Home of The Leprechauns

One of Its Real Treasures

http://goo.gl/g3ksdz

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Ireland is a dancing leprechaun searching for treasure at the edge of a rainbow. One of Ireland’s true treasures is its dancing. Throughout Ireland’s history, dance was and continues to be an integral aspect of its culture. In 1569, Sir Henry Sydney wrote to Queen Elizabeth about the Irish people: “They are very beautiful, magnificently dressed and first class dancers” They have dances for every emotion known to man. The Irish danced for worship purposes, times of celebration, and events of utter sadness. Up until the 18^th century, a majority of Irish dances were communal, or done by large groups of people. In the 1900s, the dance masters developed, for the first ever, solo steps.

 

Dance Masters

In Ireland during the 18^th and 19^th centuries, Dance Masters, who were traveling teachers and performers, presented new dance styles from distant places like France. It was honorable for a town to host any of these “professional” dancers. Dance Masters formalized Irish dancing by creating new types of dance styles, such as step dancing.

Step Dancing

Step dancing is the most well known form of Irish dancing. The characteristic that stands out the most is the stillness of the upper body while the feet execute fast, intricate foot percussion.

Types of Step Dancing

1. Reel- whirling, spinning dance
2. Jig- most famous type of step dancing
3. Slip Jig- has a lighter step with hopping and sliding motions, usually danced by two couples
4. Hornpipe- solo dance usually done by one male

 

Riverdance

In the 20th century, Irish dancing made its way to the big theater. Riverdance is a theatrical show that performs traditional Irish step dancing; is so popular that it has lived for nearly 20 years. Michael Flatley, the founder of the show, exposed Irish folk dancing to the world.