In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses the emotional struggles that young dancers face, particularly the pressure to perform and the fear of disappointing their parents. She emphasises the importance of creating safe spaces for dancers to express their feelings and the need for parents to provide unconditional support. Megan shares her personal experiences and insights on how parents can better understand and support their dancers' emotional wellbeing, ultimately fostering a healthier relationship with dance and competition.

Chapters:

00:00 - Understanding Emotional Bottling in Dancers

09:15 - The Pressure of Performance and Parental Expectations

15:56 - Creating Safe Spaces for Dancers

17:44 - Conclusion and Resources for Support

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses the often-overlooked topic of practising at home as an Irish dancer. She shares her personal experiences and insights on how to effectively structure practice sessions, overcome common challenges, and build consistency and motivation. Megan emphasises the importance of creating a realistic practice schedule, focusing on one dance at a time, and utilising community resources for support. The episode aims to empower dancers to take control of their practise and improve their skills with confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Home Practise for Irish Dancers
02:41 - Understanding the Challenges of Practising at Home
05:32 - Creating a Realistic Practise Schedule
08:38 - Focusing on One Dance at a Time
10:29 - Implementing a Structured Practise Plan
12:20 - Encouragement and Resources for Dancers

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan dives into what it really takes to kick off a new dance season feeling focused and inspired. She shares why reflection and rest are just as important as hard work — and how finding the missing pieces in your training can unlock real progress.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to Meg Talks: Embracing the Dance Journey
03:06 - Finding Your Missing Piece for the Dance Season
07:15 - The What, Why, How Method Explained
11:43 - Understanding Motivation and Accountability
15:53 - Preparing for a Successful Dance Season

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the complexities and myths surrounding Irish dance. They explore the emotional challenges dancers face, the importance of taking breaks, the unrealistic expectations of perfection, and the collaborative nature of dance education. The conversation emphasises the need for understanding and support within the dance community, encouraging both dancers and parents to navigate their journeys with confidence and joy.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
01:19 - Navigating the Complexities of Irish Dance
05:11 - Myth 1
12:04 - Myth 2
19:13 - Myth 3
28:08 - Myth 4
41:14 - Conclusion 

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📖 Read - How Parents Can Support Without the Pressure

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the dynamics of team dancing versus solo dancing. They explore the mindset challenges, commitment levels, and the importance of communication and support within a team. The conversation highlights the rewarding experiences of team dancing, the friendships formed, and the skills developed that can benefit solo performances. They also touch on the physical demands of team dancing, the necessity of injury prevention, and the role of parental support in a dancer's journey.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Team Dynamics in Dance
02:21 - Experiences of Team Dancing vs. Solo Dancing
05:11 - Mindset Challenges in Team Dynamics
08:00 - Commitment and Responsibility in Team Dancing
10:06 - Parental Involvement and Support
11:14 - Financial and Time Commitments in Team Dancing
12:16 - The Importance of Team Cohesion
14:04 - Friendship and Connections Through Team Dancing
15:16 - Balancing Team and Solo Training
17:31 - Communication Skills Developed in Teams
20:20 - Handling Mistakes and Team Support
23:02 - Learning from Team Experiences
26:52 - Injury Prevention and Physical Management
31:21 - The Importance of Rest and Recovery
33:50 - Final Thoughts on Team Dynamics

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses the common issue of dancers repeatedly hearing the same corrections and how to address it. She emphasises the importance of understanding the 'why' behind corrections, the psychology of progress, and the significance of tracking improvements. Megan re-introduces her 'What, Why, How' method, which has been effective for many dancers, and outlines various options for coaching and courses available to help dancers improve their skills and confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Irish Dance and Corrections

02:43 - Understanding the Why Behind Corrections

05:57 - The Psychology of Progress in Dance

08:53 - Individualised Approaches to Corrections

11:29 - Options for Dancers: Courses and Coaching

17:24 - Conclusion

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the exciting yet daunting experience of stepping into new environments, particularly in the context of Irish dance competitions. They explore the mindset shifts necessary to embrace change, the importance of community support, and actionable steps to navigate first experiences. The conversation emphasises celebrating growth and learning, and encourages dancers and parents alike to engage fully in their journeys.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to New Beginnings
02:53 - Facing the Unknown: Embracing Change
05:42 - The Importance of Community and Connection
08:34 - Celebrating Firsts: Growth and Learning
11:18 - Creating a Supportive Environment for Dancers
14:10 - Actionable Steps for Navigating First Experiences
17:08 - The Power of Visualisation and Familiarity
20:03 - Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Together

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses the importance of bringing joy back to Irish dance. She explores how pressure, perfectionism, and competition can overshadow the fun of dancing. Megan emphasises the need for balance in life and offers strategies to reignite the passion for dance, including training in new environments and fostering community connections. The episode culminates in an invitation to the Move With Meg Fest, a celebration aimed at enhancing the joy of dance for both dancers and their families.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Joy in Dance

02:37 - The Importance of Fun in Irish Dance

05:18 - Challenges to Enjoyment in Dance

08:29 - Strategies to Reignite Joy

11:04 - Community and Connection in Dance

14:15 - The Move With Meg Fest

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the intricacies of goal setting for dancers. They emphasise the importance of not only setting goals but also tracking progress and evaluating past performances. The conversation delves into the mindset required for effective goal setting, the significance of understanding the 'why' behind each goal, and the challenges dancers face in this process. They also highlight the value of celebrating achievements and involving family in the goal-setting journey, creating a supportive environment for dancers to thrive.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Goal Setting in Dance
03:03 - The Importance of Tracking Progress
05:29 - Evaluating Past Goals and Setting New Ones
08:36 - Strategies for Effective Goal Setting
11:28 - Creating Actionable Steps for Goals
14:26 - Navigating Broad Goals and Specificity
15:14 - The Importance of Goal Clarity
18:15 - Understanding the Emotional Connection to Goals
19:10 - Honesty and Specificity in Goal Setting
21:48 - Accountability and Support in Achieving Goals
22:39 - Key Strategies for Effective Goal Setting
24:59 - Celebrating Achievements and Community Support

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan delves into the complexities of turnout in Irish dance, discussing common challenges dancers face and the importance of understanding one's body. She outlines five key areas that impact turnout and shares personal insights from her own dance journey. The episode emphasizes the need for tailored strategies and accountability in improving turnout, encouraging dancers to join the Gold Club for personalised support.

Chapters:

00:00 - Understanding Turnout in Irish Dance

05:25 - The Five Key Areas of Turnout

10:24 - Personal Experiences and Insights on Turnout

14:39 - Strategies for Improvement and Accountability

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