The Celts settled in Ireland more than 2,000 years ago and brought their many native folk dances with them. In 1169, England invaded the land, conquered the Celts and controlled Ireland for the next 400 years. In 1750 Ireland became a British colony and endured years of rigid oppression by the British government.
This interaction with other cultures influenced the Irish, who adapted dance movements from both the British and the French and set them to traditional Irish music. After the Catholic Church in Ireland banned dancing in the mid 1700s, the Irish continued to dance, but had to do so in secrecy. Quite often, the stage that was available to them was very small, so the dancers had to remain fairly stiff and stationary. Irish step dancing was born.
Irish step dancing received its name because the dance sequences are done within eight bars of music that was called a step.
The jig is probably the most well-known Irish step dance. It is performed either solo or in a group to music with a 6/8 time signature. There are also variations of the jig called the light jig, treble jig and slip jig.
Although the reel originated in Scotland, it was adapted by the Irish into the dance that is known today. It is a more quick-moving dance than the jig, and is executed in 4/4 time.
The hornpipe has its origins in a traditional English dance. It is also performed in 4/4 time, but has a clear triple rhythm in the music.
Irish step dancing is taught in Irish dance schools all over the world. In the United States, the classes normally follow an academic calendar, beginning in September and running until May or June. You can find information about local schools in the newspaper or online.
Before you select a school, you should decide whether you want to dance recreationally or enter competitions. If you want to compete, you must make sure that the teacher is ADCRG or TCRG accredited. Competitions are usually held in the summer at a number of outdoor feis, the traditional Irish festivals.
Each Irish dancing school has its own dance costume. The girls wear a heavy wool dress with a satin lining, tights, a cape worn in the back and a traditional brooch. Boys normally wear kilts, white shirts and ties with a drape of traditional fabric on the back. Traditional brooches are worn on the kilts.
When you begin lessons, you will be a Novice. Over time, you will become a Primary, Intermediate and finally an Open. Once you have received the Open designation, you will be allowed to design and create your own dance costume.
There are two types of black shoes you will need: hard and soft. The hard shoes are heavy leather shoes similar to tap shoes with a coating of resin on the sole near the toe and heel. The soft shoes are similar to ballet shoes, except they are black.