An Introduction to Irish Dance

The term 'Irish dance' covers a variety of styles and subsets. Historically, Irish dance, or stepdancing, was influenced by multiple cultures, religions, and regions, surviving periods of change in laws due to its irresistibly engaging style. Like other dance forms, Irish dance can be utilized to tell stories varying from cultural epics to personal tales of love. In Irish culture, dance has always held an esteemed, singular place among the arts, which are in general more highly prized than in many other cultures.

So prized was the genre of dance that dance masters still traveled throughout Ireland into the early twentieth century. In recent decades, Irish dance has become more competitive around the world. Dancers and their schools participate in a feis, or competition, regionally, nationally, or internationally depending on their level.

Due to the variety of types of stepdancing, dancers can participate as a group or individually. Dancers also wear soft or hard shoes depending on the style of dance, and may dance with their upper body rigid or more flowing.

Riverdance has undoubtedly been a primary influence in bringing Irish dance to the world. Many audience members have learned about Irish history through Riverdance performances, which also feature fine musicians. Michael Flatley, a primary Riverdance dancer who went on to make his own show known as Lord of the Dance, is typically made fun of. He's certainly a man of show business, but he also represents more. Flatley is the modern version of the otherwise extinct aforementioned dance masters. Like dance masters of the past, Flatley is considered to be flamboyant and wears bold colors. His costumes are flashier and more ornate than the others in his shows, and he takes a territorial command of the stage.

In America and Australia, Irish dance has become a popular expression of the desire to preserve Irish heritage. Young children in particular often participate in Irish dance classes and attend a specific scoil (school) as an extracurricular activity, performing exhibition shows at local festivals and fairs.

If you'd like to learn Irish dance, there are many private instructors willing to coach you. Many people learn just for fun, although competition has made the term feis mom, comparable to a soccer mom who is devoted to her child's extracurricular activity.

As with most lessons, you will be expected to pay for your instruction. The real expense in Irish dance comes with the cost of competition: dresses averaging $1,400, gas or airfare, and time off work to attend events and competitions. However, if you want to learn just for fun, cost is minimal and attire for performances can be much simpler. Some groups purchase uniform outfits that are less costly, just as other dance groups do.

Like most activities of interest, Irish dance has its own subculture in each local area. Schools will be competitive with one another and dancers are usually acquainted, all in good tradition. The more serious a student becomes, the more he or she shall become involved in the activities and esoteric knowledge of the upper level dancers.

Use the below resources to locate more information, dressmakers, schools, and articles concerning this favorite pastime and activity.