Of the many factors that contribute to your Irish dance experience, few matter more than your dance school. Not only is your school directly responsible for your training and steps, but the studio you attend can have a significant impact on the role dance plays in your life, your competition look, and the opportunities you are prepared for. Perhaps most significantly of all, your dance school forms the core of your dance community. When dancers spend so many hours in class and at competitions, both teachers and classmates become essential to a dancer’s support system, both in and out of the studio.
In a perfect world, every dancer would start at a school that meets their needs throughout their career, but this often isn’t the case. Unfortunately for dancers in this situation, the solution is not always clear or simple. Many organisations require restyling periods for dancers who transfer schools — three months for An Chomhdhail dancers and six months for CLRG — which can mean missing important competitions and even World qualification opportunities.
Competitive consequences aside, social pressure can be just as significant, if not more so. Many dancers fear offending their current teachers or losing friendships, and while transfers are often amicable, the uncertainty alone can be enough to discourage dancers considering a move.
Perhaps most challenging of all, it can be hard for dancers to know if transferring is right for them in the first place. Unlike many other sports or dance forms, most Irish dancers don’t have the opportunity to learn from other teachers, even on a trial basis. Left without a reference point, unsatisfied dancers may feel uncertain if their expectations are realistic.
The decision to transfer is ultimately very personal, and not every dancer has the luxury of picking the perfect school for them. But if you’re thinking about moving schools, here are some considerations that may help you decide if a transfer is right for you.
The teaching style doesn’t match your needs
No one teaching style is right for every dancer. Some dancers want to be pushed, while others get overwhelmed by pressure. Some dancers want individualised attention, while others want space to move at their own pace. Some dancers want a regimented, structured class, while others prefer diversity in their routine. Some prefer to work on fitness at class, while others would rather focus on technique. All of these teaching styles, and more, exist, so if your school isn’t meeting your needs or learning style, it may be worth seeing if another may be a better fit.
Your competitive goals don’t match the school’s
While plenty of dance schools will cater to all dancers, many schools have a clear competitive focus. Some schools aim to produce world champions, which can leave non-competitive dancers feeling pressured to compete or simply out of sync with those around them. Other schools focus more on fun, which can be frustrating for ambitious dancers. Still, others may prioritise team or solo dancing. If you feel like your school doesn’t support your competitive goals, or lack thereof, it may be worth finding a school that does.
You’re not getting the tools you need for the results you want
Because so many factors determine competitive success, the relationship between teaching and results is complex. A dancer who transfers may get similar results if the cause lies in their practise regimen or another unrelated factor. But if you find that you’re consistently working hard but still don’t know what you need to do to improve your dancing, it may be a sign that your dance school simply isn’t giving you the tools you need. Moving to another school might finally give you that lightbulb moment.
The choreographic style doesn’t suit you
Choreography, too, can be complicated, since dancers may not know the factors that influence a teacher’s choices. That said, philosophy can vary significantly between schools. Many prefer to keep choreography simple, which can facilitate cleaner technique but may be uninspiring. Other schools like to keep steps interesting, which can be an added challenge, but it can help with motivation.
Many schools also have signature styles or moves, which, especially at higher levels of competition, may complement or undermine a dancer’s style. Whatever your preferences, it may be worth considering what choreographic style is right, if you’re getting it from your current school, and if there’s any flexibility to make tweaks or adaptations.
The social environment doesn’t work for you
Not every dancer is looking to make friends, and for many, a teaching style that supports their goals is more important. But for many people, the social element of Irish dance — both having friends at class and feeling supported by their team — is a critical part of their dance experience. If the social environment is important to you, and you don’t feel like those needs are being met where you are, it may be worth finding a community that suits you better.
You feel ignored or unvalued
While dance teachers may match their level of feedback to a dancer’s goals or effort, unequal attention can quickly become a problem when a teacher focuses on certain dancers at the expense of others, whether due to favouritism, competitive success, or perceived potential. While it’s usually worth speaking to a teacher if you think they don’t understand your goals, if you feel that you and your potential are consistently undervalued, it may be a sign to find a place where you feel more supported.
You hate going to class
Almost every dancer has days when they don’t feel like dancing. But if you consistently dread going to class, or you find that you regularly leave class beaten down or crying, take that instinct seriously. It’s normal to be frustrated by slow progress or circumstances rather than anything our teachers have said or done. But the right teacher will also leave you feeling inspired. If your overall feelings about class are overwhelmingly negative, but you still love dance itself, consider whether your school is influencing that feeling and whether a transfer may help you get your spark back.
You’re upset by your teacher’s behaviour
Good teaching can often feel tough on the dancer, and some may even respond well to methods like shouting when it’s within a safe, supportive, and caring environment. But when tough love — which may leave you feeling scared or humiliated — is normalised, it can be hard for many dancers to tell the difference between that and inappropriate behaviour. If you find that your teacher is being mean to you or others, making threats, or encouraging or engaging in dangerous behaviour, take that seriously. Even if it doesn’t bother those around you, what’s right for them may not be right for you. Wherever you end up, your safety and well-being should come first.
You know it’s right for you
The factors above are just a small handful of reasons a dancer may transfer schools. The reality is, if you know a transfer is right for you, you don’t need to justify it. Moving schools is often viewed as a big deal in Irish dance, but it doesn’t have to be the betrayal it’s often portrayed as. Your dance experience is your own, and while it’s important to take this decision seriously, it’s also important to prioritise your needs over any pressure you may feel. If you know you’re ready to transfer, make sure to get in touch with your reasons, and then start exploring options that will help you dance your best, whatever that looks like for you.
