Irish Step Dance

The History of Irish Step Dance

Nothing is more Irish than Irish step dance. With its strength of rhythm and grace in execution, Irish immigrants brought the dance with them wherever they settled, and this includes familiar spots like North America and far off continents like Australia.

The cultural dance of Ireland started with the Celtics, and came along the same time mainstream Christianity was introduced by Saint Patrick during the 5th century. Christian artwork from the late 7th century depicts much of early Irish step dance, including illustrations of the beautifully elaborate costumes still worn today. Many written documentations of the dance steps themselves were destroyed during periods of political unrest, however the Celtics’ rich music and dance traditions continued to be passed down despite these challenges.

Returning to the politics of Ireland, perhaps one of the only reasons Irish step dance survived is thanks to an Anglo-Irish parliament that passed the law that no one other than native Irish were allowed to associate themselves with the unique traits and traditions of the nation. For this reason, dance was isolated as a special and cherished activity, and the Irish were still able to celebrate no matter what the climate of their government.

The first dances were officially documented during the 1500s. These included both jigs and partner dances. Much of the dancing also involved a series of steps, each representing eight bars of music. Thus, Irish step dance was born. Soon schools of dance were erected all over the country, and teachers were paid well and provided with room and board for their services. Step dancing even took on the form of a contest for the first time during the 1800s, where dancers competed for a cake prize. The local religious rulers often tried to ban dance from Ireland, but they were obviously unsuccessful as Irish dance continues to thrive today.

Steps Into Today

Rising up from its ancient roots, modern Irish step dance started shortly before the turn of the century. Step dance performances were moved to more sophisticated venues such as theatres or outdoor stages, and official competitions were formed. Today, Irish dancers are encouraged to utilize all space of a stage, while in prior centuries this was discouraged due to a lack of ample room to dance. The roomy performing arts venues of today have also opened doors to difficult, more impressive looking steps, such as flying jumps.

Irish step dance has also changed the way it trains dancers. Many start out much younger than what was previously considered acceptable. Also, a dance tradition that was once predominantly male is now almost exclusively female, including solo performances which were extremely rare until during and after the 1920s. The style of dance itself has also evolved, as modern day Irish step dance involves stiff and precise movements. Before this development, many dancers were more relaxed and daringly carefree. Many Irish historians argue that the evolution into stiffer arms and legs came out of Catholic church demands, as an attempt to maintain modesty.

Costuming

Irish step dance has long been recognized for its beautifully elaborate dance costumes. Many today follow the traditional Irish colors of green and white, And embroidery has increased in intricacy. Many of the designs found on a step dancer’s dress is derivative of Irish culture, such as Celtic crosses and other patterns symbolizing mankind and the afterlife. Special soft shoes are also worn, while early dancers were usually barefoot. Most of today’s shoes involve an adapted tap on the toe and heel, providing an audience with distinctive clicking sounds that bring wonderfully rhythmic percussion to a dancer’s movements.

Irish step dance is now performed internationally, and both children and adults participate in various competitions and ethnic festivals year after year. It continues to grow in popularity, making it one of today’s most desirable forms of movement.