Irish dance- do I dare?

[Eimilidh Taylor]

Hi, all!

I'm 19 years old and considering taking up Irish dancing. I danced competitively for eight years (mostly lyric ballet; six of those years I performed on a team, as well) but an injury landed me out of dance in the middle of my senior year, and prevented me from auditioning for a place on my university's company- I still helped choreograph and teach classes, but I really missed performing and competing. I've decided that I just need a new start in dance entirely, and I'm really hoping that Irish dance- something I always wanted to do, but never found the time- will provide that.

I was wondering what sort of progress I can (realistically) expect to make at this age. Could a 19 year old beginner become proficient enough to perform and compete? I'd still love to learn even if that's not likely, but I can't tell you how thrilled I'd be at the prospect of getting back on stage again! Am I crazy for trying to begin something entirely new at this age? Is there anyone here who could tell me a bit more about their experience as a "late-comer" to the world of Irish dancing? :-)

Any help's appreciated!

Eimilidh

[Dancing Dutchman]

I know people who were 16 when they started dancing and they turned out really greast, so I think it's possible at the age of 19 as well. It also depends on how talented you are and how much time you're willing to spend on it.

[xxCelticGhilliesxx]

Originally Posted by Eimilidh Taylor

Hi, all!

I'm 19 years old and considering taking up Irish dancing. I danced competitively for eight years (mostly lyric ballet; six of those years I performed on a team, as well) but an injury landed me out of dance in the middle of my senior year, and prevented me from auditioning for a place on my university's company- I still helped choreograph and teach classes, but I really missed performing and competing. I've decided that I just need a new start in dance entirely, and I'm really hoping that Irish dance- something I always wanted to do, but never found the time- will provide that.

I was wondering what sort of progress I can (realistically) expect to make at this age. Could a 19 year old beginner become proficient enough to perform and compete? I'd still love to learn even if that's not likely, but I can't tell you how thrilled I'd be at the prospect of getting back on stage again! Am I crazy for trying to begin something entirely new at this age? Is there anyone here who could tell me a bit more about their experience as a "late-comer" to the world of Irish dancing? :-)

Any help's appreciated!

Eimilidh

Hello! It's definitely not too late at all to start! I started Irish dance when I was 17 (I'm 19 now), after taking 11 years of pre-professional ballet. If you have a lot of previous dance experience, like ballet, it will help you tremendously. There are two types of shoes in Irish dance: softshoes and hardshoes. Irish dance really focuses on the turnout of your feet, and since I already had that from ballet, I have moved up rather quickly. I'm completely out of beginner and now I'm an all Novice dancer in competitions (it took me a few months). I can now get a solo dress! (I was only ready to start competing when I was 18). I have also seen adults who compete alongside the older teen age groups, at least in their 40's.

At the beginning, when I started in fall 2010, Irish dance was very new and it is completely different from any other type of dancing I had ever done. I felt like such a newbie, and it's just like starting all over. It takes about a year to learn what Irish dance is about, and that doesn't seem possible, but there's so much more to it than I thought! But I love it now! I really wanted to try it, but I had no idea how hard it was! Being a dancer, though, you know how tough dancing is. Irish dance takes incredible stamina, dedication, hard work, and practice to be able to progress. But it's a lot of fun too! I've made some great friends through Irish dance!!

You can definitely compete if you want to, although you may not be ready for about 6 months. It was a year before I started competing, but you don't have to do that. Competition is very tough at the higher levels (I will list them for you from easiest to hardest), and instead of getting easier, it becomes much harder. You can't have a solo dress until you move all dances out of beginner. Check out some irish dance schools in your area to see if they have adult beginner classes (not all schools do), and have fun!!

Irish Dance Levels (for North America):
Grades
Beginner 1
Advanced Beginner (also Beginner 2)
Novice
Prizewinner

Championships
Preliminary Championship
Open Championship

Sorry, this is very long!! I hope this helps you, and best of luck!!

[Heidegger]

Originally Posted by Eimilidh Taylor

I was wondering what sort of progress I can (realistically) expect to make at this age. Could a 19 year old beginner become proficient enough to perform and compete? I'd still love to learn even if that's not likely, but I can't tell you how thrilled I'd be at the prospect of getting back on stage again! Am I crazy for trying to begin something entirely new at this age? Is there anyone here who could tell me a bit more about their experience as a "late-comer" to the world of Irish dancing? :-)

Eimilidh

That depends on what school you'll be dancing with. You can compete at any level, and many schools will also let you perform at any level. Your teacher may put you in an adult class or with the kids (in which case you'll probably dance with kids much younger than you). But as an older beginner, you'll probably pick up the dances and move up the levels faster than the younger dancers.

I started dancing at 14, which is a bit late. I'm 20 now, so I'm one of the oldest at my school and also usually one of the oldest in my competition, which can be awkward sometimes but getting to dance is definitely worth it.

[SoloDressesAreCool]

Do it! This will change your life in a good way!

[SweetEdelweiss09]

I know of a girl who started when she was 20 and she is now a open champion (highest level) and has been dancing for 7+ years (still competively)

I don't think you should limit yourself. And automatically think that being older should prevent you from learning something new and being great at it. You can be what you want and achieve any skill, if you put your mind to it. Don't doubt yourself.

I started when I was almost 17. I've been dancing for almost two years. I've competed, placed, and moved up. I never had any dance experience. I've learned so much the past two years, and I can do things that I could never imagine being able to do. And best of all, I enjoy every moment.

[purpleirishdancer1]

You can start irish dance no matter how old you are. I started dancing when I was 16 and have enjoyed a lot. I dance with the younger kids from the beginning but met several older dancers through competition and school rectials and ceili classes some were grandmothers! One my teachers started as an adult and went to worlds.
I think you will do well with your background in ballet and other dance though it is different. just find a school that fits you and you will shine!!!

[GhilleGirl22]

You can dance at any age, and still do really well! Once you get to your age you are in O20 ( Over 20) and then once your 21 ( i think) you start dancing in the Adult category.