First of all, congratulations on winning the World Irish Dance Championship in Dublin last month! How and when did you get started in Irish dancing?
I started Irish dancing when I was 4 years old! My mum and dad had gone to watch Lord of the Dance and had brought the soundtrack. My mum played it to me and I started clapping along to the taps. When my mum explained that they were doing that with their feet and showed me some videos I was mesmerised and adamant that I wanted to do it too!
What was your preparation like in the run up to the competition, both in terms of your dance practice and gym training?
Very intense!!
On the run up to the worlds I was at dance class between 5-6 times a week, drilling the steps, technique and improving stamina.
Outside of class we were expected to practice everyday and had to film ourselves doing one of our dances, nine times in a row, everyday and send it to the teacher. My training at the gym would consist of dance practice in the studio first then I’d go up to the gym and alternate between cardio, leg or ab workouts to keep my strength up. Stretching was also key, I’d finish every workout with a long stretch.
What was it that first interested you in trying strength training, and was Body Mentors your first experience of barbell lifts?
I was interested in trying strength training as I felt that it was an area in my dancing that needed improving and I was struggling to see results using a basic workout routine. Body Mentors was my first experience of barbell lifts, everything was explained clearly with a focus on using the correct technique.
What impact has strength training had on your dancing, perhaps particular movements or your overall power?
Since starting my strength training I have seen a significant improvement in my ability to dance my dances all the way through with the same amount of power in my legs that I started with! I used to struggle with having a lot of strength at the beginning but by the end my movements would become small. I also have to do a lot of work on block (like ballet, some moves we do right on the top of the toe) and I have seen a big improvement in being able keep my legs pulled and strong doing these movements.
Is there an exercise in the gym that you’ve found to be the most beneficial for your dancing?
I think I’d have to say the squats with the barbell, it has really helped build muscle in my quads and glutes which is so helpful in keeping my legs strong throughout the entire dance. Now I find that my legs don’t get fatigued so quickly.
I imagine competing is a huge commitment, is it hard to balance your time between dance practice and gym work, without feeling burnt out?
Yes! I think the most important thing is just making sure I listen to my body – sometimes I will practice for an hour, sometimes it will be 20 minutes.
Now that you’ve conquered the World stage in Dublin, what’s next – do you have any new goals in mind for your dancing, or perhaps strength training?
Yes, lots of new goals! Although the worlds was so successful this year and winning the ceili dance, I would love to keep improving my solo dancing! I was 30th out of 106 this year and would love to aim for top 20 next year so I will be pushing for that. In terms of strength training I’d really like to just continue beating my personal bests and pushing myself in ways that are different to dancing.
For dancers or athletes thinking about adding strength training to their routine, what would your advice be?
Yes!!! Absolutely do it! Even with only consistently including strength training in my routine for about four months before the World Championships the improvement in my power and being able to push myself further was incredible! I also think it has been key in helping my body become less susceptible to injury.
