Post Worlds Thoughts

Well I am finally home and feel like I made the right choice in retiring. I had bittersweet emotions at Worlds, and at times felt like I should continue dancing because it's what I am use to. However, I know I made the right choice for myself and know there is better things to come in the future. We had quite the adventure!

Day 1: We landed Monday morning and ate breakfast at our hotel, walked around Edinburgh, Scotland. We went to Real Mary's Close and the Dungeons of Edinburgh tours. Real Mary's Close is an old street that was accidentally built on top of- we were able to go down and see what the town use to be like and how they tried to prevent the black plague from spreading. In the dungeon tour, we learned all about Edinburgh in the 18th century and how people were treated- Scotland is brutal with their witch trials, tortue devices, and myths of cannibals.

Day 2: We explored the Edinburgh Castle and went to the Elephant Cafe, which is where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter. At night, we went to a ghost tour. We walked around the town late at night and were told famous stories of hauntings in Edinburgh.

Day 3: We left for Inverness, Scotland. We stopped at Rosslyn Chapel, where the final scenes of the Da Vinci Code take place. Then we went to Stirling Castle and drove through a national park. We spent the night at Culloden House, which is Forbes' ancestral estate.

Day 4: We went to Culloden Battlefield and explored their museum. We then rode a boat in search of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. We explored Urquhart Castle for a bit and went to eat lunch and then drove through Glen Coe. We spent the night at Inverlochy Castle and explored the highlands.

Day 5: We went to Lochmond and ate lunch there while exploring the town. We then drove to Glasgow, Scotland. We went to a couple museums and prepared for my dancing. At night, we went over to watch some other Chicago dancers.

Day 6: Dance day! It went great. I danced to my best potential and my teachers said it was absolutely beautiful. This made me happy because I couldn't of asked for a better way to end my competitive dance career- I danced at worlds, and placed in the top half. It was a fantastic day!

Tan Legs

People often wonder why Irish Dancers tan their legs for competition. To be honest there isn't really a clear answer to this.

Some say it shows off our muscle tone, like in body building competitions. In body building, one uses tanner to the extreme to showcase their muscle definition. Other says Irish Dancers tan their legs for a better stage look. The lights on stages, especially the majors, are very bright; the stages also have backdrops usually with bright colors. The tanned legs are thought to make one not looked washed out while on stage.

Nowadays if you don't tan your legs at a major competition, you'll stand out. I couldn't tell you if it would be in a good or bad way. However, I see both sides. It may make judges notice you, but I hope you practiced if you want that extra attention ! haha :) On the other hand, you may look out of place. Like at the Worlds, everyone tans their legs. If one were to show up with untanned legs then they may look inexperienced and judges may not watch you.

Irish Dance is a subjective sport so it's up to dancer, teachers, and family whether or not tanning is for them. My personal preference was to only tan at the majors and not small competitions. Also, younger age groups are not allowed to tan, wear rhinestones on their dresses, and makeup; this is to keep them looking natural and not like Toddlers and Tiaras.

Dressmakers

Another question I get a lot is: Who should I get my dress made from?

This is a personal preference. Each dressmaker offers something unique. Cost clearly has a huge part in it; each dress maker has its own price range and one can order rhinestones for an additional cost. Some dress makers allow you to customize your design but this also depends on your dance school. Some schools only allow the teachers to design the dress with the dress maker and some dance schools will only allow their students to get dresses from certain dress makers.

If you're looking to get a custom made dress there is a lot that goes into it. You'll need to talk to your teachers, parents, and do research to make sure you're happy with your result.

Steps to order:
1. Contact/ research several dress makers to get an estimate and to find who truly will make you happy.
2. Measuring/ Dress Fitting- usually teachers will handle this since each dress maker has their own form they would like filled out.
3. Patiently wait for your dress to be made. Sometimes a dress maker will send you a proof of your dress.
4. You will give the dress maker a deadline for the dress and your dress will arrive in a giant box on your doorstep. This will be one of the most exciting days of your life!

Gavin Doherty is a popular dress maker so I have included a small documentary on him.

My current dance dress is made by Siopa Rince in Ireland. She was lovely to work with; she skipped me several times for dress fittings while I was away at school and did everything I wanted and more.  My mom, dance teachers, and I designed everything about my dress and truly tried to make it elegant, timeless, and age appropriate yet stunning. 

I absolutely love my dress and it has brought me a ton of luck! It'll be weird to sell my dress after worlds. I hope it brings the next owner just as much joy as it has for me. 

A Typical St. Paddy's Day

A huge question I always get is, what is it like to be an Irish Dancer around St. Paddy's Day?

I can tell you it's very interesting... I am going to list some of the experiences I've had...

• You'll have countless drunks asking you to do a jig and asking if the curls are real?
• You'll have countless drunks cheering for you when they see you in costume/wig
• You'll have beer spilled on you
• You'll be able to enter bars at a young age because you're there for the entertainment
• You'll get to walk in the notorious parade and be featured in all sorts of media- TV, newspapers, etc.
• You'll travel from show to show- St. Paddy's Day shows start around the end of February and go until the end of March. It's common to miss days of school because you're dancing on the news or at private shows. 
• Be prepared for long days- You'll go from show to show (literally). You won't have time to eat and there have been days I had a show at 8 AM and went until 1 AM the following morning.
• You'll experience things people never will- Being in the North Side Chicago Parade, being featured on certain news segments, and dancing for private parties including Mayor Daley.

It seems crazy, but I wouldn't redo anything about St. Paddy's Day Season. Nothing is better than experiencing the moments I did with my family, friends, and teachers. I wouldn't trade it for the world. If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough!