History of Irish Dancing

Irish dancing has a very long history. Today’s Irish dance competitions (Feisanna’s), date back to about the year 1100.In that time feisanna’s were trade fairs, political gatherings and cultural events. At these events there was music, sports, storytelling, and crafts. People known as step dance masters traveled from town to town and taught Irish dancing. They taught steps that fit traditional 8 bar Irish music. Competitions were held in which demonstrations of steps by masters were done on table tops or small stages. Dancing in limited space was an important aspect of style. Irish dancing developed even more during the war years (1919-1939). There was then an even larger increase after WWII because of higher income levels leading to more leisure time. Irish with higher incomes living in America also had more leisure time and and began dancing in America, leading to the popularity of Irish dance in America. In the 20th century, Irish dance evolved in many ways including costumes, locations of competitions, and dance techniques. Competing dancers began using larger stages and a lot of movement during competition became popular, unlike the dance masters who would dance in small areas. Children are also taught much earlier now and the tradition of teaching mostly boys has changed as many girls now are also taught. Costumes have also changed greatly since the beginnings of Irish dance and are a lot more glamorous now. In the 1800’s the traditional costume for boys was kilts, or pants and for females was peasant dresses. Today boys wear kilts or pants but girls wear elaborately designed dresses of many colors. Dance shoes known as softs or gillies were introduced in 1924. Another form of shoe known as hard shoes had evolved in styles, allowing dancers to “click”, in which they kick they’re legs, hitting they’re heels together and making a clicking sound. The shoes were made with hollow heels and fiberglass tips so the dancer can make more noise while dancing(while dancing hard shoe, being able to hear the steps as they are being done is essential.)