Irish Dance Classes

Irish dance is a set of dances that hail from Ireland. They have gained much popularity in recent decades with such performances as Michael Flatley who brought Irish step dancing to a worldwide audience. The dances can be put into two categories: social dance and performance dance. Social dances consist of set dances and ceili and set dances. Social dance is a tradition and variations of the dances can be found all across the community. The standardization of the dances is fairly loose since there is still community interpretation and choreography going on.

In the social forms of Irish dance are ceili dances. These are well known all over the world. Groups varying from one couple to many couples in a long line that goes in a circle. These are fast and complex dances that are often called so that newcomers are aware of what they need to do next. But those familiar with the dance already know what steps are coming. Music is made by traditional Irish instruments such as a harp or drum. These dances are a favorite at social gatherings and festivals and have been for a very long time.

Irish dance in the social category also includes set dancing. This is based upon quadrilles with four couples. These dances are characterized by how the steps are articulated. They are not stepped or hopped but glided. The feet are flat on the floor and slide along the floor in order to move. A set dance is broken down into figures. Each figure is danced to the same tempo but may be differing music such as hornpipes, slides, jigs, reels, and polkas. The figures come from different regions of Ireland and usually are named for the region from which they came.

Stepdance is the last form of Irish dance. Today it has been modified from the original old style step dance. The most popular and well known form of stepdance is the Munster which comes from southern Ireland. It has been standardized by the Irish Dancing Commission. Stepdance is mostly done in competitive scenarios or formal performances. This is the style that was made popular by the 'lord of the dance'. Old style step dance is the least well known of all Irish dancing but is beginning to gain momentum. It is composed of two forms old style and Sean-nos stepdancing. All stepdancing is loud. Emphasis is put upon making as much noise as possible.