially by his competitors.

Mark believes that “with proper training and conditioning, there is no physical reason adults can’t continue to advance.” He has a few ideas of what the future might hold for adults in Irish dance. Perhaps a champion or “masters” level will be instated, similar to the masters competitions that are held in other sports, like golf and swimming. Or maybe the adult division will be dissolved and integrated simply as “over20,” “over30” and so on, as some sanctioning organizations have already adopted. No matter how the dance evolves, Mark is confident that the future participation of adults is bright.

Mark plans on attending the World Irish Dancing Championships in March. He practices six days a week, in addition to three or four weekly lessons. Mark plans on enjoying at least three feisanna with his daughter between now and March. If his body is still is holding up, Mark will take the only chance he may get to compete at Worlds.

Even with the obstacles that face Mark, he is optimistic. To the beginner dancer who starts at an advanced age, Mark counsels, “You will have physical discomfort, but you probably will [even] if you don’t dance.”

And how long will Mark continue to dance? “Until my body gives out or I feel like I’m no longer doing justice to the sport.” Let’s hope that’s a long time coming.

Adult Eight-hand Team Prepares for Oireachtas

This article first appeared in the Mar/Apr 2010 issue of Feis America Magazine.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

     You might be tempted to think that the challenges of Irish dancing as an adult outweigh any benefits. 

     After all, adults may have a harder time scheduling lessons, learning steps, dealing with stage fright, and getting their feet to do what their brains want.  But where the body is weak, the spirit is determined.  Adults all over the worlare taking on the challenges and reaping the benefits of Irish dance.

     The women in the Crawford School of Irish Dance’s eight-hand team come from different parts of the country, have varied family demographics and may disagree on where to eat for girls’ night out, but they share a common bond:  a love of Irish dance, discovered later in life. It’s plain to see that the Utah team members are familiar with the struggles of adult Irish dancing, but also recognize the rewards that come with it.

     Adult competition, especially team figures, can be stressful.  Sarah Lindsay feels the strain. “There is still a little pressure to not let your teammates down,” she says.  “You definitely don't want to be the one who ruins it for the team.”

     Hillary Hoopes agrees, saying, “The team feels like a family and not only do I want to do better for myself, but I want to do better for them.”

     The pressure of performing together as a team can be challenging for adult dancers, who often have to balance their dance family with work and family at home.  Training for the 2009 Western Regional Oireachtas, the Crawford team found themselves juggling additional practices with their already busy schedules.

     “Balancing it is all about creating boundaries for yourself and allowing time for other things in your life,” says Hillary.

     Alyson McKean-Bown doesn’t mind the craziness; she says, “I like to be busy, and Irish dance is my sanity – I love it.”

     No matter how much they sacrifice for their dancing, adults often find themselves battling with negativity towards their pursuit of a hobby in later years.

      “People don’t take us as seriously because we are adults.  I wish we would get more recognition,” Alyson says.

     “Some schools will not teach adults.  They think it’s a waste of time,” Deedra Lambert adds. “They don’t understand what an asset we can be.  Adults help with feisanna and fundraisers, and contribute time to the schools.”

     With all of the pressures, juggling, and lack of recognition that come with adult dancing, you might question why adult dancers submit themselves to the rigorous art form.  Yet, if you ask any one of the Crawford’s adult team if all of the exertion is worth it, the answer will be an emphatic “Yes!”

     Adults are finding hidden treasures in Irish dance.  They are gaining new skills, boosting their exercise, and discovering lasting friendships. 

     Learning a new skill later in life can be daunting.  Sarah understands the frustration.  “I think a lot of adults can be hard on themselves when starting to compete in Irish dance,” she says, adding, “It gets easier, so just have fun and don't take yourself too seriously.”

     As they worked towards the Oireachtas, the team learned that physical fitness is a bonus that results from their Irish dancing.

     The women on the team are already active.  Maggie Hawley, for instance, goes hiking and to the gym, and uses Wii Fit to stay in shape.  Other team members run marathons, train for sprints and participate in other forms of dance. 

     “Sprint training is useful for our eight hand reel,” says Deedra. “It builds stamina for the longer dances.”

     Not only does Irish dance improve stamina, it can help tone unused core muscles and provide an aerobic workout.

     The eight women expected to gain a new skill and increase their activity, but what they didn’t count on were the added benefits of lasting friendships and a rip-roaring good time.

     “We've become really close over the last year, both personally and athletically,” says Kiramey Gilleese.  “We're currently trying to get a dance gig at a pirate-themed restaurant so we can raise money for the Oireachtas trip.”

     “In my family, I am the only girl with three brothers. Being on this team makes me feel like I'm dancing alongside seven sisters. I love it,” Hillary says.

     The next time you attend a Western Region feis, track down the Crawford School of Irish Dance’s adult team.  They are well aware of the hard work and challenges that come to adult Irish dancers, but the benefits and joy that they gain are evident in their dedication, their words, and, of course, their dancing.

     As Kiramey put it, “As long as you want to and you have a passion for (something), it's never too late try something you've always wanted to do.” 

Irish dance-Only for the Kids?

So I am trying to research the history of adults in Irish dance.  What I am finding is a startling lack of information.  Any literature I try to get my hands on is no longer in print or just plain hard to get a hold of.   I’ve gone online and asked around to see what other ID’ers know about adults in Irish history, and the results are conflicting.  Some people say that Irish dance has always been for the kids and only recently have the adults come out of the woodwork.  Others have mentioned that up until the advent of competition and the advantage of beginning at a young age, Irish dancing had been a cultural pursuit mainly for adults.  Most do agree that the latest batch of adult enthusiasts appears to stem from the Riverdance craze that began in 1994.

You may wonder why I even care about how adults danced in the past.  The answer is simple:  we can learn how to bring about positive change in the future by examining the past.

I have only been Irish dancing for a few years, and I would like to know where the journey could take me.  I know what I want to accomplish in the next few months, or even a year or two down the road.  But I am a dreamer.  I want to know what is possible.  Can a dancer compete at the World Championships as an adult?  Does that mean she will have to compete against her teenage daughter to do so?  Could adults eventually have their own categories?  Performance such as Lord of the Dance, will they consider adults?  Is it possible for adults to brainstorm and find new outlets for their love of dancing?

If the world is a stage, I don’t want to be in the audience.  Having a few more birthdays won’t hold me back from pursuing what I am passionate about.  My question is not simply what can I as an adult Irish dancer do, but what I can become?

Ushering in the dawn of a new age.

The future of the adult Irish dancer has never shown brighter.  As more adults flood the arena, we are bound to get attention.  

One of two positive scenarios could result from the influx:

1-Adults in &overs could become an acceptable norm.   The more adults who drop down to &overs, the more we will be taken seriously.

2-  An Coimisiún could decide that  adults are worthy of their own Championship levels and edit the rules accordingly.

Can you envision how either outcome would be a step in the right direction? 

Now how can we hasten the dawn of a new age for adults?  Spread the word of this wonderful world to other adults.  Encourage those adults who dance with you to set their sights high in competition, or to begin competing in the first place.  Let others know how wonderful it is to be a part of Irish dance, a world where adults can dream and work to bring those dreams to life.  After all, Irish dance is a place where, truly, age is only a number.