As adult dancers, we get to experience all of the wonderful aches and pains brought on by our "aging" bodies! Through the years, we've discovered some items that have helped make our dancing a little easier. On this page, we'll share some of our "home remedies" with you!

PLEASE NOTE: These are not official product endorsements, rather they are items being used by a number of adult dancers and we want to share them with you.

The Shoes

Shoes are such an important part of our art, and finding a good pair can make a huge difference in how you feel the day after class.

Many adult dancers have found that shoes with extra padding, like the Hullachan Pro Irish ghillie, help prevent shin splints and other dance injuries.

Since so many of us take classes at local churches and community centers, the extra padding offered in the Hullachan helps counter the effects of the basement and gym floors.

Comfy Feet

With Irish dancing taking on more ballet-like moves, such as hard-shoe toe-stands, we've looked to our friends in the ballet world for help in keeping our toes nice and comfy as we stand on top of them.
A number of the more advanced adults have started to use Ouch Pouchs® by Bunheads® as a way of giving extra support when you are on your toes. The gel pads help cushion your toes and provide an extra little bit of support for the ball of your foot.

Photo courtesy of Bunheads. Inc

Keep it Tight

• Most irish dancers -- not just the adults -- have learned that keeping your shoe tight to your foot help with control and sound. Shoe elastics are one of the best ways to do this. The best way of "lacing" your elastic is:
• Place your foot through the elastic, with one end wrapped around your ankle.
• Twist the end nearest the top of your foot once and loop it around the bottom of your foot.
• Pull slack at the back of your ankle, twist it once and loop it around your heel.

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