From Beginner to Pro: Irish Dance Progress for Intermediates

You've mastered the basic steps of Irish dance - the reels, the light jigs, maybe even a simple treble jig. Now you're ready to take your dancing to the next level. This intermediate phase is where many dancers either flourish or plateau. Here's how to ensure you're in the first group.

Refining Your Footwork

Intermediate dancers often struggle with clean footwork as steps become more complex. The key is to break down each movement:

• Slow it down: Practice new steps at half tempo until every movement is precise
• Isolate trouble spots: Identify which transitions give you trouble and drill them separately
• Record yourself: Video reveals what feels right might look sloppy

Mastering Timing and Rhythm

As steps become more intricate, maintaining perfect timing becomes challenging. Try these techniques:

1. Dance with a metronome set to various tempos
2. Count aloud while dancing to internalize the rhythm
3. Practice to different versions of the same tune to adapt to variations

Posture and Upper Body Control

Many intermediate dancers focus so much on their feet they forget about their upper body. Proper posture:

• Keeps shoulders back but relaxed
• Maintains a straight spine without stiffness
• Allows for controlled arm movements in advanced steps

Building Stamina and Strength

Intermediate routines demand more endurance. Incorporate these into your training:

• Plyometrics: Jump squats and box jumps build explosive power
• Core work: A strong core improves balance and control
• Cardio intervals: Mimic the stop-start nature of dance performances

Mental Preparation

The intermediate stage is when mental blocks often appear. Overcome them by:

1. Visualizing perfect execution of difficult steps
2. Setting small, achievable goals for each practice
3. Focusing on progress rather than perfection