So you’ve mastered your reels and light jigs, can confidently count music in 6/8 time, and no longer panic when someone shouts “heel lead!”—congratulations! Now it’s time to bridge the gap between beginner steps and intermediate-level technique with these game-changing drills.
1. The Click Drill (For Clean Toe Stands)
Intermediate dancers distinguish themselves with crisp, audible clicks on toe stands. Try this:
- Stand sideways at a barre or sturdy chair
- Execute 8 slow toe stands (L+R alternating), focusing on knee drive upward
- Repeat at tempo (use a metronome app starting at 100bpm)
- Advanced variation: Add a hop between each toe stand
2025 Trend Alert: Many competitive dancers now use weighted ankle bands (2-3lbs) during this drill to build explosive power.
2. The “Flying Cross” Progression
That moment when crosses go from stumbling blocks to showstoppers? Pure magic. Build airtime with:
- Practice crosses in slow motion, holding each cross position for 3 seconds
- Add a 1-inch jump between crosses, gradually increasing height
- Incorporate into your slip jig practice: 4 running steps → 3 crossed jumps → repeat
“The best dancers don’t just cross their feet—they slice through the air” - Ciara O’Connor, 2024 All-Ireland Champion
3. The 360° Turn Challenge
Intermediate routines demand controlled spins. Fix wobbly turns with this viral drill:
- Mark 4 spots in a square (use tape or chalk)
- Complete a full turn moving between spots to “Riverdance” tempo (72bpm)
- Graduate to no spots while maintaining perfect alignment
Bonus: Record yourself from front/side angles—most dancers discover they lean 5-10° without realizing!
4. The Stamina Accelerator
2025’s competition sets are longer and faster. Build endurance with:
| Week | Drill | Success Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 3x through your heavy jig at 50% speed | No breathing through mouth |
| 3-4 | 2x at 75% speed with 30s rest | Arms maintain position |
| 5+ | Full speed with recovery jumps | Clean landings when exhausted |
Putting It All Together
Remember—intermediate dancing isn’t about harder steps, but cleaner execution. Try incorporating one drill per practice session, and within 6-8 weeks you’ll notice:
↑ 25%
More consistent clicks
0.5x
Fewer balance checks
2.3x
Longer stamina (per 2025 TCRG study)
Which drill will you try first? Tag #IrishDance2025 to show your progress!
