Ciara Sexton has announced an exciting new Instagram series called Behind The Beat featuring successful figures from across the world of Irish dance.
After a 15-year career as a professional Irish dancer, Ciara has navigated the transition from a touring dancer to a multifaceted artist. “Now I don’t identify as Ciara, the touring dancer, and that’s really tough,” she told The Irish Dance Globe. Ciara currently spends her time running a dance school, creating new artistic works, and balancing being both a mother and a life coach.
Behind The Beat dives into the personal stories and highs and lows of individuals within the Irish dance community, shedding light on the aspects that are often overlooked within the barrage of highlight reels on social media. “Everyone’s got these different stories. And it became so clear to me, people need to be sharing a little bit more of the nitty gritty,” she explained.
Ciara revealed that she finds inspiration in her peers in various facets of Irish dancing like Darren Casey, James Greenan, Hollie Geraghty, and Joe Harrison. All will candidly share their hardships — and even regrets — throughout the interview portion of the series, Behind The Beat Unplugged. Ciara also shares her own vulnerabilities, such as post-pregnancy body changes and the imposter syndrome she experiences when talking about her life to the public.
Ciara highlighted her struggles with a changing career, and the isolation she felt during the transition, particularly during Covid-19 lockdowns. She emphasised the necessity of having a clear plan and advice for those leaving professional dancing, noting how difficult it can be to feel like a beginner again.
Ciara also shared that she highly values the feedback she gets from her audience — adjusting her content to make sure it resonates with at least one listener — and stressed the importance of dancers hearing about the challenges faced by successful individuals.
Ciara ultimately advocates for a realistic portrayal of post-touring life and career transitions, encouraging sharing both the successes and struggles. “If you leave a show one day and start a new career or a new venture…it’s okay if it’s not an instant success,” she said. With Behind The Beat, she hopes to provide a more authentic view of the difficult journey many dancers may face. It will show just how powerful being open and sharing stories can be in creating a more inclusive and supportive community within Irish dance.
Follow Ciara Sexton on Instagram to stay posted on new instalments of Behind The Beat.
