It has been a whole decade since Celtic Life International last checked in with Ciara Sexton, professional world champion Irish dancer of Lord of the Dance fame, and it’s clear she’s not been sitting idle all that time.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years,” writes Sexton in an email exchange. “I’ve continued performing and choreographing since then, and I became a mother to three wonderful little boys. I was a tutor and lecturer at the University of Limerick at the Irish World Academy, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I also took over a long-standing dance school, which has been both a huge responsibility and an honour. More recently, I’ve launched Behind the Beat, a documentary-style series that dives into the real stories behind Irish dance.”

Sexton’s latest endeavour, however, has transplanted her from the dance floor to the writer’s desk.

“I’ve written and self-published my first children’s picture book, something that combines my love of dance, storytelling and sparking joy in young learners.”

The book, My First Book of Irish Dance, takes readers on a journey any young would-be dancer could expect to embark on themselves — their first Irish dance class.

“The idea came to me when I realized that walking into an Irish dance class can be quite a sensory overload for young children, especially since most start between the ages of three and six,” Sexton explains. “I wanted to create something that could act almost like a social story, gently introducing the environment, sounds and elements of a class before a child ever sets foot in one. That way, they know what to expect and can feel more confident and excited.

“The most rewarding part has been hearing from parents and teachers who say the book has helped settle beginners and made the first steps into class a little smoother. It’s been nice to know that something so simple can make a genuine difference in helping children feel more comfortable and connected from the start.

“I think the biggest challenge was keeping it truly simple. I wanted to make sure the language and visuals were clear, engaging and age-appropriate. It was also important to me that the book be culturally accurate, down to the terminology and the Irish words. I wanted it to have the feel of a real class, while still being accessible to families who might be brand new to Irish dance. Finding that balance was key.”

Removing barriers to Irish dance is something of a pet cause for Sexton. She realizes that the world is moving faster than ever, and Irish dance needs to embrace different ways to engage with the youth of tomorrow or risk becoming irrelevant to them.

“The way they’re engaging with Irish dance is definitely evolving. I think there’s still a real love for the tradition, but younger dancers are also drawn to creativity and connection. Whether it’s through social media, storytelling or mixing styles, they’re finding their own way in.

“I think we could make a conscious effort to move away from the idea that competitive dance is the only meaningful path in Irish dance. The art form is so much richer than medals and scores. There are beautiful ways to explore it; through performance, choreography, education, community events, or simply for the joy of movement. When we give young dancers permission to experience Irish dance in different ways, we open the door to deeper connection and longer-lasting involvement.”

Sexton still has lots planned for 2025, between teaching and filming more episodes of Behind the Beat. She has her writing quill at the ready, too, as her writing career definitely won’t be a “one-and-done” situation.

“I’m delighted with how the book has been received; the feedback has been really encouraging. Hopefully it’s the first of three, but time will tell. That said, I’m working on the next book, which is currently in the planning stages. This time, I’ll be collaborating with someone – I’m looking forward to sharing details on that soon. It’s exciting to build on the foundation of the first book.

“Beyond that, I’m trying to find a good balance between all of it – dance, family and creative projects – as the year unfolds.”

@ciarasextondance