Irish Step Dancing for Beginners: Video Series

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Irish step dance is a type of performance dance that originated in Ireland and has become popular world-wide thanks to exposure granted by Michael Flatley's Riverdance. Characterized by stiffly maintained erect upper body postures and nimble, quick-moving feet, Irish step dance is often performed in group form, displaying a unique form of rhythm, syncopation and talent amongst its dancers. Irish music and its history have inspired many kinds of native dance traditions, but step dancing is one form of expression that has made its way through the years to gain popularity. The two types of Irish step dance (hard shoe and soft shoe) contain a variety of moves ranging in difficulty to very simple to extremely difficult, and they all have traditional Irish names, as well. A step dance performance may contain steps with such names as the “jig”, the “reel”, the “slip jig”, the “corkscrew” and the “hornpipe”.

In this free instructional video dance lesson, our expert dance instructor Alicia Lagan will demonstrate the beginner's reel in Irish step dancing. These dance steps are the basis of Irish step dancing. First you'll learn the 3 steps, 7 steps, and point and toe steps, and then she'll teach you how to combine the moves and try out the footwork with music. Additionally, you will learn a brief history of Irish step dancing and what type of costumes that are traditionally worn by Irish step dancers.