Routines
Irish dancing is divided into three main categories: set routines, social or ceili routines, and step routines. There is some minimal upper body movement, but the rest of the movement is slow and precise, with specific and numerous steps that must be completed.
This was mostly due to the fact that prior to the 18th century, local pubs and barn dances tended to be very small in both size and capacity, resulting in little room for movement or dancing all over the floor.
Irish dances, including Ceili routines, were the most popular, and a standard feature of every social occasion. There are usually at least two people, and the number can range from two to sixteen. There are choreographed dance routines predicated on the French quadrille music and dance, also known as “squares” of four couples who perform various moves throughout the song, which are then repeated during the performance. Besides these additional steps, such as swapping sides and swapping partners, the routine can quickly become quite disorganized if you don't know what you're doing.
In this instance, "step routines" are derived from the traditional Sean Nós style of dancing, and they are the mainstay Irish dancing style chosen by the Irish Dancing Commission. In this choreography, each phase is danced twice, first with each foot, and then with arms held more loosely than in other dance styles. Percussive sounds are created by hitting various surfaces with the feet to enhance the beat of the music. These dances used to be executed on the upper end of storage tanks or tables during the 18th century.
Music
Traditionally, Irish dancing was typically accompanied by a harp, bagpipe, or simply singing. However, as the dances became more difficult, so did the tunes. Like there are a lot of different choreography and dance routines, there are also a range of different music and instruments. Goatskin bodhran, concertina, uilleann pipes are a few typical Irish instruments (Irish bagpipes). A solo equipment will frequently accompany solo dancers when they dance on stage.
Costumes
For foreign Irish dancing tournaments and showcases, ornate and flashy costumes are more common, but in both modern and traditional Irish dancing, more conservative and flexible attire is worn. Regardless of the type of dance, shoes come in hard or soft. The hard shoes have fiberglass tips and heels, while soft boots are generally leather lace-ups known as ghillies. Reel shoes, also known as “soft shoes,” have a hard heel, but instead of the noise that comes from hard shoes, they make sounds only to a minor degree.
Generally, male dancers wear a shirt, vest, and tie while wearing dark trousers. Female dancers, on the other hand, wear special designed dresses. Every Irish dancing education system has their own uniform which is distinctive to the school. Dresses fall between the knee and mid-calf, and they are traditionally pleated and have long sleeves, with an intricate Celtic design or embellishment somewhere on the chest and back.
Previously, women had to wear ringlets or hairpieces, but this is starting to fade away. Over the last few decades, outfits are becoming more and more versatile and breathable, especially when it comes to dress construction and ornamentation. For competitions, people were more likely to see dancers wearing dresses with hair that is straight and simple. This ensures that the dancer's footwork and movement is the primary focus.
In the end, no matter what type of dance we choose from the variety that we have as Irish people, or whatever costume that we deem worthy of dancing in, we all share one goal and that is to dance for what we believe in. Our culture and heritage has safeguarded these routines and steps that have been passed on to our generation, let’s not forget our roots and continuously dance our worries away.
The best part about our Irish culture is that these values and beliefs are now embedded in jewelry too. Imagine dancing to the beat of our ancestors while we are adorned with subtle yet elegant Celtic pieces.
Visit our store today and at Celtic Knot Jewelry & Co. Dance like nobody’s watching and sparkle like the bright Irish beauty you have within.
If there are other Irish dances and routines that we may have missed, feel free to comment down below and we would love to learn and further expound our knowledge on our rich heritage.
