🎄 The MID Christmas Break Practice Challenge Is Here!
Keep Your Feet Moving, Stay Motivated, and Step Into 2026 Strong
The holiday season is here — a time for cozy mornings, family celebrations, and… a little extra Irish dance magic! At McGovern Irish Dance, we know that consistency is the key to confidence, so we’re thrilled to launch our Christmas Break Practice Challenge, running December 21, 2025 through January 5, 2026.
This challenge is designed to help dancers stay active during the holiday break, build strong practice habits, and enter the new year feeling powerful, connected, and motivated. Whether your dancer is brand new, growing through Bun Grad and Ullmhuchan, or preparing to take the stage at the CRN North American Nationals in February, this challenge will give them a huge boost.
⭐ How the Challenge Works
Every dancer will track their practice using the official Christmas Break Practice Log. The log includes spaces to record the dance, level, and minutes practiced each day — and dancers can choose from anything:
• Reels, Slip Jigs, Light Jigs, Single Jigs
• Treble Jigs, Hornpipes, Traditional or Contemporary Sets
• Strength and technique drills (duck walks, heel lifts, toe boxes)
• Tricks like rocks, cross keys, jumps
(Full details are listed in the challenge packet.)
⭐ Earning Points
Dancers can earn points in several fun ways:
1 point for every 15 minutes of practice
5 bonus points for submitting a short practice video
+2 points if the video is filmed in a holiday-themed or travel location
+2 points if they are wearing MID gear
All completed practice logs must be turned in by midnight on January 5 to qualify for prizes.
Practice log: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1If5RkkgIbasfEciN6HKWM-R_ftN9Ey7g/view?usp=drive_link
⭐ What’s at Stake?
The dancer with the most points will earn:
🏆 One free extra practice session
🎁 A $5 gift card
⭐ Bragging rights as the Most Dedicated MID Dancer Over Christmas Break!
It’s a fun, motivating way to celebrate dedication, progress, and holiday spirit.
⭐ Why This Challenge Matters
Irish dance is built on rhythm, repetition, and resilience. Even short daily practices help dancers:
Maintain stamina during the long holiday break
Strengthen technique and muscle memory
Build confidence in choreography
Stay connected to their goals and fellow dancers
For those gearing up for Nationals in February, this challenge is a perfect way to stay sharp and performance-ready. A few focused minutes each day can make a remarkable difference in timing, power, and precision.
But this challenge isn’t just for competitive dancers — it’s for every dancer at McGovern Irish Dance. It’s about building habits, finding joy in movement, and carrying our love of dance into the new year.
⭐ Let’s Make This Holiday Season a Celebration of Progress
We can’t wait to see your videos — from living room reels to snowy slip jigs to vacation hornpipes! Have fun, get creative, and show us how you dance your way through the season. Share your progress with us and cheer on your fellow dancers.
Wishing all of our dancers and families a warm, bright, and joyful holiday season.
Let’s finish 2025 strong and leap into 2026 with confidence, community, and Celtic spirit! 💚✨
— The McGovern Irish Dance Team