If your child has ever shown interest in dance, you’ve probably wondered: “Is now the right time to start?” Many families assume fall is the only time to begin a new activity. In reality, spring and summer can actually be the best time to try dance for the first time. Here’s why. A Lower Pressure […]
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The Importance of Completing a Full Dance Season
Many parents wonder whether their child should stay in an activity for the full season, especially when schedules get busy during the school year. It can be tempting to step away from activities once the initial excitement fades or when other commitments begin to compete for time. However, activities like dance are designed to build […]
Why Continuing Dance Through High School Matters (Even When Homework Piles Up)
Why Continuing Dance Through High School Matters (Even When Homework Piles Up)
Irish Dance Myths (Debunked)
Irish dance is a unique, exciting, and sometimes misunderstood activity. Over the years, we’ve heard a lot of assumptions from families who are new to the world of Irish dance — and many of them simply aren’t true. Let’s clear a few things up. Myth #1: “You have to start Irish dance really young to […]
How to Practice Irish Dance at Home (Without Tears)
Practicing at home is one of the most important parts of progress in Irish dance, but it doesn’t need to be stressful, time-consuming, or overwhelming. In fact, short, consistent practice is far more effective than long, infrequent sessions. Here’s how to make home practice simple, productive, and dancer-friendly. 1. Keep It Short and Consistent For […]
Importance of Proper Dance Technique From Day One
At Vanshaw Academy of Irish Dance, we believe this approach limits a dancer’s true potential and increases risk for injuries and burnout long term. We build technical fundamentals from the very first class, because the earlier dancers learn proper form, the stronger they become.
Surviving the September Slump: How to Help Kids Cope With Back-to-School Fatigue and Stick With Activities
“Back-to-school fatigue is real. Discover why kids feel too tired to continue extracurricular activities in September—and how parents can help them build routines and stick with the activities they love.”
Irish Dance: Group Classes vs Private Lessons | Calgary
Group vs. Private: What Helps Irish Dancers Rise At Vanshaw Academy of Irish Dance (VAID), we build dancers with a smart mix of group classes, Teams/Technique, and targeted privates—so skills stick on the studio floor and on stage. Here’s how each piece helps your dancer rise. Why Group Classes = Your Foundation Group is where […]
Why Irish Dancers Should Keep Competing at Elite Levels
Discover why elite Irish dancers should continue competing, even after reaching the highest level. Learn about the benefits of staying in the competitive world of Irish dance, including skill improvement, motivation, career opportunities, and more!
Injury Prevention for Irish Dance: A Comprehensive Guide
Essential Tips for Injury Prevention in Irish Dance Irish dance is a demanding and intense art form that combines intricate footwork, dynamic leaps, and intense physical exertion. While it is a joy to perform and watch, the high-impact nature of Irish dance puts dancers at risk of injury. However, with proper preparation and care, many […]