The earliest recorded report we have of Irish Dancing dates from the 1600’s. Dance Masters in Ireland traveled from village to village teaching the local people, performing, and holding "Ceili’s" or social dances in return for food and lodging. The tradition has remained unbroken to the present day. Many Irish dance teachers throughout the US, and the world, still travel from town to town, teaching and entertaining.
Irish dancing comes in two forms; solo and group dancing. Solo Irish dancing is intricate and lively and is an excellent form of exercise with an opportunity to compete at local competitions if the spirit grabs you. Two types of shoe are worn; a soft shoe and a hard shoe. Tap dancing as we know it today has its roots in Irish dance. Solo dancing can be anything from a pleasant diversion to an all-consuming passion. For children, it is a terrific instrument for keeping them active, entertained and involved in a healthy environment. Competition exists as a way to monitor progress and to promote on-going interest.
Group or Figure dancing is akin to square dancing. Many of the old line dances are direct descendants of Irish dances brought over the ocean with our ancestors. If competition is not for you, then exhibitions of group or figure dancing may be just your thing. With lively movement and colorful costumes, Irish dancing is a big hit at festivals, parades, private parties, and of course, there’s always Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Although Irish dancing has been handed down for generations, today with the popularity of "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance", Irish Dance is enjoying a revival it so richly deserves.
It is too beautiful an art form ever to die out, so join us in keeping a wonderful old tradition alive in a new and fun way.
For More Information Contact:
John or Doireann at 714.840.6719