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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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss common myths in Irish dancing, emphasising the importance of rest, quality practice, and managing nerves. They aim to empower dancers and parents to challenge misconceptions and find a balanced approach to training and performance.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Mindset Matters

01:00 - Busting Myths in Irish Dancing

03:53 - The Importance of Rest Days

13:02 - Quality Over Quantity in Practice

23:00 - Understanding Nerves in Performance

24:50 - Embracing Common Humanity in Dance

27:14 - The Pursuit of Personal Goals

28:47 - Finding Happiness in the Journey

30:02 - Overcoming Qualification Myths

31:44 - The Importance of Community Support

34:40 - Focusing on Individual Progress

41:15 - The Power of Targeted Corrections

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the preparation for national dance competitions, focusing on the experiences of dancers, especially those attending their first major event. They explore the importance of community, managing expectations, and the pressures that comes with competition. The conversation emphasises the need for enjoyment and the significance of friendships in the dance world, while also addressing the anxiety and stress that can accompany high-stakes performances.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Nationals Preparation

02:57 - First Major Experiences

06:01 - The Importance of Community and Friendship

08:58 - Managing Expectations for First Nationals

11:52 - Advice for Dancers and Parents

15:02 - Understanding Pressure and Goals

17:50 - Dealing with Performance Anxiety

19:11 - Setting Goals for Dancers

20:15 - Measuring Progress and Performance

22:10 - The Role of Experts in Dance

24:06 - Balancing Pride and Disappointment

26:35 - The Importance of Communication

28:34 - Building a Supportive Community

32:02 - Actionable Steps for Dancers and Parents

36:17 - Preparing for Competitions

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In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan welcomes back Olivia Graydon, who shares her inspiring journey in Irish dancing. Olivia discusses her early struggles with competition, the importance of resilience and self-belief, and how she transitioned from competitive dancing to performing professionally. The conversation highlights the significance of enjoyment in dance, the influence of key figures like Alan Kenefick, and the need for a positive and encouraging environment for dancers. Olivia emphasises that dancing should ultimately be about joy and self-expression, regardless of competition outcomes.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction 

03:02 - Olivia's Journey in Irish Dancing

06:06 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

09:03 - The Importance of Enjoyment in Dance

11:54 - Transitioning from Competition to Performance

18:04 - The Role of Self-Belief and Encouragement

20:57 - Creating a Positive Dance Environment

27:33 - Finding Joy in Competition

30:01 - Navigating the Noise of Competition

32:14 - The Parenting Perspective in Dance

36:41 - Supporting Dancers and Parents

39:31 - Nurturing New Parents in Dance

42:54 - Individual Experiences in Dance

46:50 - The Importance of Parental Support

49:44 - Excitement for the Move With Meg Fest

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🎧 Olivia Graydon: Listen Here

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan is joined by Lauren Clarke, a coach with a background in both Irish dance and strength training. They discuss Lauren’s transition from dancer to coach and break down the role strength work plays in improving elements like kick height.

The conversation covers common misconceptions dancers have about flexibility and strength, and the importance of individualised coaching based on each dancer’s needs. They also touch on the upcoming Move With Meg Fest, the value of interactive coaching, and some behind-the-scenes reflections on working with dancers in person.

Other topics include key technical corrections, how dancers and parents can work better together, and what to expect around the festival location.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Lauren Clarke and Her Journey

02:58 - The Importance of Strength in Dance

05:57 - Understanding Kick Height: Myths and Realities

08:54 - Personalised Coaching for Dancers

12:00 - The Role of Technique in Dance

14:56 - Coaching Styles and Approaches

17:05 - The Importance of In-Person Coaching

19:11 - Memorable Moments in Workshops

20:10 - The Rewarding Nature of Coaching

26:40 - Understanding Dancer and Parent Dynamics

27:36 - Key Corrections for Dancers

30:31 - The Journey of Resilience in Dance

33:58 - Anticipation for the Festival

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