Short summary and history of Irish dance
Irish dance is a traditional dance form that originated in Ireland in the 18th century. It is characterized by rapid, intricate footwork, along with an erect upper body and arms held tightly at the sides.
The earliest known reference to Irish dance dates back to the 16th century, but the modern form of Irish dance that we recognize today began to develop in the 18th century. During this time, dance masters traveled around Ireland teaching the upper classes the latest dance steps.
In the 19th century, Irish dance became more widespread, particularly with the emergence of music halls and traveling dance shows. Dance competitions, or feiseanna, also became popular, leading to the development of a more standardized style of Irish dance.
The most famous form of Irish dance is undoubtedly step dancing, which came to prominence in the early 20th century thanks to performers such as Michael Flatley. Irish dance has also enjoyed a revival in recent years, with shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance capturing audiences around the world. Today, Irish dance is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, with many schools and dance companies dedicated to promoting and preserving this unique art form.
Irish dance is a traditional style of dance that originates from Ireland. It has a rich history that traces back to ancient Celtic times. Here is a step-by-step summary of Irish dance's history:
1. Origins: Irish dance has its roots in the pre-Christian era of Ireland, dating back to the time of the Celts. The Celts had a strong tradition of music, song, and dance, and they incorporated rhythmic movements into their celebrations and rituals.
2. Influences of Christianity: When Christianity spread to Ireland, dance and other pagan practices were discouraged. However, Irish dance continued to be performed in secret and became intertwined with Irish culture.
3. Step dancing and jigs: In the 17th century, dance masters started teaching Irish step dancing. The dance masters would travel from village to village, teaching their unique steps and choreography. The Irish jig, a lively dance performed in 6/8 time, also became a popular form of dance during this time.
4. Dance competitions: In the 19th century, dance competitions known as "feiseanna" became popular in Ireland. These competitions served as platforms for dancers to showcase their skills and win prizes. The feiseanna format is still preserved in modern Irish dance events.
5. The Irish Dancing Commission: In 1929, the Irish Dancing Commission (An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, or CLRG) was established to standardize and regulate Irish dance. They set out rules, guidelines, and syllabi for dancers and teachers.
6. Riverdance and global popularity: Irish dance gained international recognition with the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest performance of Riverdance. The intricate footwork, sharp movements, and synchronization showcased by the dancers captivated audiences worldwide. Riverdance became a global phenomenon, leading to increased interest and participation in Irish dance around the world.
7. Evolution and innovation: In recent years, Irish dance has experienced various innovations and developments. Fusion dances, combining Irish dance with other styles like contemporary or hip-hop, have emerged, bringing a fresh perspective to the dance form. New choreography and flashy costumes have also become prominent features of modern Irish dance.
Today, Irish dance continues to thrive both in Ireland and in Irish communities around the world. It is renowned for its fast footwork, precise movements, and the distinctive sound of hard shoes striking the floor. Irish dance has grown into a celebrated art form that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.