Dance Exercises for Oireachtas

Dance Exercises for Oireachtas

Dance exercises for Oireachtas

The following exercises should always be a part of your dance practice in class and at home. These exercises, if done frequently and properly, will enhance your steps and help you to be prepared to the best of your ability for competition.

Remember….with each exercise you do, keep in mind posture, crossing, pointed toes, and tightened leg muscles, which improves the sharpness of your movements within your steps.

Complete at least 5 exercises per dance practice. You should repeat each one at least 30 times. Doing sets of 10 may work better for some.

Exercise #1-Kick ups (soft shoe)

Step down in front with one foot and kick the other leg up with a straight leg and pointed toe. Alternate legs each time.

Exercise #2-Swtiches (both soft and hard shoe)

Stepping out with one foot, switch with straight legs with the count of “switch 2,3 switch 2,3”

Exercise #3-Switch jumps (soft shoe)

Switch feet by springing off the ground. Cross each time you switch with toes pointed down to the ground and legs straight.

Exercise #4-Over 2,3s (soft shoe)

The count for this one is “hop 1,2, switch over 2,3”…..alternating each time. To get the most height, push off of the back leg that starts the hop 2,3. ALWAYS kick and arch all the way in the back with a straight leg in front.

Exercise #5-Shuffle hop backs (hard shoe)

To treble jig music, do shuffle hop back…keep in mind crossing behind and hitting all the way up in the back each time….alternating legs each time.

Exercise #6-Front clicks (hard shoe)

Do shuffle switch front click. Straighten legs, turnout feet to hit clicks, and a sharp quick movement is what you should focus on.

Exercise #7-Sevens (soft shoe)

These are for crossing and turnout. Straighten your legs, up on toes, crossing and turnout the whole time. This may sound easy but it works!

Exercise #8-Switch points (soft shoe)

Alternating legs, point your toe in front squeezing your toes with straight legs. Keep in mind crossing each time you switch.

Exercise #9-Switch shuffles (hard shoe)

Do shuffles in front switching feet each time. When doing this exercise, the count for each shuffle is 1,2,3. Cross each time you switch. To make the exercise a little harder, pick up in the back after each shuffle (like in St. Patrick’s Day)

Exercise #10-Point to the knee (soft shoe)

With feet turned out in starting position, make a point with one foot. Bring the pointed foot up to the knee while bending your leg. Then straighten the same leg out again and hold it for 5 seconds. Put your foot back to starting position and repeat.