From Panic to Punchlines: Lightening the Mood in Irish Dancing

Let’s be honest…when you're sidestage at a Feis, it can feel like the whole world is holding its breath. Whether you're a Dancer about to take the stage or a parent trying to hide your nerves while pretending you totally know if their rhythm is correct, pressure is part and parcel of the Irish Dancing world.

But guess what? There's a secret weapon we often forget to pack in our Dancing bags: humour.

Why Laughter Might Be Your Best Leap Forward

High-pressure moments can make your heart race faster than a dancing a 76 set! But humour - yes, that cheeky joke, that silly warm-up dance, or that accidental make-up moment that makes everyone burst out laughing - does something magical. It lightens the moment.

Science backs it up too - but don’t worry, we’re not about to turn this into a lesson. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals, and reduces stress hormones. That means you're more relaxed, focused, and confident. Basically, laughing might not help you nail that new step, but it'll absolutely help you feel like you can.

For Younger Dancers

We know it can feel a bit scary standing side-stage in your sparkly costume, with butterflies in your tummy doing their own kind of jig. But guess what? Even the best Dancers get nervous and that’s totally okay! One of the best ways to feel braver is to have a giggle. 

Tell a silly joke, do a wobbly warm-up dance, or pull a funny face with your friends. Laughing helps your body feel relaxed and happy, like a big warm hug from the inside. So next time you're waiting for your music to start, remember Dancing is meant to be fun, and a giggle is just as powerful as a strong stamp!

For Teenage Dancers

Teenage Dancers, you’ve got a lot on your plates - school, training, social lives (remember those?), and trying to work on your stamina. The pressure can pile up…and fast. But injecting humour into your routine can make all the difference.

Dance around the bathroom to your favourite music whilst you do your make-up. Create a warm-up routine that you can’t help but do without smiling or just laugh at the little mishaps - the time you walked into the glass door or lined up with the wrong age group! Every giggle you allow yourself is like taking a deep breath, but way more fun.

For Parents

Dear Dancing parents, we see you. The late-night driving, the snack-packing, the pep talks, and yes, the "supportive but quiet" whisper-yelling from the back of the hall. It’s a lot.

Your child is watching you, probably more than you realise. So when you crack a joke in the car about the time you walked into the wrong bathroom at the Feis or fell off the seat mid-celebration, you’re teaching them something priceless: pressure doesn’t have to mean panic.

Humour helps remind your Dancer that competitions aren’t life-or-death - they’re exciting, challenging, and yes, sometimes downright hilarious.

Dance Like No One’s Judging (Even Though They Are)

At the end of the day, high-pressure situations are part of the Irish Dancing journey. But humour is going to make the experience a lot more fun! So next time you’re about to step on stage, remember: a little laugh can go a long way…and it pairs beautifully with a high kick.