When it comes to culture in Ireland, one thing stands out amongst all the rest and that is Irish dancing. This isn’t to say that Irish dancing is more popular than hurling, Gaelic football, and Irish music. However, it is something that most everyone in Ireland knows how to do.
Irish dancing was introduced by the Celts, who were the people who lived on this island before people from other parts of the world arrived. At that time, it was not known as Irish dancing, but a folk dance with similar formations that acted as a religious ritual. All the dancing that was done was to music and while the dancing was usually performed for religious celebrations, you would also see it during many other special occasions.
Years later, the Normans arrived in Ireland and they had their own dance, which was the Carol. The Carol involved dancers in a circle around a singer and they danced all around that person. Three more dances evolved from those original two and they were the Trenchmore, Irish Hey, and Rinnce Fada.
Around the 18th century, Irish dancing evolved to the types of Irish dancing we all know today. By the end of the 19th century, there were rules for Irish dancing, lessons, and even competitions.
The different types of Irish dances you will see today include traditional sets, hornpipe, treble reel, light reel, Treble jig, single jig, slip jig, and light jig. Depending on the dance, the dancers will wear either a hard or soft shoe.
If you have always wanted to learn how to do an Irish dance, the best place to do so is over in Ireland. There are many schools over there where you can take a class during your visit or you can head to a local pub and see if someone will teach you.
Of course, if you have no interest in Irish dancing yourself, but want to see a performance, you can grab tickets to any of the venues that offer Irish dancing performers around the country or stop in at one of the local pubs for a chance to see locals enjoying the music and dance.
There are so many ways to appreciate Irish dancing when you are in Ireland, but you need to be there first! Call me today and we will get an itinerary planned just for you.
