Cultural Dance: Irish
By: Sonia Mendez, Evelyn Romo, Marcelo Rocha, Elizabeth Hdz.
History
- During the mid sixteenth century, dances were performed in the great halls of the newly built castles
- Some of the dances were adapted by the sixteenth century English invaders and brought to the court of Queen Elizabeth
Characteristics of Irish Dancing
- The dance we displayed is known as Irish step dancing, or riverdancing
- There are many different forms of step dancing, but the most common is the Munster.
- This style of dance is primarily done in folk festivals, although the style is beginning to be introduced more widely.
Irish Set Dancing vs Sean-nos Dancing
- Adapted from French quadrilles
- Danced in square sets of four people
- Consists of several "figures"
- Each part of the set dance is danced to a certain tempo
- the sets come from parts of Ireland and are named after their place of origin
Sean-nos Dancing
- Similar, yet distinct from, old-style step dancing
- A "percussive"