Irish Dancing
Irish Dancing has evolved and absorbed influences of new cultures over a long period of time. During the 16th and 17th centuries “crossroad dancing” became very popular. The clergy condemned “crossroad dancing” so the traditional Irish culture continued in secrecy until the 1700’s. Around 1750 less strict attitudes allowed Irish dance to flourish. Dance masters would travel from village to village teaching dance steps. Having a dance teacher staying in your village was cause for pride and boasting by the community.
In 1893 the Gaelic League was established to preserve and strengthen all elements of Irish culture. Although their main focus was Irish language, they also organised Irish dancing classes and competitions, and were behind the founding of An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha in 1929. This was when rules in teaching and judging in competitions was founded. Before the rules hands were more relaxed and usually on their waists however Parish Priests considered rigid arms less provocative and were said to increase a girl’s self control. Dances were performed on tables and barrel tops. In the 20th century dance instruction begins at a young age and stages were built for competitions due to new moves being introduced needed more space. An Irish dance competition is called a féis.
Soft shoes were introduced in 1924 for girls. Boys wore them for a while but quit in the 1970’s. Hard shoes have also changed in style and technology now using fibreglass toe tips and hollow heels.
Modern Step Dancing was popularized in 1994 by the world-famous Riverdance and then Lord of the Dance. The commission has global reach providing qualifications for teachers and adjudicators as well as organizing world championships. The 21st century has lent some new conventions to Irish dance that would make it unrecognizable to the 18th century dance master. Fake tan, curly wigs, tiaras, heavy make-up and jewellery are as much part of competitive dancing today as the music itself.
Irish Céilí dances may be performed with as few as two and as many as sixteen. Invented in the 19th century they are fast and complex. There is an array of dances that can be performed however North Queensland competitions tend to stick to two-hand, three-hand, four-hand, six-hand and eight-hand dances on a general basis.
The solo step dances fall into two broad categories based on the shoes worn: hard shoe and soft shoe dances. There are four soft shoe dance styles: the Reel, Slip Jig, Light Jig and Single Jig. Hard shoe dances include Hornpipe, Treble Jig, Treble Reel and Traditional Sets. There are a total of 36 set dances which have set music ranging from having set steps to non-traditional sets performed by more advanced dances with set music but not set steps.
In 1893 the Gaelic League was established to preserve and strengthen all elements of Irish culture. Although their main focus was Irish language, they also organised Irish dancing classes and competitions, and were behind the founding of An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha in 1929. This was when rules in teaching and judging in competitions was founded. Before the rules hands were more relaxed and usually on their waists however Parish Priests considered rigid arms less provocative and were said to increase a girl’s self control. Dances were performed on tables and barrel tops. In the 20th century dance instruction begins at a young age and stages were built for competitions due to new moves being introduced needed more space. An Irish dance competition is called a féis.
Soft shoes were introduced in 1924 for girls. Boys wore them for a while but quit in the 1970’s. Hard shoes have also changed in style and technology now using fibreglass toe tips and hollow heels.
Modern Step Dancing was popularized in 1994 by the world-famous Riverdance and then Lord of the Dance. The commission has global reach providing qualifications for teachers and adjudicators as well as organizing world championships. The 21st century has lent some new conventions to Irish dance that would make it unrecognizable to the 18th century dance master. Fake tan, curly wigs, tiaras, heavy make-up and jewellery are as much part of competitive dancing today as the music itself.
Irish Céilí dances may be performed with as few as two and as many as sixteen. Invented in the 19th century they are fast and complex. There is an array of dances that can be performed however North Queensland competitions tend to stick to two-hand, three-hand, four-hand, six-hand and eight-hand dances on a general basis.
The solo step dances fall into two broad categories based on the shoes worn: hard shoe and soft shoe dances. There are four soft shoe dance styles: the Reel, Slip Jig, Light Jig and Single Jig. Hard shoe dances include Hornpipe, Treble Jig, Treble Reel and Traditional Sets. There are a total of 36 set dances which have set music ranging from having set steps to non-traditional sets performed by more advanced dances with set music but not set steps.