All Irish Dance

Irish dance is far beyond what you see in the great performances of the “Lord Of The Dance” and “River Dance”, shows that emerged only within the last decade.

Irish dancing is an ancient tradition that managed to survive over time

Despite all the wars, occupation and oppression, irish dance managed to maintain itself and develop cross borders and cultures.

Historical sources of Irish dance are low and are not conclusive, but I’ll try to stick to the evidences found:

Early history of Ireland had different populations of Ireland as a result of migration and invasion.

Each population has brought with it a favorite type of music and dance. There is evidence on Religion Droids (Celtic priests) who were among the first dance form of Irish dance as part of religious rituals sanctified the oak tree and the sun. Their dance tracks can be seen in today’s circular dances.

When the Celts came to Ireland from central Europe 2000 years ago, they brought with them their folk dances. 400 years AD, and conversion to Christianity, the new priests used the pagan style decorations and their manuscripts Byzantines retained these characteristics in their music and dance.

Occupation Anglo – Romanian century – 12 Norman costumes brought a new culture to Ireland. The “carol” was a very popular dance in Norman French aristocrats in Normandy.

It was a circular dance, with the man who led him used to sing chant, surrounded by dancers who returned after the song.

Irish dance is also mentioned in the 16. The dancers appeared in the new castles were built at that time some of them were even adopted by the British occupiers. Queen Elizabeth – loved to watch the dancers were very skilled, specially dressed nice and unusual.

When the monarchy came to Ireland, they were met by young women dancing local dances. The dance was accompanied by playing of bagpipes and harp. Dance also took part in funeral ceremonies as mourners were going one by one and form a ring around the coffin, accompanied by music of bagpipes.

Until the 18th – century Irish dance was mainly a group dance. Social. Mid-century – 18 appeared in Ireland “masters of the dance.” The masters were Irish dance teachers who traveled from one village and taught the dance steps to the residents. They developed the solo tap dance. Each master was in his area and the never invaded another area. The masters meet in competitions, and competing with each other until complete exhaustion. They also developed that inclusion of the group dance for the less talented students. That allowed them to enjoy dancing as well. Irish dance standards were high. Solo dancers were appreciated so very often doors were uprooting their hinges so they can dance on them.

At the end of the century – 19th Irish Gaelic revival began where parties were held “Kylie” many, for reasons which were people dancing in the group, happy and kind, declare publicly that they are Irish. Dance of the “Daily” at parties, pubs, social gatherings and all competitions. The word refers to the Irish ceili neighbors gathering in a house to spend time together fun, dance, play music, drink and tell stories.

Several similar versions of the Irish dance found in various parts of Ireland over the years gathered this rich heritage preserved to this day.

I am always asked why the hands remain silent on the sides of the body without taking part in the dance.

Well, there are several versions of myths surrounding this issue.

One version claims that during the British occupation, when Irish culture was suppressed almost completely, the Irish found a way to express themselves and used to dance in the fields or in public buildings when the lower bodies hidden brook and feet moving.

Thus, even when the British looked at them from afar, it was hard to see that they actually dance.

Some say the detainees were Irish dance with their feet while tied to a chair with their hands tied and claim the conservative church is suppressed the use of arms during the dance, to prevent contact between the sexes.

Thus, the Irish dance Nerked legs, though today, modern performances, there is a tendency to move my hands and be used during the dance.

Who is Irish dancing for?

Irish dancing is, mostly, the only dancer. The emphasis is on footwork, technique, posture and agility. Footwork is very strenuous and dancers have amazing skills.

The dance for the dance groups is called Ceili or set dancing, where the emphasis is on configuration, uniformity and timing together. The dance consists of simple steps and Secretary of folk dances.

Most Irish music is made for dancing – mainly three types of tunes: reels, jigs and hornpipe.

Irish dance costumes

Costumes today perpetuate the clothing of the time. Each school has its own unique costume. Dresses based on the dress worn by Irish peasants 300 years ago. Most of the dresses decorated with Celtic decoration and have a cape hanging on the shoulder with a pin fall behind the back. Dress for the girls are most colorful. Price of dresses can reach thousands of dollars because they take in a lot of cloth, ornaments lots of work. The dancing girls are also committed to curly hairdos.

Men’s clothing is usually less than impressive and includes a tie, black pants and shirt. In the past men used to wear a kilt , jacket with a coil of a cloak falling from the shoulder.

Today’s top performances costumes are less traditional yet keep the Celtic decorative unique character.

Irish Dance Shoes

There are two types of Irish dance shoes:

Soft-shoe – for “soft” bouncy and light dance.

Hard-shoe – for “difficult” raps while dancing like a tap dance.

 

Currently, there are many organizations that promote the Irish dance. The competition is an important part of normative cultural life of Ireland. Children, teenagers and adults compete in competitions for various titles and awards. The competition is solos and a group dances and competitors are divided according to age. Competitions are held various provinces and conductors as competitors in the competition of “all Ireland” (“All Ireland Championships.”) Competitors are dancers from Ireland, England, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other places and they compete for the World title.

There are many possibilities to participate in the Irish dance scene. The dance is still the part of social culture in Ireland.

Future? Irish dance bar probably will continue to cross borders and reach more places around the world.

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