Irish Dancing During Hard Times

Hello Irish Dancers!

Recently, my grandpa was diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to his bones.

The World Irish Dance championship is about 5 weeks away and my mom just told me that my dad might not be going with us because he wants to stay with his dad. Not only will it be a big fight for my grandpa, it will be a big fight for me and my family.

It is hard to focus on my dance goals with him ill like this. Sometimes, I wonder if I should bother going to London. Sometimes I feel selfish going to dance class when he is struggling with this.  Sometimes dance feels like such a small thing when someone I love is dying.

I went to dance class last night and as soon as I got into my mom's car, all this built up emotion just came out. My mom just let me cry. There really is nothing to say. Everyone is feeling like this at our house.

But I can't quit.

I love being able to go to practice and NOT think about cancer or sadness or death. It keeps my mind occupied.  All those bad images in my head are being swept away with every dance correction and repetition.  When I kick or jump that worrisome energy is being whisked out of my body. I am quiet inside and I am numb.

I am so grateful for dance because it allows me to release all that sadness and anger through sweat. I love using all that energy on the floor.

When I dance it gives me hope.

Dance is a place that is all mine.  It is my space that I own.

On the other hand, I am so grateful for the comfort my dance family gives me by asking about him. They know exactly when to ask me and when to dance silently beside me.

I know my grandpa would want me to go. And when I am on that World stage, I will do those rocks and that birdie jump with passion because those are his favorite steps.

Have you danced through a painful time in your life? What did dance do for you? 

My Papa and I 

"Let your faith be bigger than your fears" ~unknown

The Coaches Eye App

It's Oireachtas season!!!!!

(Did that make your heart start beating?)

What are you doing to prepare?

My dance teacher recommended we start video taping our dances to see what we can improve. I've been doing this since my mom told me a couple years ago that my arm was popping out during one of my dances and I did not believe her until I saw it. Video taping works.  You can only get better if you work on your weaknesses.

I bought the app called Coach's Eye on the recommendation of another dancer (Thanks, Lexi P.) at my school. It allows you to video tape and then slow down the subject. It was originally used for football players and golfers but works perfect for Irish dance.

It allows you to draw on the screen to point out what you did wrong. For instance, your foot was turned in before a jump. You are able to circle it and save it for next time. It brings out the flaws in your dancing that aren't so obvious because it is in slow motion. This slow motion allows you to see the precise time your step is incorrect. 

Plus, I love the fact that you can compare it with a different video, too. I took a video of my jumps recently and then I will compare in a month.   You can even do this to improve one specific jump or step to track your improvement.  It is kind of like a before and after effect. It compares them in a side by side screen view.  

Google Play store 

Apple store link

If you were looking for ways to improve your dancing, I definitely encourage you to buy this app. It is $5 on Google Play and most likely the same on iTunes but so far, it is totally worth it.

Below is an example of the app and it is clickable to the app website.  

                                                            

   I would love to hear what you think! Comment below!

"There is no glory in practice, but without practice, 

there is no glory"

~Unknown