Identify Irish Step Dance is a percussive style of dance that comes from traditional Irish dance. It has fast paced intricate foot work with a ridged upper body. Riverdance is a performance of Irish Step Dancing that really got Irish Step Dancing recognized by the world. When, Where, Who, and How Irish Step Dancing originated around 1750 by dance masters from the counties Kerry, Cork, and Limerick. Dance masters created their own steps derived from traditional irish dances that were modified over time. History Irish Step Dancing started around 1750, when the appearance of dance masters came about. Dance Masters would travel from town to town teaching their dances to people that were interested and that could pay for it. They would teach in barns, kitchens, crossroads, and hedge schools. These teachings went on in secret due to Penal Laws that were enacted in the late 17th century. The English were determined to suppress Irish culture and abolish Christianity so these laws banned the education of catholic children, which was why the Irish created hedge schools. The Dance Masters would start with dances like the Reel and the Jig. Each dance master had his own collection of dance steps and would also create their own over time, which lead to Step Dancing. 8 measures or bars or music is one step, thus the name “Step Dancing”. Often competitions were held where Dance masters would show off there steps and perform on small areas like a table top, top of a barrel, or a small stage. Dancing in these small areas showed great talent. The greater number of steps that were preformed or known the more respect a dance master received. Some Dance Masters would even compete at Feisianna, which was a combination of a trade fair, political gath... ... middle of paper ... ...top of a barrel or even a soapy table top! As the Penal laws started to lighten the stages increased in size. Nowadays competitions are held on huge stages that allow for large groups and bigger more elaborate steps such as flying jumps. Benefits Irish Dancing provides physical benefits such as increased stamina, core strength, and general overall fitness. It will also improve balance, posture and coordination, as well as promote flexibility and increased muscle strength. Mental benefits include learning to listen, following directions and memory building. Irish Dancing also promotes self-confidence and self-esteem, while instilling a sense of good sportsmanship, both in winning and losing. In addition, Irish dancing provides the opportunity to learn teamwork and develop team spirit, as well as the importance of dedication, perseverance and good, healthy habits.
The Waltz isn’t a new dance but the dance had evolved from what it was in the past and became less directional. The dance was meant to be a slower dance than all the popular dances of the 1920s and it was more passionate and romantic. The most popular ballroom dance style was the Foxtrot and it just so happened that it was the easiest dance also. This dance consisted of smooth walking and could be danced to both fast and slow jazz tempos making it easy to transition between the two whenever the music switches up. The Foxtrot can be danced with simple steps if that was how the person felt was better or it could be danced with a series of complex steps meaning that it was a customizable dance. The Tango is another popular ballroom dance and came from Argentina. It’s popularity skyrocketed after “Rudolf Valentino performed it for a movie named Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”(Nelson). The Tango arrived to the dance scene earlier than all the other dances, making its first appearance in 1912. The Tango was a passionate dance meant to be danced with a partner and the steps had a distinct vibe that added a sense of drama to the dance.There were also other popular mentions: The Shimmy which was banned from most dance halls because of its impurity and was also known in gypsy dances, The Black Bottom which eventually beat the Charleston and became the number
A club known as the Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers possibly began this trend in 1935 when they formed their group of 12 dancers (Swingin’). This group of dancers began, and performed the majority of their lifetime as a group in the Savoy Ballroom. They created the Lindy Hop quite simply, using movements from the Charleston as well as basic tap movements. And because of their dance, they had the opportunity to perform both on Broadway, and even in some movies. First, two partners would dance around together in various ways. Then, the man would complete a series of lifts with the girl, usually ending with them apart. Finally, a section of solo footwork would occur to bring the couple back
New Dance is described as a developing art form; this dance was articulated in the early 20th century. According to Chapter 8 in History of Dance book, “the new dance emerged as a response to the ballet that populated the variety shows and music halls, which had a rigid formula of steps and poses” (Kassing). The New Dance was a product of several strands that interlaced together dancers’ studies and backgrounds; these strands and others were woven together in a historical, political, and societal framework. For instance, one strand of New Dance consisted of the concepts, techniques, costumes, and stage settings from around the world. These strands influenced major dancers and choreographers, such as, Isadora Duncan, Loie Fuller, Ruth St. Denis, and Ted Shawn.
Dance today is completely different from what it was like during the Renaissance. Steps and movements were much more simple than what choreography is today. Performances were at courts, provinces, bourgeois houses and marketplaces (Mccowan 1) instead of on a stage or in auditoriums that were invented later by Italian set designers (Homans, 11). Dance studios, as the world knows them today, would not exist without the influence of the renaissance kings and queens.
Many Historians say that Isadora Duncan was the first dancer to present “modern dancing” to the public. Duncan felt that the pointe shoes and costumes that ballerinas wore were to restrictive. She began to dance in a way that seemed to be more natural to her. Her inspirations came from the movements of the tress, the ocean and other forms from nature. Her techniques included hopping, swaying, skipping and running. She felt these type of movements were natural and expressive. Also, the history of the Greeks
What I first heard in “Cherokee/Creek Stomp Dance” was splashing of what seemed to be water. Then what followed were long shouts that seemed to form a rhythm, and children's laughing as well. The caller’s shouts were then repeated by another group in a noticeably lower tone. This recording of the song implies that there is a large gathering of all ages. Such as the African spiritual “Sheep, Sheep, Don’t You Know the Road,” there is “call-and-response singing.” This is because, they both have origins in the Southeast United States. One major difference, however, is that unlike the African spiritual where the response group sang different lyrics from the caller, this American Indian ceremonial song has the response group exactly repeating the
Ballet, a form of dance has been around for many years and did not start in America. Ballet has made its mark around the globe and many have and still are enjoying the art and entertainment that the ballet brings. Ballet is known as being the “core” of the other forms of dance as in modern, contemporary and even hip hop. People enjoy the form of dance on an everyday basis at family functions, parties and even just being home alone and many do not know that the dances they particularly like all originated from ballet. The history of ballet has been put into nine well defined sections the Renaissance Period, the Baroque Period, the Classical Period, the Pre-Romantic Period, Romantic Era, the Russian Classics, the Ballet Ruses, Ballet in Europe
Breakdancing was born as a result of the song “Get on the Good Foot” by James Brown when it was featured on television. People would attempt to copy his moves in their living rooms. Clive Campbell, or more famously known as DJ Kool Herc, is credited with evolving breakdancing. Breakdancing started with fancy footwork and intricate tricks such as head spinning. Breakdancing became popular in dance and disco clubs. As breakdancing further evolved, there was the addition of groundwork with moves like handgliding, windmilling, and headspinning. This addition of groundwork helped shape what we know breakdancing to be today (Bedinghaus).
Irish Dance has played a large role in defining my identity from a very early age. Not only does it serve as a connection to my Irish heritage, but it also serves as a connection between my mother and I since she has been my teacher since I was four years old. This is something that I have always cherished because dance is a common ground for us, regardless of other issues that may be happening in either one of our personal lives. Similarly, dance has also been one of the only constants in my life. Whenever I have had problems with family, friends, or school, I have turned to dance as an outlet through which to relieve my stress and be creative. Because of this, I consider Irish dance my passion and know that I want to be involved in it for
This source is reliable because the author, Catherine Foley, is course director of the M.A. in Ethnochoreology and director of the M.A. in Irish Traditional Dance Performance at the Irish World Music Center, University of Limerick in Ireland. She also holds a Ph.D. from the London Center for Movement and Dance in London and has performed as an Irish dancer for about thirty-five years and is a registered Irish dance teacher. This source is biased, and shows the authors love for Irish dance. The main objective of the article is to show that Irish dancing is more than just an art form,it is a representation of Ireland, and the spread of Irish dancing throughout the
The origin of Mexican Folklorico dances originate from Mesoamerican days when the Mayas and the Aztecs
Traditional music and dance in Ireland have strongly survived throughout the years. Music in Ireland today has not strayed too far from that of the mid twentieth century’s music. Think back to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Even though the year is 2014, men are wearing kilts playing old-style Irish instruments to the songs of the Irish as they are led by the young women wearing brightly colored costumes and dancing the Irish step dance. One can hear the rich sounds of the bagpipe, the beating of the drums and the sharp, up beating sounds of the fiddle as they parade past. Add something!
Throughout the history of Ireland, there have been numerous monumental occurrences that have shaped and influenced the culture and heritage of what is now modern Ireland. Perhaps one of the more artistic forms is dance. Initially, Irish dance was a part of religious rituals, but later on, expanded its reach to several different kinds of celebrations. Irish dancing is a prime part of Ireland's heritage and culture. A Feis was a big celebration held by Celtic communities where culture and music were shared and politics, trade, and storytelling took place. Dancing was a fundamental part of the Feis and although feiseanna are still held today, they are mostly just to showcase Irish dancing and music. Despite this, the costumes worn by Irish dancers
Like many Indian arts, Indian dance also has its root in religion. Without the religious and cultural background of India, the growth and beauty of Indian dance is not possible. In ‘Natya Shastra’, there is a small story about the origin of Indian dance. According to Hindu mythology, dance first existed in heaven. There was always a constant conflict between the Asuras and the Devas for wealth and power. The Devas were tired of the Asuras’ greediness and jealousy.
Dance is an ancient human practice, however the earliest record of human dance remains a mystery. By