Irish Dance: A Marvelous Dance
Irish step dancing has existed since the 1700’s, over 300 years. Families in Ireland have passed down Irish step dance from generation to generation as a way of preserving their culture. While the meaning of the dance remains the same, the performance and showmanship has changed dramatically. From girls and boys with pale skin and natural hair to girls with fake tanned skin, huge curly wigs, and thousand dollar dresses and boys with fake tanned skin and outlandish outfits. Irish dance has become more of a spectacle—such as “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance.” Those dances are some of the most enjoyable and respected around the world. Over time this type of dance has taken on a life of its own and changed from traditional to modern. Despite the changes, however, this dance has clung to the meaning and history behind each intense movement keeping the tradition alive.
Irish dance has such a strong response from those who are a part of the audience, teaching or dancing. It is so enthralling that in many ways it is sweeping the nations. Through schools where former dancers will teach the new comers and relay the traditions so they wont be lost in the past. This longing has guided the way for many dance schools throughout the world. The diversity of schools and teachers has lead to a more unique kind of dance. The different styles of the teachers and culture bleed through the movements and the school become products for that certain style of movement. On top of the teachers’ styles, every dancer over time creates a rare technique that melds as a whole with the impression of Irish dance. The fact that the dance is so out there and unique has given it a form of popularity in this century.
Numerous people have taken the dance and attempted to improve it with modern aspects. Their efforts are to take the traditional aspect of the dance and