"AS SEEN IN IRISH DANCING MAGAZINE'S April/May 2023 Print Edition - available NOW"
In the world of Irish Dancing Magazine, we encounter a range of individuals during competitions. From the gracious 'Good' sports who display kindness towards their fellow competitors, to the 'Bad' who may initially grumble about a result but ultimately regain composure, to the 'Ugly' who exhibit extreme behavior towards other dancers and disregard common courtesy. 
As an Irish Dance competitor, it's important to consider how you want to be remembered in this space. Good sportsmanship encompasses more than just winning gracefully, but also respecting the rules of the dance, treating others with dignity, and handling disappointment with poise.
Parents and dance teachers have a vital role to play in instilling these values in their dancers, ensuring they can navigate both successes and setbacks with respect and grace.
In Irish Dance competitions, it is crucial for dancers to exhibit good sportsmanship by offering congratulations to the winners and avoiding negative comments about the competition or judges. This shows respect for the competition and others, creating a positive and memorable experience for all. Additionally, parents and dance teachers should model good sportsmanship to help their dancer maintain a positive attitude.
It's important to remember that dancers are athletes too (dance-letes), and given the competitive nature of Irish Dance, good sportsmanship should be at the forefront of their minds.
As female Olympic athlete Simone Biles once said, “Success isn’t owned, it’s leased. And rent is due every day.” The same applies to dance-letes competing in Irish Dance competitions. They must constantly strive for success and maintain good sportsmanship to ensure a positive experience for all involved.
