From Traditional to;
Irish dancing is a very important part of the heritage and culture of this tiny Island of Ireland. More than a hobby, Irish dancing is a devotion. Requiring a commitment of time, it is as important as the Irish language, Gaelic football, hurling, and traditional Irish music. I remember the days when cold and musty halls hosted Irish dancing classes and an accordion provided the music. As children, we received scoldings for not holding our shoulders back and keeping our arms straight. I have fond memories of learning Irish dancing.
Irish Dancing ~ The History
Recordings indicate that the Celts and the druids, who roamed the island, originated the roots of Irish dancing.
Many of the druids’ religious rituals involved dancing, usually in a circular fashion around sacred trees.
The Celts had their own folk dances with similar formations. This type of dancing was common around much of the European mainland. Although it wasn’t really anything like traditional Irish dancing there are still remnants of the formations and patterns used today.
Irish Dancing Routines
There are three main types of Irish dancing routines;
Set dancing routines, social or céilí routines, and sean nós or step routines.
The style is relatively formal and has a regimented structure. With little upper body movement it is precise with quick foot movement and a strict number of steps. This was because of the limited space performers would have in small rural pubs or barn dances crowded with locals.
Céilí routines were the most popular form of Irish dancing and a standard component of any social occasion. A minimum of two and a maximum of sixteen people (or sometimes an unlimited number of people!) perform them. Set dance routines based on the French quadrille dances, i.e., ‘squares’ four couples completing several different figures of the routine.
Step routines descend from the old-style sean nós dancing. The flagship Irish dancing style adopted by the Irish Dancing Commission. Dancers perform each step twice, once with each foot, with arms slightly less rigid than in other styles. They create percussive sounds with their feet to add to the rhythm of the music.
Soft shoe dances encompass reels, slips, light jigs, and single jigs. Categorized by the time signature of the music and the steps taken in the dance. Hard shoe dances comprise the hornpipe, treble jig, and treble reel. Names to popular sets include; St. Patrick’s Day set, the King of the Fairies set, or the Three Sea Captains set.
The hard and soft shoe.
Dancers use soft or hard shoes depending on the style of dance. Dancers equip hard shoes with tips and heels made of fiberglass, utilizing them to add percussion noises and rhythm. In contrast, they use soft shoes, also known as ghillies, which are leather lace-ups.
Irish Dance Clothes
Traditionally Irish Dancing costumes were simple and modest and very different from the Ornate and ostentatious costumes we see today. Male dancers generally just wear a shirt, vest, and tie with dark trousers, while female dancers wear specially-made dresses. Each Irish dancing school has its own specific dress uniform.
Dresses are worn above the knee and pleated. More often than not some sort of Celtic-inspired design or embellishment is on the chest and back.
In the past, girls had to curl their hair into ringlets or wear wigs. This practice is slowly becoming less common.
Outside of competitions, dancers often opt for simple, plain dresses. Straight hair ensures complete focus on the footwork and movement of the dance.
Today in high-profile competitions, many different dance troop children wear wigs, fake tan, and makeup. A change for the worse in my opinion as it showcases children as miniature dolls rather than traditional Irish dancers.
Irish Dancing Music
Historically the traditional accompaniment for Irish dancing was a harp, bagpipe, or just singing. As the dances got more complex, however, so did the music. Nowadays, Irish dancing and traditional Irish music go hand in hand. As there are a variety of different dances and routines, there is a variety of music and instruments used nowadays.
Typical Irish instruments include; T
he fiddle (a violin), the bodhran (a hand-held drum). The tin whistle, the concertina (accordion), and the uilleann pipes (Irish bagpipes). When solo dancers take to stage, a solo instrument will also generally play with them.
The Irish Dancing Feis
The ‘feis’ plural of feiseanna means Irish Festival, traditionally including folk music, dance, and sports. It was the gathering at which new laws were decreed.
The ‘feis’ was a big local celebration held by Celtic communities. The ‘feis’ continues to be an integral part of Irish Dancing today.
Folklore recalls the Hill of Tara, then the seat of the High King of Ireland. The epicenter of Celtic life, where a huge feis known as the ‘Aonach’ (great festival) was held once a year. Apparently beginning over a thousand years ago. Many communities still hold feiseanna today, but they now usually serve as showcases for Irish dancing and music. Dancers now compete for medals and trophies.
Competitions
Outside of performances, the best way to see some Irish dancing is by attending a competition or feis.
In Ireland, several levels of competition are divided by age and location, ranging from county to regional and national competitions. The annual regional championship is known as the Oireachtas, which happens to be the name given to the Irish government. Judges score dancers based on their technique, timing, and the sounds made from their shoes.
All contests have rigid regulations and criteria for qualification, making the process very competitive between both dancers and teachers.
Riverdance
I will never forget the first time I watched Riverdance on TV, like everyone I was spellbound, the dance, music, and arrangement was amazing. I don’t think there are many people on the planet who haven’t heard of Riverdance. The theatrical show which brought Irish dancing to a worldwide audience has certainly boosted its popularity around the world. Now over twenty years old, the original show went on to play all over the world for fifteen years. Today there are still several smaller productions touring all over the world and a number of spin-off shows, ensuring that Irish dancing has a place on the world stage for years to come. Innova Dance Company
There are many dance schools across the country offering classes in traditional dance. I have chosen Innova Dance Company as featured in the book when I found a photograph taken by Johnny Hero photographer. The girls, their costumes, and their spin on Irish dance using both traditional and a twist of modernism.
Below a dance troup I have featured in my Irish words of wisdom book. For more information contact; https://www.innova-idc.com/