Irish dancing, also called Irish step dance, is a performing art developed in Ireland . The performers dance to traditional Gaelic music. Gaelic culture is an ancestral culture of Ireland and Scotland . Traditional Irish dances include the hornpipe, the reel, the slip jig, and the treble jig. Dancers perform fast and precise foot movements, while their upper bodies remain upright and still. Irish dancing can be done alone or in groups. Group dances require precise synchronization (timing) at high speeds, providing a thrill for audiences. Dancers may perform for enjoyment, in competition, or as part of a celebration.
An Irish dance competition is called a feis << fehsh >> . Competitive Irish dance includes such moves as steps, taps, jumps, kicks, drums, heel catches, and trebles. Judges score dancers on appearance, behavior, posture, skill, stage presence, and timing.
Female dancers traditionally wear colorful, elaborate dresses with heavy Celtic-style embroidery. They also wear curled wigs, sometimes decorated with tiaras. Males wear a shirt and tie with embroidered vest and black pants. Dancers wear white socks and ghillies, soft, black dance shoes that lace up. Light shoes are worn for such dances as the reel and the slip jig. These dances require more graceful steps and airborne movements. Other dances require hard shoes called jig shoes or hornpipe shoes. Hard shoes are worn for the hornpipe and double jig, which emphasize timing and rhythm.
In the 1700’s, dance masters, traditionally men, traveled and taught their own step dances to different communities. Céilí << KAY lee >> dance became popular among Gaelic people. Céilí means a gathering to meet people. People met and danced to music played on accordions , bagpipes , fiddles, and flutes .
An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (The Irish Dancing Commission) was formed in 1927 to establish formal standards for Irish step dance. The Coimisiún was established by the Gaelic League, which was organized to promote Irish language and promote cultural nationalism. The Coimisiún developed standards for clothing, competitions, dances, dancers, music, and teachers. Later, the Gaelic League began promoting social activities, including dance competitions.
Irish dancing gained global popularity in 1994, when the city of Dublin , Ireland, hosted a televised international singing competition called the Eurovision Song Contest . Irish dancers were chosen to provide entertainment for the event. Their modern, theatrical reimagining of Irish dancing developed into a wildly popular touring show called Riverdance (see Flatley, Michael ).
Step dancing has also become an important part of Irish-American culture. In 1893, traditional Irish dance was shown on a public stage in Chicago , Illinois, at the World’s Columbian Exposition . That performance helped inspire the creation of associations, clubs, and school programs to teach Irish dance to young people. In the early 1900’s, American dancers began concentrating on competitive step dance. American competitive organizations adopted the standards established by those in Ireland. Step dancing performances are also featured in many Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
