In the eyes of an Irish Dancer's mom

We are a class all of our own.  We don’t scream at our kids like some ‘dance moms’ and we don’t say not so nice things to the other competitor like some soccer dads (maybe moms).  We get up early…and I mean O’dark early…to help our daughters get their hair ready.  We make sure our son’s ties look just right.  We are always on the sidelines silently waiting to clap for all the competitor but secretly we are clapping just for our child.  We don’t always get a thank you, and usually have to deal with tears.  We do it not for our enjoyment but for our children. We have been known to help out in other ways, even after are children are long gone from the sport.  We are a community of friends who even when we don’t get first, we congratulate those who do.  We are proud of our children, just for getting on stage and dancing.  It is not about the win but about the confidence it gives our children.

 

I have seen older dancers mentor the younger dancers, they must have rocking moms because they are raising their children to be there for other, even when it is not going so well for them. I love this about the Irish dance community.

 

We, moms, don’t ask for much…we just want our children to have fun and fully enjoy the entire experience.  I know some kids are super competitive, I have one of those kids, but being competitive and still caring about the other competitors is an amazing quality and lessons my dancer will take with her forever.

 

From the outside, is looks scary and somewhat intimidating, but once you come into the community we are there to support each other.  If you are new, there is always a mom that could help answer the questions.