The Feis Fit Podcast

You practice, train, and do everything you can to prepare for competition day. Competition day finally comes, and you start to FREAK OUT!Did you do enough?Should you have practiced even more?Will you suddenly forget your steps on stage?If this sounds like you or you just want to maximize your performance on competition day, this episode is for you! Scott Doherty is a U.S.-based Irish Dance World Champion originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Scott was trained by the world-renowned Rita O'Shea, her daughter Lisa Chaplin, and the amazing team of teachers at the O'Shea-Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance. Scott's story is unique - going from one of the last competitors in his age group to Senior Men's World Champion in less than 5 years. He considers himself lucky that his hard work paid off and led to success in competitions as well as touring the world with many shows including Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. More recently, Scott started his own production company creating shows such as Rockin' Road to Dublin, Christmas in Killarney, and many more to come!

Award winning dance coach and sports psychologist Dr. Chelsea is in the house giving you the down low on how to level up your confidence walking into competition day! This episode is great for dancers, parents, and dance teachers!Make sure to follow Dr. Chelsea's programs on her IG @dr.chelsea.pierotti and head here to check out her course for teachers on helping dancers build confidence: https://www.chelseapierotti.com/courses/ 

Today I'm bringing on one of my favorite physical therapists, Dr. Nina, on the show to break down one of the most common Irish Dance injuries….Achilles Tendonitis!Dr. Nina Geromel is a physical therapist and athletic trainer who specializes in working with dancers! You can find her on IG @thepointedoc !

Today we are diving into all things flexibility with Kendal from @trainwithkendall!Kendall is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a BASI Certified Pilates Instructor with a dance specialization. She is also a Certified Health Coach through Dr. Sears' Wellness Institute. Kendall works with dancers all over the United States on strength, conditioning, and flexibility to enhance performance and prevent injury.Kendall created BodyKinect to allow for accessible dance science education for dancers and dance educators. With her continued involvement in the dance community today, it becomes more evident that this type of education is necessary for future and current dancers to sustain a career in dance and learn more about their bodies.Website: BodyKinect: The Synergy of Science and Dance | HomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/trainwithkendall

Today we're getting to the top 3 mistakes dancers make when it comes to stamina training and what to do instead! 

You've probably heard that it's important to “be a good sport,” but what does that actually look like? What does good sportsmanship look like in the studio and on competition day?Part of a successful dance journey is developing these key character traits that will help you grow in every area of your life, far beyond the studio.Today, we're breaking down 5 key character traits of good sportsmanship and why they are important! 

Today on the podcast, registered dietician and creator of Centre Stage Nutrition is answering all of your most asked dance nutrition questions.What does healthy eating for a dancer look like?What are the best foods to eat before practice and on competition day? Is it okay to eat late at night? Eat carbs?You can learn it all right here. You can also find Jenny and learn more about her programs on her IG @centrestagenutrition or on her website: www.centrestagenutrition.com

Today we're talking about stage presence. There are lots of people in your competition. The judges have a LONG day of watching the dancing. In the midwest, we have competitions of over 150 people. That's a crap ton of hornpipes. I'm someone who could literally watch dancing all day and still be obsessed, and I start getting antsy at the end of a hardshoe or set round One of the best things you can do is walk on stage and make the judges feel excited to watch you and with an heir of confidence that you've already achieved your goal. So I'm going to break down 5 ways you improve your stage presence and then at the end, I'm going to answer a few of the questions you guys had about stage presence on IG.Also, here is the link to get on my 12- Week Stronger Than Ever Challenge waiting list: www.areyoufeisfit.com. Signups start on black Friday! ✨

I know this time of year, a lot of dancers start to freak out because the Oireachtas is so close. Today I'm covering some last-minute tips to get the most out of your last couple of weeks of training as well as common mistakes you don't want to make. In this episode, I mention my "Stronger Than Ever Challenge" waitlist. You can find that here: www.areyoufeisfitcom. 

I often see quotes on social media about how we should stop comparing ourselves. And although it's a nice thought but can be hard to do.Irish Dance is obviously a competitive sport. How the heck are you supposed to be in a competitive sport without comparing yourself to some extent? That's exactly what we're going to talk about in this episode!

This is hands down one of the most inspiring stories I've ever heard and Mikaela is a ray of positive light so you do NOT want to miss this episode!I first met Mikaela at Nationals this year and we started talking about dancing. As a dance trainer, at some point in our conversation, I asked if she's had any injuries.  Before I know it I'm deep in this amazing emotional and inspiring story about how Mikaela went from paralyzed with a 10% chance of ever walking again…to dancing on the Oireacthas stage THAT SAME YEAR!If you like this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! 

Last week, I went on IG and asked you guys what you've always wanted to ask an adjudicator...then I took all of your questions and asked Laura! Laura Hopper co-owns and coaches at Rising Tide, and it's no surprise that she loves Irish dance and loves sharing it with others. But beyond her passion for the sport, her job as a coach and adjudicator is to stretch each student to reach their full potential in a way that is challenging and fun. For her, the most exciting part about teaching is determining what's possible for each of our students and then working to achieve those goals.Laura grew up in Toronto (Canada), and has over 20 years of training in both Irish dance and ballet, and has been lucky enough to compete at the Eastern Canadian Oireachtas, North American Championships and World Championships throughout her dance career.  Her teaching style is grounded in technique and supported by a strong understanding of goal setting, feedback, and motivation.As the first Adjudicator (ADCRG) in Atlantic Canada, and past World Irish Dance Championship competitor, she understands the dedication required of Irish dancers. She offers Rising Tide dancers (and the dancers she adjudicates) a trained eye, clear feedback, passion, energy, enthusiasm (and a bit of silliness) as they work towards their goals.Laura offers a TON of valuable information in this episode so guys don't want to miss this one! 

If you are a dancer who is in the process of coming back from an injury, this episode is for you! There is a ton of information about preventing injuries, healing from injuries, and the physical side of injures…but let's be real, being injured as a dancer and coming back from an injury is super mentally taxing as well. It can feel really frustrating and lonely at times. But the truth is, you're not alone. That's why I'm bringing on the dancer and Feis Fit Athlete Colleen to talk her own journey coming back from an achilles rupture, what she learned about herself, and advice she would give to dancers going through their own injuries. As always, please make sure to rate and review if you like the podcast so I can continue to create more episodes for you! 

When it comes to stamina, it involves both physical and mental components.  Want to take your stamina to the next level? You don't want to miss this episode! Also, make sure to rate and review if you love the podcast!  ✨

Today we're going to be getting into goal setting and how to effectively set goals in a subjective sport with Feis Fit Athlete, Kiera Duggan!  I brought Kiera on today to talk about this with me because she's had a ton of experience in the competitive world of Irish dance and not only that, but she has come a long way in improving her mindset around competition in dancing.Make sure to subscribe to the podcast if you like this episode and want to be notified when new ones come out! 

Being a dance parent can be tough! In this episode, I'm bringing on special guests, social and emotional learning experts (and parents), Marie Weller and Paula Vertikoff, to discuss how parents can best support their children in competitive sports, how to help kids stay motivated and focused, and how to deal with competition anxiety. Marie and Paula have been featured on NPR, Fox 5 NYC, are curriculum contributors to Ball State's Teacher's College, and have a growing youtube channel that teaches kids (and parents) about growing healthy social and emotional skills. Make sure to check them out at recipes4sel.com and https://youtube.com/channel/UCc5Ip3u9ZIczUEc3_yTz-6gIf you like this episode please rate and review so I can continue to create more podcasts just like this! 

As a dancer, you have A LOT to juggle…. dance, school, work, homework, and that doesn't even cover your other everyday responsibilities. In this episode, I'm breaking down 4 strategies to help you improve your time management and organization so you can fit in everything that is truly important to you in your life. 

Feel like your dance group is always filled with drama? Or kind of toxic? In this episode, we're talking about how to put the end to the drama, negativity cycle in dance groups, and how to create a supportive, friendly, loving community.

CLRG Nationals 2021 is over and no matter how your results turned out, what's most important is what you learn from  competition day to grow as a dancer. Listen in to learn 3 important actions you can take to make the most out of competition day. 

You can often tell a great dancer before they even point their toe on stage. Why? The way they walk on stage exudes confidence. Want to know how you can become a more confident dancer for Nationals this year?! This episode is for you! ✨

If you're someone struggling to stay motivated right now or get yourself to stay consistent with practicing right now, you're not alone. Especially with almost a year of lock downs, cancelled competitions, and other events...staying motivated can be tough.Buuuuuut even with the outside being a bit chaotic, you still have to the power to control your internal environment and whether you choose to keep moving forward.And that's what today is all about. I'm teaching you some strategies to help you show up for yourself and stay consistent with practicing.

Remember your first pair of hardshoes? How you couldn't WAIT to put them on and practice?! Everything your teachers said, you listened to. There was no worries about not being perfect, the one girl in class who gets all the attention, that one judge not liking you, blah blah blah....You just danced for YOU and learned everything you could.You were a true beginner. If you want to become a champion, you've got to know how to keep learning. How to re-become a beginner at every stage of the game.Listen to this episode because I'm teaching you how to adopt a beginner's mindset!

You know when you leave a conversation with someone feeling energized, excited for life, and like your mind was opened in new ways? That's how I felt after this conversation with Siubhan! ❤️Siubhan is the founder of Zen Rince and  helps dancers reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and attain peak performance in Irish Dance through mindfulness techniques.✨If you want to open your mind in new ways and discover a new world of possibilities, you need to check this episode out! ✨Also make sure to follow her @zen_rince for daily inspiration! 

Obstacles are everything you need to overcome and work through to get to what you want. Some obstacles are bigger than others. Like for example, covid has been really big obstacle for dancers in staying disciplined, teachers having adjust their businesses, parents having to figure out work/school schedules, and I know that just scratches the surface, but you guys get the point. Other obstacles are smaller like maybe getting stuck in traffic on your way to work or having a tough test at school.So today I want to talk about overcoming obstacles. Because if you want to reach your goals and you want to take your dancing to the next level, obstacles are going to pop up so you need to learn how to overcome them.

Today I'm filling you in on the one thing you need to do you absolutely need to do if you want to achieve your goals. If you are a dancer who knows deep down you want more for your dancing (and life), check out this episode now!

Preparing mentally for a big competition is a bit different for every single person depending on where you are at now mentally, your past experiences. your beliefs around dance and yourself, etc. BUT there are some strategies you use use to help  prepare yourself for competition day. So today I'm going to dive into 4 actions you can take to prepare mentally for competition day. 

Ever find yourself picking up your phone to mindlessly scroll the gram when you know you need to drill that one hornpipe step you don't like? Or ever find yourself grabbing a handful of pretzels or something sweet when you're working on a tough project at school or work? Even though you know you aren't hungry?Stop what you're doing and listen to this episode because we are breaking down how to stop avoiding the HARD things in your life and start crushing your dancing (and life) goals. 

We've had a bit of a break in competition in Irish Dance world so it's a great time to step back and examine your relationship with competition. Whether you are aiming to become a world medalist or simply want to do your best next year, check out this episode NOW!

Want to get in dance shape but totally lost? Whether it be that you took a break from dance, are getting back into dancing as an adult, or maybe you've just always been out of shape....do not fear... I'm breaking down 5 steps you need to get back in dance shape! 

A lot of you are just getting back in the studio now so I've noticed a theme of messages in my inbox asking about improving stamina. So here's we're going to do today. I'm going to go into a little bit about the science behind stamina training and then give you 4 tips you need to improve your stamina! ✨Link to learn more about the Inner Circle: www.areyoufeisfit.com

Hey, my beautiful dancing friends! No offense to 2020, but it is a weird year...everything is different. I've been hearing from a lot of you guys how these changes are starting making you feel like you're in some sort of slump. Well you can sit in Slumpland (as I like to call it) or you can take the next bus out of there and get to a place where you feel excited for dancing, movement, and life again. Check out this episode because I'm breaking down exactly how to do that! Also- make sure to give this a 5-star review if you find it helpful and share it on your IG Story! That helps me get the word out so I can keep making more episodes for you guys. ❤️✨Let's gooooo!!!!!! ✨

Soooo you're stuck at home too?!

Holy cow, it's crazy how fast life changes. One day we are practicing for Saint Patrick's Day and the next day parades start getting called off. One day we are feeling nervous that Worlds is coming up, the next we wonder if it's even going to be happening this year. This whole feeling of uncertainty can feel really uncomfortable. That's why on today's podcast, I want to talk about how to handle feelings of uncertainty. Can't wait to chat dance friends! ❤️Oh remember- if you want a spot in my Milwaukee Small Group Classes OR one on one online coaching program, Nationals prep is already starting, so make sure to shoot me a message at feisfitonline@gmail.com to learn more!

You ever use the phrase "I'm so busy!"Yep, I feel you my friend! As dancers we have to juggle a lot of different priorities. Not only do we have the normal human stuff like going to school or work, family, friends, errands/laundry/etc...we also have a pretty demanding spart (the new name I decided on just now to use for art forms that are sports), to fit in. And if you're anything like me, if you don't have your day organized, it can feel like you are constantly just running from one thing to the next. That's why I've started to take time to plan out my days in a very specific way. This was has helped me overcome the challenge of having to juggle work, dance, family, friends, spirituality, etc. and hopefully it will help you too! ❤️Check it out and make sure to leave me a 5-star review if you like it! Oh and don't forget to take a screenshot and share this with your friends on IG. I want to help dancers around the world learn more about their bodies and inner and outer strength to help them take their dancing to the next level, and I need your help to spread the word! 

Oh hey friend! ❤️You work your butt off, have power, sharpness, and liveliness in class, but somehow that doesn't come out on the competition stage... because you get so gosh darn nervous!

Hello my beautiful dance friends! In today's  episode of The Feis Fit Podcast, we are talking about why it's crucial to enjoy the dance JOURNEY vs. obsessing over the outcome. If you're a dancer who gets super frustrated and feel defeated when you aren't improving as fast as you'd like or you are working your butt off and still not placing as high as you want to in competition, this episode is for you! 

I know this may be an unpopular truth but hear me out...if you want a core that is strong and functional for dancing, simply increasing the amount of sit-ups you do each day and increasing your plank time to 10 minutes+, isn't your answer.Today I'm teaching you what you need to know about your core if you want to take your dancing to the next level. Here is the link to the exercises that go along with this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhryQ0xl07o&feature=youtu.be

What's up dance friends?! Want to improve your dancing, increase your practice motivation, and have that moment of bliss as your number is called in the placement you want to achieve?! If you want to get there, you're going to have to be smart about your practicing. Say good bye to mindlessly shuffling your feet around, scrolling on IG laughing at dance memes, the calling it a day as you do a quick stretching session...Today I'm diving into how to PRACTICE SMARTER! I'm giving you the exact formula Feis Fit Athletes are using every where to take their dancing to the next level! ✨Check it out! ✨You can view the outline here: https://areyoufeisfit.com/smarter-practice-outline/Make sure to snap a pic if you use it and tag @areyoufeisfit on IG!

You can dream about your goals all day long, but unless you have a strategy in place, it's not going to happen. In this episode we are talking about what you need to do to make you dancing goals a reality.