The History of Irish Step Dancing

Riverdance is based on competitive Irish step dancing, which can be traced back to the 1700s. It is often difficult for an audience to resist the tapping feet and the perfect precision of a group of Irish dancers moving in unison.

Early Irish Dance

Although historians believe that dancing has always been a part of Celtic heritage, many early Irish records were destroyed by the various invasions of Ireland. What remains of the historical record shows Irish dancing first described in the mid-16th century. Elizabeth I is said to have been enamored by the jig and her court included Irish dancers.

The Evolution of Irish Step Dancing

The 1700s saw the introduction of the dance master in Ireland. Dance masters were men who traveled throughout Ireland, county by county, teaching young men to dance. The dances they taught were composed of steps. Each step contained a precise sequence of foot and leg movements, leaps and heel clicks, or "battering." These dances were the forerunners of today's Irish step dance.

Back then, though, the step dance was more of a competitive sport, with dancers priding themselves on their ability to dance on small stages such as table tops, half doors removed from their hinges, even pieces of flagstone.

Refinement of Irish Step Dancing

Two events in the 1900s brought about a more formalized style of Irish step dance. The first was the formation of the Gaelic League. This organization was founded to promote the Irish language and culture. With its formation came a renewal of Irish pride and the promotion of Irish dancing.

By the late 1920s, the Irish Dancing Commission was founded, establishing the rules of teaching Irish step dance (style, timing, step construction). Thus, modern Irish step dancing was born.

Irish Step Dance in America

The troubles between the British and the Irish in the mid-18th century, coupled with the great famine, brought a mass exodus of Irish to the shores of America. Many Irish settled in the Appalachians, bringing their music and dance with them. Irish step dancing thus influenced the creation of Appalachian clogging. American tap dancing was also influenced by a combination of African rhythm and Irish percussive foot work.

Twenty-First Century Irish Step Dance

Today, Irish step dance is exemplified by performance troupes such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Michael Flatley's choreography for Riverdance, with its three touring companies, has created dances that weave ancient mythology and Irish history. These dance companies have brought worldwide attention to the beauty and excitement of Irish dance.

References

• Library Ireland
• Irish Step Dance: A Brief History

Resources

• Irish Music and Dance