Guidance for patients

Advice and progression of the Coronavirus is changing on a daily level. The inconsistent approach across different countries and on the island of Ireland is causing confusion and uncertainty among the Irish Dancing World, particularly in light of the timing for the 50th Anniversary of the World Irish Dancing Championships, April 2020. The CLRG are awaiting direction from the Irish Government with regard to the possible cancellation of this event. It is important financially for all those who have booked flights and accommodation to await this confirmation so that claims against insurance cover can be made. 

As adults, we of course understand the global importance of cancelling mass events and competitions but it is important that we acknowledge the disappointment of the competitors and their need for guidance of what to do in the next few months to maintain fitness, training and most importantly mental health as more self-isolation measure come into place.

This is my personal take on it

1. Do not panic but be responsible– children tend to have a very mild form of the virus and recover quickly. If they have symptoms – high temperature, persistent cough, muscle aches and pains (not the usual dancing ones) please self-isolate and do not go to classes. The disease dominantly affects the older population, but children are great carriers and spreaders of the virus so please don’t help the spread. Remember the 20 second hand wash, cough and sneeze into tissues and throw them in the bin!

2. Self-isolation and how to stay fit: Advice regarding self-isolation is different in many countries. Generally, it is recommended that we need to be 1-2 metres apart- practically impossible to enforce with children.  If your child needs to self-isolate then consider setting up a routine. Routine can help children feel reassured and make the unpredictable more predictable.  Maintaining normal wake up times, bedtimes and mealtimes are essential. Keep fitness levels up and continue your healthy dancing diet. Outdoor activities can be continued so its ok to go jogging and hiking. Dance classes can be replaced by virtual/face time practices with teachers and classmates- set up a practice session time with your class mates . New steps could be posted on class WhatsApp groups, so you don’t miss out. There are lots of yoga and pilates apps available so now is the time to build on your core! If you are not exercising as much as previous remember you are not burning as many calories so you may need to alter your diet.

3. Mental Health: Dancers may feel frustration, disappointment and anxiety with the cancellation of classes,  the changes in normal routine and the lack of competitions to keep them focused. It is important to acknowledge this and to look at the positives where we find them. Focus on the next big competition (be realistic regarding time frames - the virus is not going anywhere quickly) Use the time to build up amazing core strength or plan a new diet and exercise regimen.  It is important to recognise that our children are used to a high level of exercise. We believe that exercise, decreases stress hormones and increases production of anti-pain and antidepressant neurotransmitters such as serotonin- in other words we feel better. Watch out for changes in mood. 

4. Readjust expectations- if dancers are not attending as many classes, experiencing their usual degree of social interaction and physical routines you cannot expect the same fitness level and results. This is not the time to blame dance teachers for poor results – work with the teachers to get the best out of your child for the current situation

5. Take a break from social media and read reliable trustworthy resources. Don’t share the “scare mongering” articles with the children as it is hard for them to filter what is real and what is “fake news”. 

The next few months will be challenging but it will pass and  the Irish Dancing World will continue. I think we’ll learn many self -help techniques over this time that will make us all more resilient!