Breaking Step: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Barriers and Facilitators to Male Participation in Irish Dance

Abstract

Irish dancing (ID) is widely practiced internationally, but like many Western genres, struggles to attract and retain male participants. This mixed-methods study collected data about the lived experiences of current and former male Irish dancers via 109 questionnaires and 17 focus group/interviews. Quantitative data was descriptively interrogated, with thematic analysis applied to qualitative data. Benefits identified included cultural pride, physical prowess, a unique skill set, and camaraderie with other male dancers. Greater professional and performance opportunities in comparison to female peers were also reported. Drawbacks included a perceived lack of appreciation of the skill required for ID, bullying, homophobia, and stigmatization, a perception of ID as a feminine pursuit, and dissatisfaction with rigid competition structures inherent in ID. Participants identified numerous strategies to entice males to ID including male role models and teachers, innovative male-centric marketing approaches, male-only classes, and promoting the physical benefits of ID for other athletic pursuits.