Irish dancing was passed down informally from generation to generation until the introduction of the dancing master in the 18th century. Dance masters traveled from town to town codifying folk dance steps and teaching them to peasants. Gifted students were allowed to study what became known as "solo dances" that evolved into step dancing. By the 20th century, many dance masters had formed their own permanent schools for Irish dance. Schools usually bore the name of the instructor or the region in which the school made its home -- a tradition that continues into the 21st century. Dance masters continue to teach Irish step dance to adults and children in dancing schools all around the world.
Irish step dancing schools around the world use extremely similar curricula that include the codified steps and patterns of solo dances. Originally, each region in Ireland practiced its own version of different folk dances. By the 19th and 20th centuries, all of these variations were compiled into a standard curriculum of dance steps and sets including jigs and reels. Beginners first learn one or two basic variations, called "steps," different kinds of jigs and reels. Dance masters choreograph advanced variations of jigs and reels for higher levels of solo dancers.
Because Irish step includes many hops, jumps and high kicks, Irish dance classes almost always start with a warm-up that includes stretches for the hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscles. Novices at Irish dance schools begin by learning soft shoe dances like the reel, light jig, and slip jig. Be prepared to concentrate on just one or two dances at a time for several classes in a row. Schools host beginner classes once a week for about an hour. As you progress to intermediate and advanced levels, your school will allow you to take hard shoe classes in which you will learn other dances like the treble jig. Advanced competitive dancers may practice as often as five days per week.
All Irish dance schools invite students of a certain level to participate in dance competitions at celebrations called feiseanna, a Gaelic word meaning "festival." Although the focus at feiseanna is on dance competitions, they celebrate all Irish culture with musical performances, art shows, vendors and food booths. Irish dancers compete against dancers of their same level, demonstrating a predefined number of steps in a reel or jig. Oireachtas are the most important feiseanna for Irish dance schools and allow dancers from schools in different regions to qualify for national and world championship competitions.
At a feis, you represent your school by wearing the school's dress or uniform. Each school assigns a specific dress for female lower-level competitors to wear along with the appropriate soft-shoe ghillies or hard shoes. Irish dance dresses are high-necked and long-sleeved, with skirts ending at mid-thigh so that judges can see dancers' knees as they perform. School dresses are embroidered with a symbol Celtic symbols or design indicating the dancer's school affiliation. Advanced dancers perform in elaborately designed "solo dresses" customized to their own preferences. Traditionally, girls mold their hair into voluminous curly styles for competition or wear curly wigs. Male dancers wear simple dress shirts and slacks.