Sharing this from Peter OGradys Irish Dancing Physical Fitness Facebook page as the topic is very relevant right now -- The NEW UK Irish Dance Board for UK, European & World

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Date Posted: 21/01/26 16:16:11, Wed
Author: No option to reply anonymously on the Facebook post but opening it up here
Subject: Sharing this from Peter OGradys Irish Dancing Physical Fitness Facebook page as the topic is very relevant right now

Shortend slightly due to text restriction

Is Irish dancing pricing itself out of its own future?

Irish dancing has never been just about steps. Itâ€™s about rhythm, discipline,music, and cultural pride. Yet somewhere along the way, image began to compete with dance itself and many would argue its now winning.

Wigs, heavy makeup, embellished dresses costing thousands, crystal-covered accessories, multiple pairs of shoes per season For some families, the cost of looking competitive rivals the cost of actually training. That raises an uncomfortable question:

Have we created a system where talent matters less than how much you can afford to spend?

Supporters of the current style argue that image is part of the performanceâ€¦and evolution.. But theres a line between evolution and excess. When: dancers feel pressure to upgrade dresses yearly. Parents are stretched financially just to keep up.

What if we made skill the status symbol again? What if clean technique, musicality, posture, and timing were the loudest statements on stage

A return to simpler, more traditional styles wouldnt mean going backwards. It could mean:Lower barriers to entry. More inclusivity across income levels. Less pressure on families. More focus on teaching and dancing, not dressing â€¦ perhaps the pendulum has swung too far and its time to ask whether Irish dancing should rebalance toward what made it powerful in the first place.

Genuinely curious where people stand on thisÃ¢â‚¬â€especially dancers, teachers, and parents.

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Replies:

As the mum of a WMH we are struggling to keep my DD in the sport she loves. Weve pulled out of All Ireland and Chicago, delayed the new dress. Something needs to change. (NT) -- A start would be the unrealistic demands from TCs on dresses, feis and major attendance, signing up to fitness programs on top of lessons, 21/01/26 16:26:38, Wed
- Nobody is stopping you stopping what you cant afford. (NT) -- But just because you canâ€™t you canâ€™t demand others donâ€™t buy what they want. You wouldnâ€™t dream of telling your neighbour not to buy a new car because you cant, 21/01/26 20:56:15, Wed
  - Im not demanding others dont buy but its excessive. TCs have links with BNDMs so can only go to Gavin COS Elite. They insist on signing up for fitness because competitive rival schools are doing it. (NT) -- ID is dying from greed and excessivness and has become unaffordable for many very talented dancers. Look at the Feis numbers and having to open up to open platform to cover costs and attract numbers., 21/01/26 21:14:31, Wed
    - All feis this weekend were mobbed. The standard in the young age groups is unreal. (NT) -- As has been said. If you donâ€™t like it leave? I donâ€™t get the problem?, 22/01/26 1:38:41, Thu
      - Why should we leave, my DD wins championships, medals at majors. Numbers are down, feises used to always run recalls but theres not enough now. A good entry in one age doesnt cover the bills. (NT) -- Parents should be free to choose our own dress maker or a 2nd hand dress, say no to extras that line someone elses pockets and not be guilt tripped over sitting out majors or feises, 22/01/26 6:42:04, Thu
We've decided not to go the worlda this year (NT) -- Can't afford it, 21/01/26 16:31:57, Wed
def agree with this statement. Just too much all the time. scale it all back to basics where the dancing is all that matters (NT) -- and marks are for timings, rhythm performance, not fancy kicks and running round a stage, 21/01/26 16:45:42, Wed
It would be lovely to see a change away from expensive attire to actual dancing skills (NT) -- Especially timing!, 21/01/26 18:59:19, Wed
Would love to see things change. We are stretched to the limits and will not be going to worlds. Its beyond a hoke bow the cost of it all. (NT) -- Sad, 21/01/26 19:56:11, Wed
Be great if all majors were danced in blackout dress , no identifiable badges etc . (NT) -- Broke parent, 21/01/26 20:42:09, Wed
Irish dancing is no more expensive than Freestyle, Ballroom, Latin, gymnastics, horse riding, ice skating etc (NT) -- Theres a lot of jealous people on here, constantly repeating themselves. If you donâ€™t like it leave. Go to other orgs where they dont have all the glitz like Wida., 21/01/26 20:58:54, Wed
greed greed greed (NT) -- cleaning out parents pockets and then pulled the rug from under the dancers feet, 21/01/26 23:09:29, Wed
surprisingly yes (NT) -- Created wealth and luxurious hideouts for a select few turned Irish dancing into a holiday planner for panels ., 22/01/26 6:21:45, Thu
- You are the ones handing the money over. You are the ones dressing your children up like clowns! Grow a backbone! (NT) -- NON- STOP complaining!, 24/01/26 12:51:37, Sat
Peter is completely correct. There has always been a really important cultural context to Irish dance, which is not the same for Ballroom, etc. The craft is what has endured for centuries. (NT) -- DD, 22/01/26 10:51:29, Thu
Peter O Grady has been bleeding parents himself. Pot Kettle Black (NT) -- Mam, 22/01/26 11:33:32, Thu
Peter has made plenty and still is from Irish Dancers. I applaud the schools that don't buy into everything else. Surely it is up to parents if they want extra (NT) -- Broke Mum, 22/01/26 11:47:39, Thu
Tone deaf. He makes a living by selling his services to Irish dancers, which not all dancers can afford, and which are specifically designed to give a competitive advantage to those who CAN afford it? (NT) -- iho, 22/01/26 13:01:05, Thu
- He's a charlatan and isn't a qualified physiotherapist but only a physical therapist. Two different things (NT) -- Tilly, 22/01/26 17:57:29, Thu
Why do our Irish musicians not feel the need to dress up in wigs and extorionately expensive dresses to deliver phenomenal performances. (NT) -- DD, 22/01/26 14:18:50, Thu
- Or what gets me- how come the boys donâ€™t need to tan and wear massive wigs for stage presence? (NT) -- â€”, 22/01/26 15:44:22, Thu

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