Social Media and Irish Dance - Let’s Talk About It!

In today’s digital age, social media plays a huge role in the lives of young dancers. From training clips on TikTok to Feis photos on Instagram, it’s easy to get caught up in the scroll. For Irish Dancers and their parents, understanding the impact of social media is more important than ever.

This blog explores the highs and lows of the online world through the lens of Irish Dance. Inspired by a recent Meg Talks podcast episode, we’re diving into how dancers can use social media as a source of motivation and creativity without falling into the trap of comparison or anxiety. It’s all about building healthy habits, finding balance, and keeping the joy of dancing at the heart of it all ❤️

Whether you're a competitive Dancer, a parent trying to guide your child, or someone who simply loves to share your journey online, this blog is packed with practical insights, honest reflections, and tips for making social media a positive part of your Dance experience.

☀️ The Sunny Truth: Social Media Isn’t All Bad

Social media can be amazing. It connects Dancers across the globe, lets you learn from others, and hey, there are some pretty fab Irish Dance creators out there (👀 we see you, Gardner brothers!) 🌍

You can follow inspiring content, find helpful tips, and share your progress with the world. Plus, if you’re someone who thrives on creativity or loves show-style Dancing, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are gold mines for expressing yourself.

But… there's another side to it. 😬

😵‍💫 Comparison-itis: The Hidden Danger

Ever found yourself watching another Dancer’s Instagram reel and thinking, “Why don’t I look like that?” or “I’ll never be that good”? Yeah… been there 🙋‍♀️ 

That’s comparison-itis and it’s a silent confidence crusher.

Social media shows the best 30 seconds of someone’s entire day, week, or even month. What it doesn’t show? The sweaty, shaky-legged hard classes, the tears after a rough Feis, or the days they felt totally unmotivated. That stuff rarely makes the feed 😶‍🌫️

So if you’re scrolling and suddenly feel down, remember: you’re comparing their highlight reel to your behind the scenes and they are definitely not the same!

💬 Let’s Chat About Posting

Posting Dance videos? Go for it 🎥🎶

But do it because you want to, not for the likes. If you're chasing that hit of validation every time, it can become a bit of a toxic cycle.

Ask yourself:

• Am I proud of this moment?
  
  
• Did I enjoy creating this?
  
  
• Am I sharing it for me?
  
  

If the answer’s yes - get posting! 📲 But if you’re only doing it for the likes or because “everyone else is,” maybe pause and reflect - Is this right for me?

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents, We’ve Got You Too!

To the incredible Dance mums, dads, and guardians: we know it’s tough to navigate the social media maze. You're trying to keep your Dancer safe, confident, and focused without becoming the “uncool” parent hovering over their shoulder.

Here are some gentle ways to help:

• Have open conversations - let your Dancer talk without judgment.
  
  
• Monitor patterns - are they moody after scrolling? Anxious after watching Feis videos?
  
  
• Set boundaries - no phones before bed or during meals? Brilliant. Talk about why, not just what.
  
  
• Use tools - apps exist to help parents track social use. Use them wisely and transparently.
  
  

🌱 Building a Healthy Social Space

The goal isn’t to ban social media, it’s to manage it in a way that supports mental health. That might look like:

• Muting or hiding accounts that trigger stress 🧘‍♀️
  
  
• Following accounts that inspire joy and growth ✨
  
  
• Creating your own mini Dance crew group chat 💬
  
  
• Spending time in positive spaces like our safe Move With Meg app community
  
  

🌟 Join a Safe Dance Space

Too young for social media? Parents a little wary? We've got you! 

Our Move With Meg App can be downloaded on to phones and tablets so Dancers can access our community without being on social media. This is because our app has our special Gold Club with a community area just for Dancers. It’s a bit like Instagram - but with way more love, support, safety, and celebration 🎉

Not ready to join? No problem. You can start with our free Move Like a Champion mini course, also in the app. It’s full of value and gives a little taster of what we’re all about.

✅ Final Takeaways for Dancers and Parents

Here are your action points from today’s blog:

💡 Dancers:

• Notice how you feel after scrolling
  
  
• Curate your feed - mute what makes you anxious
  
  
• Post because it brings you joy, not pressure
  
  
• Talk to someone if you're feeling overwhelmed
  
  

💡 Parents:

• Stay open, not reactive
  
  
• Ask questions like, “How does social media make you feel?”
  
  
• Guide rather than control
  
  
• Celebrate the positives, but be aware of the pressures
  
  

Want more?

➡️ Join the Move With Meg Gold Club
➡️ Download the App and Access the Free Mini Course
➡️ Join Our Supportive Parents Facebook Group