Drew Davis
Reporter
@ddavisCourant
While most athletes spend their Sundays relaxing and recovering, it is typical to find Irish dancers suiting up in their elaborate dresses for a weekend feis. Instead of lounging on the couch watching television, Irish dancers study the precisely choreographed routines for their competition.
Among such competitors are senior Sarah Hardy and sophomore Caroline Leeber. They are two of the over 200 students who dance for the Pender-Keady Academy of Irish Dancing. “I started Irish dancing when I was in Kindergarten, so I was about 4 or 5 years old,” Sarah said.
Competitions began early as well. “My first competition was my school’s feis. It was just for beginners so you all dance down the line and get medals,” Caroline said. “I was six years old.”
Four to five times a week, Sarah and Caroline commute to Stamford, where they spend hours rehearsing to the whistling of the fiddle and flute, traditional Irish folk music. “Privates are on hour and classes are two to four hours,” Caroline said. “We have class on Saturday and Sunday but there is usually a competition on Sunday.”
Both girls spend most of their week improving their routines. “We practice almost everyday to make sure we have good stamina and technique,” Sarah said. “Some weeks we could have dance 6 hours a week and other times we could be in the studio for 15 or more hours during the week.”
However, when a major competition is approaching, practices can be as often as every day. “I usually try to get as much done at home before dance and then we also bring homework to class to do while we aren’t dancing,” Caroline said.
Some notable competitions Sarah and Caroline have been registered in include Nationals, All-Irelands, All-Scotlands, Great Britains, and Worlds. “We have major competitions at least 3 times a year,” Sarah said.
Besides a busy rehearsal schedule, there are more preparations to execute prior to the competition day. “Sometimes before Nationals or Worlds we all try to go on a no sugar diet,” Sarah said. “We do try to eat healthier before a major competition to ensure we are in shape.”
Caroline also has a few staple meals before performing. “I usually get really nervous so I try to eat and drink water or else I won’t have a lot of energy,” she said. “I try to eat eggs for breakfast and the night before I always eat pasta.”
In addition to a healthy diet, the dancers have to prepare physically. “On the day of, there is a lot to do to get ready,” Sarah said. “We have to put on our wig and makeup, stretch, warm up, and practice our routines for one last time.” The girls also get spray tans days before competing.
One of the most notorious aspects of Irish dance is the traditional outfit. The attire consists of poodle socks, gillies, and dresses typically made by the designer Gavin Doherty. “For solo dancing we wear a dress that is long sleeved with an almost triangular shaped skirt,” Sarah said. “Each dress is handmade and is embroidered with tons of crystals on it.”
The outfits for group dances are slightly different. “For team dances, every girl wears a costume that is usually in their school colors,” Sarah said. “Team dresses tend to be simpler and less sparkly than solo dresses.”
Major Irish dance competitions unlike typical high school sports tournament, are held all around the world. “Worlds is in different places. Last year it was in London, the year before it was in Austin, next year it is in Montreal, and it has been in Dublin,” Caroline said. “Nationals which is for dancers in North America and Canada, was in California last year and is in Montreal this year.”
The dancers arrive to the location a couple of days before the competition so they can adjust to the time change. Even though there is not much time for touring, Sarah and Caroline enjoy traveling abroad. “I really like it because it is a nice experience to travel overseas alone with just your teacher and to see the world with your best friends,” Caroline said.
While the competition may be aggressive on stage, according to Sarah, most of the dancers are friends. “You become friends with the girls you compete against, especially in your region,” Sarah said. “There is definitely a sense of closeness among Irish dancers since we have been competing against the same people since we were in elementary school.”
The rarity of the sport also unites the dancers. “Irish dance is not something that everyone does, so we all have that in common,” Caroline said. “My biggest competitors are some of my best friends.”
Both Sarah and Caroline agreed that mentioned how the closeness of the Irish dance community is their favorite aspect of the sport. “Irish dancing is not as common as many other sports or activities so when you meet another Irish dancer you instantly have a connection to them,” Sarah said. “It creates a sense of closeness since they understand a major part of your life that many people don’t.”
You can read more about and watch video on both the costumes (here) or the competitions (here) of Irish dance!
