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Irish Dance is a painful, tiring, yet rewarding sport. Regional Oireachtas, National competition, and Worlds competition are the three biggest competitions in Irish Dancing, and preparing for them is stressful. No fear: you can make it easier with practice and dedication.

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EditSteps

  1. 1
    Set your placement goal. If it is your first major, your goal should just be to recall, or even dance your best. For prizewinners dancing at their first Oireachtas, it is unlikely they will place very high. Keeping a positive mindset and dancing your best is all that matters!
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  2. 2
    Stretch. A lot. Stretching is one of the most important parts of Irish Dance. If you aren't flexible, you can't do leg ups, front clicks, or really anything. Stretching for at least 15 minutes every day is a great way to work towards the splits. Doing the splits is good for Irish Dance and helps make front clicks easier.
  3. 3
    Go to practice every chance you have. Dance practice is literally the easiest way to get ready for a major. Your teacher has worked hard to get to their position, so they're obviously well-trained and can help you achieve your goal. If your teacher also offers strengthening or stretching classes, go to that, too! Every little bit of practice helps.
  4. 4
    Eat healthy. Eating right is important in making it to the podium! If you have enough protein, calcium, and carbohydrates in your diet, you'll have stronger leg muscles, more energy, and more enthusiasm!
  5. 5
    Be prepared when packing. Forgetting something can be devastating at a major. Make a list and put everything you could possibly need on it. From water to snacks, hard shoes to soft shoes, make sure you have it all!
  6. 6
    Remember your dances! Stage fright can ruin any chances of recalling at an Oireachtas. Go over them the night before, the morning of, and right before you go on stage. These are you dances, and whether you are hornpipe or jig, reel or slip jig, every step counts!
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EditTips

  • Keep at least one water bottle with you at all times during competition day.
  • Hang out with friends after awards. If someone did really good, treat them to ice cream! They worked hard, and even if they beat you, congratulate them!
  • Don't cry from sadness. Although you will be extremely sad, save the tears for your pillow. My Irish Dance teacher always says to congratulate those who recalled, even if you did not. Once you are in your room, you can scream, cry, throw your trophy, WHATEVER. Just don't make a scene in the ballroom or elevator. Not only does it make a bad reputation for yourself, it gives your teachers a bad rep, too!

EditWarnings

  • Don't over exert yourself before the competition. Dancing 48 hours during the week before Oireachtas is not very safe. You can get injured or extremely tired, which both can damage your ability to dance well.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Become an Irish Dance Champion

Article Info

Categories: Irish Dancing | Performing Arts

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