| Mention Irish dance and most people probably think | | | | Another style of Irish dance is Irish ceili dance or Irish |
| of the formations of groups that dance in complete | | | | social dance. A group of two to 16 people can |
| synchronization such as the famous Riverdance, Lord | | | | perform an Irish ceili dance in a circle or in a long line. |
| of the Dance or other venues where dancers display | | | | Although a ceili is recognized as a social gathering, |
| dancing perfection. Did you know that this is only one | | | | when it is an Irish ceili dance, it is a process where |
| form of Irish dancing that has actually only been | | | | the steps are spoken over the microphone or loudly |
| around since about 1994? It's true. | | | | enough to be heard by the dancers beforehand. This |
| There are many different styles of Irish dancing but | | | | is done for those in the group who may not know |
| for those who are only familiar with Riverdance and | | | | what to do next. |
| others, there is no question that this style of Irish | | | | Anyone can enjoy Irish dance but it takes practice to |
| step dancing is mesmerizing. As groups long enough | | | | memorize the choreographed moves and to learn the |
| to stretch across the entire stage are moving | | | | postures that these dances are famous for. Irish |
| together with combinations of tap the toes, leg | | | | dancing is also a great way to exercise your muscles |
| steps and precise feet gestures, their upper bodies | | | | and get in shape. You may this type of dancing so |
| are kept quite rigid. | | | | addictive that you're Irish dancing whenever you can, |
| This dancing tends to nearly defy logic as the smiling | | | | which is a good thing. |
| faces of the dancers seem to belong on top of | | | | There are many traditions that stand out in Irish |
| another body below the waist. It is important to | | | | dancing from the old-style step dancing to the new |
| understand that you cannot give credit to modern | | | | dance sets that can be witnessed in dancing events |
| dances such as Riverdance without acknowledging | | | | like Lord of the Dance. Whether you want to learn |
| their origins, which are the old-style step dances that | | | | the hard shoe dances or the soft shoe dances, you |
| evolved near the end of the 18th century. | | | | can enjoy some of the wonderful things about this |
| Back during that time, there was a limited amount of | | | | style of dance that calls people back to it again and |
| space in which to dance. This may explain the stiff | | | | again. |
| upper body and the need to make sure that the | | | | Did you know that there can be as many as 36 |
| foot sounds were prominent enough to be heard. | | | | dances in a set? Not for the faint hearted but you |
| Old-style Irish step dancing was based on completing | | | | may be surprised to find the mastery of these steps |
| each dance step with both the right foot and the left | | | | creates desire to learn more! |
| foot but by using the right foot first. | | | | |