The rising cost of Irish dancing means that it has steadily become “less accessible” to people, one commentator has argued. 

Orthopaedic strength and conditioning specialist  Peter O'Grady said he decided to raise his concerns from a “place of love” for Irish dancing. 

 “Irish dancing has given so much to so many people - myself included,” he explained on Lunchtime Live. 

“And I'm deeply grateful for that; what prompted my post was really a moment of reflection, thinking about where Irish dancing has come from and where it might be heading.” 

Irish dancers in Galway. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

Mr O'Grady added that when Irish dancing was at the height of its global fame and popularity during the Riverdance era, it was much less costly to take part. 

“Their costumes were simple, elegant and understated,” he recalled. 

“And that simplicity meant the focus stayed exactly where it should have been - on the dancing itself.” 

Mr O’Grady stressed that his views were not a criticism of individuals, merely the system, adding that he worries about the impact of rising costs on the poor. 

“When costs continue to rise year after year, it can unintentionally make Irish dancing less accessible,” he argued. 

“And accessibility really matters if we want the art form to thrive long term and remain open to everyone.”

Mr O’Grady admitted he did not have “all the answers” but said he hoped success and participation in Irish dancing would never come down to money. 

“At its heart, Irish dance has always been about talent, rhythm and expression,” he said. 

“And those are the things money can't buy and, hopefully, we don't lose that and forget that.”

Main image: Irish dancing. Picture by: Alamy.com.