How to Have Proper Stance in Irish Step Dancing

Ever since Michael Flatley leaped onto the American stage with Riverdance, America has been captivated by the beauty of Irish step dancing. How do all the dancers learn those fast steps, and why does the dance look so different and unusual? A big reason is the stance. Here's how to learn the proper stance for Irish step dancing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Learn the Proper Stance for Arms

1. Note that in Irish step dance, the arms are kept at the sides, out of the way and generally not moving. The main focus is on the footwork. Your arms stay as still as possible during the dance, but not frozen.

2. Make a fist with your hands by closing your fingers over your thumbs.

3. Stretch your arms up and out to get ready, and then bring them down to your sides.

4. Keep your shoulders back and straighten out your elbows.

Learn the Proper Stance for Feet

5. Turn out the feet in a V position to start the dance. The starting position is similar to the footwork of first position in ballet.

6. Choose a foot to start with. Place the heel of your front foot so that it touches the toe of your back foot.

7. Get ready to dance up on your toes, as all Irish step dance happens there.

Resources

• Learn how to Irish step dance with the Expert Village video.
• The Learn to Dance website teaches beginning Irish dance.
• Learn the history of Irish Dance at Ireland's Eye website.