ELEVATE Your Irish Dance Performance with Strength & Conditioning

I’m excited to introduce a unique strength and conditioning program, created in collaboration between myself, Chloey Turner, Matt Gulliver, and his expert team in athlete development at Oak and Iron Fitness in Raleigh, NC (where I now live and work).

Designed specifically for Irish dancers, this program is your opportunity to enhance your strength, mobility, stamina and power to elevate your dance performance like never before.

This innovative approach complements the holistic tools already offered through the From Head to Toe Academy, providing a well-rounded system that enhances both artistry and athleticism. Whether you’re gearing up for a major competition or aiming to perfect your technique, this program will empower you to build the physical foundation essential for success in Irish Dance.

Why Strength and Conditioning is Essential for Irish Dancers

Irish dance has evolved into a highly athletic discipline, requiring more than just exceptional technique to succeed. While traditional classes are vital, they’re no longer enough to prepare dancers for the physical and mental challenges of today’s competitive stage.

A well-rounded approach, including strength training, is key to improving flexibility, jump height, endurance, sharpness, and overall athleticism. It’s not just about performing better — it’s about understanding your body and how to activate the right muscles for skills like higher toe height, sharper jumps, stronger front clicks, or better turnout and crossing. This body awareness refines technique, reduces injury risk, and builds confidence. Not to mention one of the most common concerns dancers face: Stamina! Strength and conditioning help dancers maintain speed, endurance, and power right to the very last beat of each dance, so they can finish strong and impress both judges and audiences.

This program is designed to develop physical strength, improve body awareness, boost confidence, and enhance stamina—empowering dancers to perform with precision, efficiency, and resilience from start to finish.

“Irish dance didn’t come naturally to me, so I understand firsthand how crucial strength and conditioning are for success. If I hadn’t embraced strength training and worked hard to build the physical foundation I needed—like keeping my arms steady, crossing my legs properly, and developing the strength and power to be able to jump higher—I wouldn’t have been able to reach my full potential and perform as the lead dancer in Riverdance for 12 years. Strength and conditioning were the cornerstone of my growth as a dancer, and I truly believe this year-round program will provide you with the same advantage. As we all know, consistency is key. This will be a commitment—but one that’s absolutely worth it!”

-Chloey

Program Highlights

• Expert Guidance: Created in collaboration with Matt Gulliver, shaped by my experience as a fitness professional, former competitive Irish dancer, and lead in Riverdance.
• Progressive Structure: Each 10–12 week cycle begins with a comprehensive initial assessment to establish your starting point. The program is designed to build on the progress made in the previous cycle, creating a steady and sustainable path for improvement. This approach ensures consistent development and long-term success throughout the year.
• Camaraderie & Community: Open to dancers from all schools, fostering collaboration and support among participants.
• Virtual Option: Can’t make it in person? We’ve got you covered with a virtual program! All classes are recorded if you’re unable to make the live sessions.

Program Details

Our training program is aligned with key events in the CLRG competition calendar, such as Worlds, Nationals, and Oireachtas. However, participation in these competitions is not required to benefit from this program. It’s designed to support all competitive Irish dancers, regardless of the grade you’re in or whether you’re attending these events. This program is about building the strength, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive as a dancer year-round.

Dates:

• Starting January 22 – April 4th, 2025: Worlds Strength & Conditioning (10 weeks)
• April 23rd – July 4th, 2025: NAIDC Conditioning (10 weeks)
• August 20th – November 14th, 2025: Oireachtas Prep (12 weeks)

Class Times (ages 10 and up):

• Wednesdays at 7:30 PM EST (45–60 minutes)
• Fridays at 5:30 PM EST (45–60 minutes)

Location:

Oak and Iron Fitness
8839 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

Equipment Suggestions for Joining the Program from Home

To get the most out of your training sessions, we recommend having the following equipment on hand:

• Dumbbells:
  • 10–20 pounds (for upper body work)
  • 20–40 pounds (for lower body work)
• Kettlebell: Between 30–50 pounds for versatile strength training.
• Mini Bands: Perfect for resistance and activation exercises.
• Therabands: Great for resistance work and versatile exercises.

These essentials will help you fully engage with the program, whether you’re training in a studio or from the comfort of home! *Please find amazon links below!

Pricing

In-Person Options:

• $319 for 10 weeks (2 classes per week in-person) – Highly recommended for maximum results.
• $199 for 10 weeks (1 class per week in-person)
• $30 per walk-in class.

Virtual Options:

• $175 for 10 weeks (2 classes per week)
• $150 for 10 weeks (2 classes per week) – Special rate for From Head to Toe Academy members.

Bonus: Dancer Self-Care Program

Complete All classes of each 10–12 week phase, and you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and access to a 5-class pre-recorded Dancer Self-Care Program which will include:

• Restorative Yoga for Recovery: Gentle sequences to release tension and improve flexibility.
• Mindfulness & Stress Management: Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and meditation to calm nerves and build focus.
• Mobility & Prehab Exercises: Targeting tension areas like hips, calves, and hamstrings with foam rolling and dynamic stretches.
• Foot Care & Recovery + Body Gratitude Meditation: Strengthen and relax your feet while reflecting on body gratitude.
• Journaling & Reflection: Guided prompts for gratitude and personal growth.

Ready to Commit to Your Growth?

I truly believe this program will empower you to become stronger, more confident, and better prepared for the challenges of Irish dance. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@fromheadtotoeacademy.com

I can’t wait to help you unlock your potential as a dancer!

With gratitude,
Chloey Turner

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*Please note you will need to create a MINDBODY account. Then head to ‘Online store’ – Services – ELEVATE and make your selection!