Beyond Irish Dance – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the Beyond Irish Dance Podcast! We are your hosts, Sarah and Porter Jacobson, dancers with Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance; and Jan (their mom). We ask all your Irish dance related questions, and get answers from the experts, so you don't have to. 

Find us on Instagram at @BeyondIrishDancePod, and don't forget to follow us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or where ever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

Sarah and Porter, along with their mom as the host, introduce themselves in the first episode of 'Beyond Irish Dance'. Sarah talks about her journey from a beginner dancer at a recreational school to competing in prelims, overcoming recent injuries, and discovering her passion for the medical field. Porter shares his enthusiasm for competition, his experience in bagpiping and cross country, and his interest in the technological aspect of the podcast. Together, they offer a unique perspective on the world of Irish dance and the challenges they face as dancers with various extracurricular activities. The episode sets the stage for upcoming interviews, discussions, and insights for both beginner and experienced Irish dancers.

On Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

In this fascinating episode Zack Warsaw, who dances and is certified to teach both Irish and Highland Dance and adjudicates Irish Dance as a ADCRG, meets with us to talk about the similarities and differences between Irish Dance and Highland Dance - in movements, music, complexity, and visibility. We talk about how we can foster a deeper sense of Celtic community and grown both dance disciplines through greater collaboration.

This episode is being released shortly before our own Celtic Crossroads performance on June 1, 2024 - a collaborate performance between the Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance, the Missoula Highland Dancers, and the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band.

Zack is a TCRG, ADCRG and a Highland and National Member of the BATD. He is also an Executive Board Member for the Collegiate Irish Dance Association.

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Róisín Cahalan a Physiotherapist, Associate Professor at the University of Limerick, ADCRG, former Riverdance dancer, and editor and co-author of The Complete Irish Dancer: Optimization of Health and Performance in Irish Dance. Dr. Cahalan is revolutionizing the field of Irish dance and advancing our understanding of dancer health through her extensive research and her holistic, collaborative approach to dancers' well-being.

In this episode, we discuss her research and the areas in which Irish Dance methodology can improve in order to optimize a dancers health. We also discuss the new postgraduate certificate program at the University of Limerick - The Optimization of Health for Performance in Irish Dancers, for which Dr. Cahalan is the Course Director. This online program covers a wide range of topics, including injury prevention, strength and conditioning, nutrition, psychology, and more. It is open to dancers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and parents, emphasizing a collaborative approach to caring for Irish dancers.

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

In this episode, we interview Camp Rince Ceol (CRC) Camp Director Sheila Ryan, TCRG on how to prepare for and make the most of the Irish Dance Camp experience. We talk about the cell-phone policy, packing list requirements, roommate assignments, and the ins and outs of camp life. A must listen for new and returning CRC campers!

You can find Camp Rince Ceol at https://irishdancecamp.com/ or on Instagram @camprinceceol.

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

In this collaborative episode, we partner with TCRG to CEO Radio podcast host Courtney Jay, TCRG to discusses things to look for when dancers and families are considering a transfer to a different Irish Dance school - including conversations to have prior to making a change; the importance of knowing your learning style and goals; red flags; timing "The Ban"; and navigating the transfer process. Courtney emphasizes the importance of communication and professionalism throughout the process, and offers advice on integrating into a new dance community.

Courtney Jay TCRG is the host of TCRG to CEO Radio, the podcast for Irish dance teachers, studio owners, and aspiring teachers/studio owners who want to learn teaching and business skills to succeed in their careers. She is also the owner and director of Scoil Rince Luimni based in Connecticut, USA. You can find Courtney Jay at http://www.courtneyjaytcrg.com, on Instagram @courtneyjay_tcrg.

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

We just experienced North American Irish Dance Nationals for the first time! Join us for a recap of our preparation, our mindset day-of, our thoughts on the venue and the vendors, our takeaways, and our highlights.

Thanks to the NAIDC 2024 Committee; our teachers at Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance - Lauren Carroll-Bolger, TCRG, Anna Grussling, and Katie Resch; our mindset coach Scott Doherty; the entire team at Target Training; our supportive family; and our Irish Dance community for a great experience!

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Wish you could spend a little behind-the-scenes time with the Camp Rince Ceol instructors, directors, and camp counselors? Then you won't want to miss this episode of Beyond Irish Dance podcast, recorded after hours with the California Camp team, where we discuss favorite camp memories, dance friendships, and lessons learned.

Thanks to Sheila Ryan, Tony Davoren, Joe Harrison, Noel Spillane, Chloey Turner, Ashley Smith-Wallace, and all the CRC California Camp counselors and dancers for a memorable week.

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Over the past decade, adult Irish dancers have had a growing presence, and have gained more attention and recognition. In part one of this two-part interview, we meet with dancers Dominika (Domi) Cedro-Culver, Holly Olitan, and Lyla Medeiros - three adult dancers with diverse dance background and experiences - to discuss the joys and challenges of being an adult Irish Dancer. The discussion covers their dance journeys, the challenges of competing as adults, and the social dynamics of being an adult in classes and feisanna.

Be sure to join us next week for part 2!

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Over the past decade adult Irish dancers have had a growing presence, and have gained more attention and recognition. In part 2 of this two-part interview, we rejoin dancers Dominika (Domi) Cedro-Culver, Holly Olitan, and Lyla Medeiros - three adult dancers with diverse dance background and experiences - to discuss the joys and challenges of being an adult Irish Dancer. The discussion covers their mindset as adult dancers, the healing that has come from dance, and the joys of being an Irish Dancers.

Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this episode!

Follow us on Instagram @BeyondIrishDancePod and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.