In this fascinating episode Zack Warsaw, who dances and is certified to teach both Irish and Highland Dance and adjudicates Irish Dance as a ADCRG, meets with us to talk about the similarities and differences between Irish Dance and Highland Dance - in movements, music, complexity, and visibility. We talk about how we can foster a deeper sense of Celtic community and grown both dance disciplines through greater collaboration.

This episode is being released shortly before our own Celtic Crossroads performance on June 1, 2024 - a collaborate performance between the Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance, the Missoula Highland Dancers, and the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band.

Zack is a TCRG, ADCRG and a Highland and National Member of the BATD. He is also an Executive Board Member for the Collegiate Irish Dance Association.

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Are you new to Irish Dance and feeling lost when you hear unfamiliar words and phrases? This podcast episode is for you! Join us as we break down the meaning behind common Irish Dance terms that may seem confusing to outsiders or those new to Irish Dance. We give meaning and context to Irish Dance lingo. 

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Competative female Irish Dancers often use some type of fake tanners to make their legs pop on stage. How does one get a beautiful fake tan - not one that's orange, green, grey or streaky? Is fake tanner safe? Do other dance disciplines fake tan? We answer all these questions in this episode. Interviews with an esthetician, a dermatologist, and a choreographer shed light on the tips, health risks, and trends associated with fake tanning in dance. The guests provide insights on how to achieve a flawless, long-lasting tan, the safety of tanning products, and the perception of tanning in different dance disciplines.

You can find Raeley at Moxie Cosmetic Arts Studio in Missoula, MT at theyhavemoxie.com or on Instagram @moxie.raeley and Moxie studio @theyhavemoxie.

Dermatolotist Dr. Dan Hansen can be reached at https://www.northernutahderm.com/dr-hansen.

Choreographer Angie Hansen is avaialble at [email protected].

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

In this eposide, we talk with Riverdance Summer School, Camp Rince Ceol (CRC camp) and Reels in the Rockies about their summer experiences for Irish Dancers. Listener warning: After this episode, you will want to attend all these summer camps!

We discuss the wide range of summer camp experiences available for Irish dancers, and the highlights of each program. 

Hear interviews with Padraic Moyles, Executive Producer/Associate Director of Riverdance and Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, Lead Dancer ofof Riverdance and Instructor of Riverdance Summer School; Sheila Ryan Davoren from CRC Camp; and Cara Casey O'Loughlin of Reels in the Rockies.

Find out more about Riverdance Summer School at https://academy.riverdance.com/ or on Instagram @riverdance; Camp Rince Ceol at https://irishdancecamp.com/ or on Instagram @camprinceceol; and Reels in the Rockies at https://www.reelsintherockies.com/ or on Instagram @reelsintherockies. 

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 

Coming back from an injury is demanding - physically and mentally. In this episode with physical therapist Dr. Teresa Drew, we discuss the unique physical demands of Irish Dance and how an Irish Dance trained physical therapist can help safely navigate the return to dance process. Dr. Drew provides wise insight on when to seek professional advice and how to rebuild confidence and trust in your body after an injury. She emphasizes the importance of mental and physical training during rehab and shares funny and memorable moments from her own dancing career.

You can find Dr. Drew on Instagram @the.dancing.doc or schedule a free Zoom consultation with her at on Calendly. 

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 

in this episode, we explore the power of a healthy mindset with Mindset Coach, World Champion, Producer, and Mentor Scott Doherty. We discuss common mindset challenges faced by dancers - such as managing nerves, building confidence, and dealing with disappointment. Scott provides practical advice on how to overcome these challenges and offers insights into his mindset coaching approach, which focuses on problem-solving, forgiveness, and proper preparation.

The discussion also touches on the need for dancers to have a plan A and plan B for performances and the benefits of using a practice journal to improve mindset and performance.

Find Scott Doherty at https://scott-doherty.com/ or on Instagram at @thescottydee. His practice journal, Stop "Just" Dancing, is available on Amazon. 

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podasts, Spotift, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 

In this episode of the Beyond Irish Dance podcast, Oona Harrigan, known on Instagram @wmh_x_0 for her Sad Globes, funny memes, and outrageous dance videos, joins the conversation to discuss her journey from feeling like a nobody in Irish dance to becoming a popular and influential voice in the community.

Oona shares her experiences of dealing with imposter syndrome, social anxiety, and the pressures of competition. She emphasizes the importance of being authentic and embracing one's uniqueness, and how her humorous content has resonated with dancers around the world.

The conversation also delves into tracking trends in Irish dance, the evolution of men's fashion, and the fun side of sparkly dresses. Oona's vulnerability and honesty bring a refreshing perspective to the challenges and joys of Irish dance.

You can find Oona on Instagram @wmh_x_0 and can buy your own Sad Globe embroidered patch at FeistyFitzy.com, or Sad Globe stickers, as well as a collection of other stickers designed by Oona, at RedBubble.com. 

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Strength training and conditioning play a crucial role in the performance and longevity of Irish dancers! In this episode, Ellen Waller, Founder and Coach of Target Training, shares her insights on the importance of strength training and conditioning for Irish dancers. She discusses the evolving landscape of Irish dance, the common areas for improvement, and the need to balance mobility, flexibility, and strength.

Ellen also provides practical advice on developing a personalized training plan and highlights the benefits of strength training in enhancing power, technique, and reducing the risk of injury. Through the process of examining Sarah and Porter's physiology while dancing, she demonstrates the ways in which common correctings can mean different things for different dancers based on an individuals physical strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, this episode offers valuable insights and tips to help you become a better performer and competitor in the world of Irish dance.

Find Ellen and Target Training at targettrainingdance.com or on Instagram @targettrainingdance. 

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 

In this podcast episode,  TCRG Lauren Carroll-Bolger, CEO and head of the Caroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance, provides valuable insights for dancers and parents in the Irish dance world. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying the dance experience and finding passion in the art form.

Lauren encourages dancers to have an open mind when learning new steps and to focus on their technique from the beginning. She suggests finding what works best for individual learning and encouraging dancers to practice with intention. Additionally, she advises dancers and parents to set goals and gauge success based on personal growth rather than placement. 

Lauren reminds dancers to trust their teachers and communicate openly about their goals and concerns. She makes recommendations for dancers, and parents, during performances. Finally, she shares some memorable moments from her own dance career, highlighting the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes.

Find Carroll-Henders School of Irish Dance at https://www.chirishdance.com or on Instagram at c_h_irishdance.

You can hear more from Lauren about the growth of her business on the TCRG to CEO Radio podcast.

Follow us on Instagram at BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 

Sarah and Porter, along with their mom as the host, introduce themselves in the first episode of 'Beyond Irish Dance'. Sarah talks about her journey from a beginner dancer at a recreational school to competing in prelims, overcoming recent injuries, and discovering her passion for the medical field. Porter shares his enthusiasm for competition, his experience in bagpiping and cross country, and his interest in the technological aspect of the podcast. Together, they offer a unique perspective on the world of Irish dance and the challenges they face as dancers with various extracurricular activities. The episode sets the stage for upcoming interviews, discussions, and insights for both beginner and experienced Irish dancers.

On Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcast and Spotify.