Irish dance is based on traditional Irish folk dances and includes the reel, the jig, the hornpipe and the double jig---which includes several different styles such as the Munster style and the Ulster style.
Today, the Irish dance form most widely recognized is step dancing, which can be divided into two categories of social- and performance-based dances. Solo and figure dancing within these two categories define types of Irish dance. Arm movements are kept either completely still or move very little in order to highlight a dancer's self control and discipline.
The costume of an Irish step dancer is particularly important, especially when it comes to the dancer's footwear. A dancer can either wear a hard and heavy shoe or a softer, lighter shoe, depending on the type of dance. Light jigs and light reels are perfect for softer shoes, while the hornpipe and reel sets require a harder shoe. The type of shoe a dancer wears also indicates a certain difficulty level as this form of the dance requires the stomping of feet and keeping time to often intricate or irregular music.
The feiseanna has a rich history steeped in Irish tradition as far back as pagan times, when families, Irish clans and royalty would hold huge festivals that acted as a way to celebrate certain holidays, but were also a way to showcase artwork, dance, theatrical productions and songs. In contemporary American times, the feiseanna centers mostly around Irish dance and acts as a competition as well as a showcase for different competitors in different categories.
Based on an ancient Irish system of governing, the Oirecachtas have come to have a different meaning when it comes to Irish dance. An Oirecachtas is a regional dance competition. Doing well in the regional competition qualifies a dance competitor to compete in the World Irish Dance Competition, known as the Oirecachtas Rince na Cruinne. In North America, there are seven different Oirecachtas. In the United States, the competition regions include New England, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, Southern and Western divisions. Canadian Oirecachtas are divided between Eastern and Western Canada.
Established in New York City March 1964, amid internal disagreements between instructors on style and curriculum, the North American Irish Dancing Teachers Association was formed to create a standard of instruction of the art form as well as rules for judging the competency of teachers and competition judges, the creation of a syllabus, categories based on age level and gender, competition rules and awards. The NAIDTA exists today to uphold these same standards.
James McKenna and Tommy Hill were Irish dancers famous for establishing Irish dance schools in New York in the early half of the 20th century. United States championships in Irish dance began as early as 1927, and James McKenna's students were asked to perform for the 1939/1940 World's Fair in New York. The most recent World Championship in Irish Dance was held in America for the first time and took place in Philadelphia in 2009.
The first television appearance of Irish dance was broadcast on CBS in 1945. In more recent times, Irish dance has reached the popular media through Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" performances. Michael Flatley was the first American to win the World Championship in Irish Dance.