The Irish Dancer’s Guide to Travelling for Feises

Travelling for Feises is exciting…but it can also be exhausting, overwhelming and stressful if you don’t have a plan.

Early starts. Long journeys. New environments. Different stages, floors, food, and routines.

All of these things can impact how a dancer feels and, ultimately, how they perform.

At Move With Meg, we see travel not as something to “just get through”, but as part of preparation itself. When it’s handled well, travelling can actually help dancers feel calmer, more confident, and more in control on competition day.

This guide breaks travelling down using our three core pillars – movement, mindset and community – so dancers (and parents) know exactly what to focus on.

🩰 MOVEMENT: Look After the Body on the Move

Long hours in cars, coaches or planes can leave the body stiff, tight and tired before a dancer even reaches the stage.

1. Movement Still Matters (Even on Travel Days)

Travelling days don’t mean no movement – they just mean different movement.

Helpful ideas:

• Gentle mobility in the morning and evening
• Short walks during stops or between connections
• Light stretching focused on hips, calves, ankles and spine

This keeps blood flowing and reduces the “heavy legs” feeling many dancers notice after long journeys.

2. Don’t Save Everything for the Competition Morning

If the body has been sitting all day, trying to suddenly warm up fully just before dancing can feel tight and stressful.

Instead:

• Do small, regular check‑ins with your body
• Wake muscles up gradually across the travel day

Consistency beats intensity here.

3. Protect Energy, Not Just Muscles

More isn’t better when travelling.

This isn’t the time to:

• Try new exercises
• Push flexibility limits
• Do lots of fulls in hotel rooms

The goal is to arrive feeling fresh, not fatigued.

🧠 MINDSET: Staying Calm in Unfamiliar Situations

New venues and routines can quickly trigger nerves – even for experienced dancers.

1. Expect the Nerves (and Normalise Them)

Travelling often heightens nerves because everything feels unfamiliar.

This doesn’t mean something is wrong.

It usually means you are focused on the wrong things. Instead focus on what is familiar and this will make your brain feel protected and safe.

Reminding yourself that nerves are normal can stop them from spiraling into panic.

2. Control What You Can

You can’t control:

• Delays
• Other dancers
• The stage or floor

But you can control:

• Your warm‑up routine
• Your breathing
• Your focus cues
• Your effort and attitude

Having a simple, familiar routine gives the brain something steady to hold onto in a new environment.

3. Keep Results Out of the Suitcase

Travelling can increase pressure:

• “We’ve come so far and spent so much money.”
• “Everyone expects a good result.”

Try to leave result‑based thinking at home.

Instead, travel with:

• Progress goals
• Personal intentions
• A reminder of what good dancing feels like for you

🤍 COMMUNITY: Travel Is a Team Effort

Feises are rarely done alone, and travel is where support really matters.

1. Clear Communication Helps Everyone

Before travelling, it helps to talk about:

• Expectations for both the dancer and the parent
• How nerves might show up
• What support looks like on the day of travelling and on dance day

This can reduce tension and misunderstandings when emotions run high.

2. Choose Support Over Pressure

Parents, teachers, and teammates play a huge role in how travel days feel.

Helpful support looks like:

• Calm reassurance
• Focusing on what you can control
• Giving space when needed

Pressure often sneaks in with good intentions – awareness helps keep it in check.

3. Stay Connected to Safe Spaces

Travelling can make dancers feel isolated, especially at big competitions.

Having access to a supportive community, like the MWM Gold Club, reminds dancers that:

• They’re not the only ones feeling this way
• Nerves and wobbles are normal
• Support exists beyond one weekend

Community, whether online or in person, brings perspective when things feel big.

Practical Travel Tips (Quick Wins)

• Pack shoes, costume pieces and essentials in carry‑on where possible
• Lay everything out the night before to reduce morning stress
• Fuel regularly with familiar foods
• Prioritise sleep where you can
• Build in small moments of calm – music, breathing, quiet time, gentle stretching
• Enjoy the experience

Travelling for Feises is part of the Irish dance journey.

When dancers are fully supported, travel doesn’t have to drain confidence or energy.

With the right preparation, it can become:

• Grounding
• Exciting
• Empowering

And no matter the result, every trip adds experience and memories that helps dancers grow 💚

At Move With Meg, we support dancers beyond just the steps – helping them feel confident, prepared and supported wherever their dancing takes them. Join our Gold Club Community here.