'Given the constant stream of good vibes, I was hooked from the first dance class in the ’90s'

Feelgood Editor Irene Feighan says dance is not about going for the burn, but more about going with the flow. Picture: Chani Anderson

Choreographer Tina Horan is a uniquely gifted teacher, encouraging her students to move to their own beat and within their limits. With her kind, inclusive approach, you can never put a foot wrong.

Given the constant stream of good vibes, I was hooked from the first class in the ’90s.

The Tuesday evening class in Cork city centre starts with a free-flow dance warmup, followed by a jazz/ballet workout, across-the-floor work — I’m still working on spotting technique for my turns — and on to the choreographed dance piece where we often work in pairs.

Irene Feighan pictured participating in her dance class with creative instructor Tina Horan. Picture: Chani Anderson

It’s so not about going for the burn, but more about going with the flow.

Carefully curated music, designed to lift spirits and connect with the heart, is central to the experience and never fails to lift my spirits.

There’s something transformative about parking your worries and following simple dance instructions with a group for an hour.

I stopped the classes when my children arrived — it was one juggle too many. But when I returned more than a decade later, in the middle of the pandemic, I was welcomed by dancers who had attended the class for decades. 

Once you get into Tina’s happy slipstream, you’ll want to return over and over.

tinahoran.com