7 Questions Every Sean-nós Dancer Should Ask Themselves

…and a few thoughts to help you answer them

Whether you're just starting out or you've been dancing sean nós for years, reflection can be your biggest teacher. It’s not just about steps and speed — it’s about feeling, intention, connection.

Sean nós dancing with Czech-Irish band MalemIrish | photo: Markéta Utišilová

Here are 7 honest questions to help you check in with yourself as a dancer – and short reflections to get you thinking.

1. What’s the biggest challenge in your sean nós dancing right now?

Is it rhythm, remembering steps, confidence, or musical connection?

Sometimes we focus on "getting it right" and forget to ask what's not flowing yet. That discomfort? It's where the growth begins.

2. Do you know all the steps – but still feel unsure how to improvise?

You’re not alone. Many dancers feel stuck when it’s time to “just dance.”

Improvisation is more than a skill — it’s a mindset. It starts with trusting your body and letting go of how you think it should look.

3. You've tried different styles... but what makes sean nós sean nós for you?

Is it posture? Footwork? Energy? Connection to the music?

There’s no single “correct” way. But defining what feels authentic to you will strengthen your personal style.

4. What’s the last thing you truly learned about sean-nós?

Not just a new step – but a real shift or insight in your dancing.

Maybe you understood rhythm differently. Or realized something about your balance. Learning isn’t always flashy — sometimes it’s subtle, but powerful.

5. Who inspires your dancing?

Do you follow one teacher’s path, or blend lessons from many voices?

There’s value in both. One gives you depth, the other gives you perspective. How you learn shapes how you move.

6. Are you dancing for yourself – or to “look” a certain way?

It’s easy to slip into performance mode, even in casual spaces.

But sean nós comes alive when it’s danced from the inside out. So perhaps ask yourself: what does it feel like, not just what does it look like?

7. Why did you fall in love with sean nós in the first place?

Was it the rhythm? The roots? The freedom? The connection?

Reconnecting to your “why” keeps the dance meaningful – and fun. Especially when progress feels slow.

Dancing with Gerard Butler at Bernard's Summer School in Prague | photo: Michal Kára

Final thought:

The questions we ask ourselves shape the dancers we become.And no matter where you are on your journey — reflecting is already part of the dance.

If these questions sparked something in you...If you’re ready to explore your sean-nós basics more deeply, grow your own unique style, and reconnect with the joy that brought you to this dance in the first place.

🟢 You’re warmly invited to join us for

“Dive into Sean nós Dancing”

A 5-week online mini practice course for dancers who want to move with more confidence, playfulness, and connection.

We’ll build strong foundations, explore personal expression, and share the journey with a small group of fellow dancers from around the world. No pressure. Just practice, presence, and plenty of room to grow. 💚

➡️ Curious? Check out the details here or come say hi to our social media – I’m always happy to chat.

Tereza Bernardová

SEAN NÓS DANCING ONLINE - REGISTRATION OPEN - HERE.

7 Questions Every Sean nós Dancer Should Ask Themselves