November 2011 Journal Posts (7)

So the time has come to break in new hardshoes. Every irish dancer's worst nightmare. My old one's barely made it through the Oireachtas. I had to have the heel secured on, in the fears that it may rip off at any time, and I had danced all the way threw the bottom leather. Sure enough my arthritic big toe was not happy with me dancing in these shoes...…

So after 15 years of on and off dancing I have QUALIFIED FOR WORLDS! I have always done very well at the ECRO and Nans, and although I have been close many times I have never qualified for worlds. FINALLY! Hard work does pay off.

My first 2 rounds were okay, although some how the girl who I danced with and I collided…

Got my dvd today. It's not actually too bad! No mistakes in the whole thing! Well, not from me anyway... All the dances were beautiful, especially Jo, Jo and Claire's version of 'Gypsy' from Lord Of The Dance. So so amazing.

'Deliverance' (our 'Reel Around The Sun' wasn't actually that bad! I think I just need to look a bit more positive in my posture - I kinda hunched a little bit.. And I need to make sure my…

When I was four, my parents enrolled me in ballet lessons. 

It didn't take me very long to get kicked out. 

I honestly don't know why I got kicked out - maybe it was because I was an incredibly anti-pink little kid (and I still am), but more likely, it was because I was perceived to not have any sort of mental or physical talent for dancing. 

The belief that I couldn't dance stayed with me for a very long time. From preschool through freshman year in high school, I held…

I have to say, I am a great admirer of all you dancers competing at the oireachtas. I have watched many of my friends; from age 6 to age 20, work harder than pro football players to have the best chance at the O. Since my teacher told me she might allow me to compete solo at next year's O; I have really noticed the hard work my friends have been putting in. So here's a big wish of good luck and express congratulations to all of you O dancers! You have worked so hard; and whether you miss the…

Well, the Eastern Canadian Oireachtas is in a week and just thinking about it makes my heart beat faster. This year's Oireachtas is an important one because it marks the 6th anniversary of my retirement. However, I will be competing this year. :s

Taking 5 years off of Irish dance was a decision i had to make due to school and other piorities, but staying away was hard. Even harder than making the decision to retire was the committment it took to come back. Dancing 5 days a week isn't…

Photo Credit: Flickr User Dave Dugdale

This week Poll Master @ Diddlyi wants to know whether or not you ever get sick and tired of Irish dancing and just need a…