Surviving and Thriving in Major Season 💃✨

October is one of the busiest months in the Irish dance world. With multiple Majors happening across organisations, Dancers and parents alike can feel the weight of expectation. The excitement is real, but so is the pressure. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, this season can be a lot to handle.

Here’s how to help your Dancer (and yourself!) not just survive, but thrive during major season.

Handling the Mental Pressure 💭 

Majors bring big stages, tough competition, and the constant chatter of results. It’s easy for Dancers to spiral into comparison, overthinking, or “what ifs.”

• Keep perspective - Placings are one part of the journey, not the whole story.
  
  
• Reframe nerves - A racing heart isn’t fear, it’s excitement and energy that can fuel your performance 🚀
  
  
• Set mental anchors - Encourage your Dancer to focus on one mantra (e.g., “strong and calm”) that they can repeat before stepping on stage.
  
  
• Model calm - If you stay steady, your Dancer learns to ground themselves too.
  
  

Parents: remember, your calm presence is more powerful than any pep talk 💚

Handling the Physical Pressure 🏋️‍♀️ 

Bodies are under more demand during Major season. Long days, intense Dance classes, and travel all take their toll.

• Prioritise recovery - Sleep, hydration, and proper meals matter as much as practice.
  
  
• Smart training - Less is more right before a Major - keep practice sessions and workouts sharp, not endless.
  
  
• Listen to the body - A twinge, or niggle shouldn’t be ignored. Small issues can grow if Dancers push through pain.
  
  
• Routine matters - Stretching, warm-up, and cool-down rituals help Dancers feel grounded and ready.
  
  

Think of the body like a tool - look after it so it can perform at its best.

Handling the Emotional Pressure ❤️ 

Majors bring huge highs and, sometimes, tough lows. Emotions can run just as hard as legs and lungs.

• Allow space to feel - Whether it’s excitement, nerves, or disappointment, emotions don’t need to be “fixed” - they need to be heard.
  
  
• Celebrate the invisible wins - Maybe it’s hitting a correction, managing nerves, or enjoying the performance, even if results don’t reflect it.
  
  
• Stay connected - Encourage your Dancer to talk openly with you, a teacher, or a Mindset Coach about how they’re feeling. Bottling it up only adds pressure.
  
  
• Don’t ride the rollercoaster alone - Parents feel the highs and lows too - find your own support circle so you can stay steady for your Dancer. We have an online Facebook community for Irish Dance parents which you can join for free here.
  
  

Remember: emotions are energy. When guided well, they fuel resilience and growth 💫

Major season is intense, but it’s also a chance for growth, connection, and unforgettable memories. Whether your Dancer walks away with a sash, a recall, or simply the pride of stepping on stage, their worth is never defined by results.

Your role as a parent is to be the safe place they can always return to - calm, steady, and proud no matter what. And for dancers, your job is to give your all, enjoy the moment, and trust that every Major is a stepping stone in your journey.

You are both stronger than the season, and when you face it together with knowledge, patience, and perspective - you thrive 🌟

👉 Need extra support navigating the highs and lows of Major season? Inside the MWM Gold Club, Dancers (and parents!) get training, mindset tools, and a safe community that makes the season feel less overwhelming and a lot more empowering.