By: Amelia Ekstein Irish Step Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final Project.

Irish Step

By: Amelia EksteinIrish StepAmelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final Project

The Dancers:

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectCollectivelyOriginally the types of dancing would have been group jigs such as:Tree Worship DancesAnimal DancesWork DancesWar DancesCourtship DancesRecreational DancesReligious Origins are unclear but its stated that the very first roots were in Pre-Christian IrelandNo Sexual or sensual connotations. Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectSignificanceWhy is step dance important in culture?ExpressionRightsUse steps in tap dancing and other modern dances

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectCostumes:Male Costumes:Knee BreechesThe Kilt Aran Sweaters (50s & 60s)Jacket (variety of colors)Match socks, ties, and kiltsRiver dances influencedBlack trousers Blouse type shirtsFemale CostumesSpecial dresses (originally)Often a white bawneen with green ribbonsPleated dress Coatee worn over dress and a shawl that is the same color of the dress attached to one shoulder. Can either hang down or be attached to the opposite hip.

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectWhy the Irish Dance the Way They Do:Stories told of why they dance with straight arms and tight torso. Queen of EnglandBehind the counter at the PubDance Masters

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectMusicInstrumentsAccordion Irish HarpFiddle Uilleann Pipe Piano Whistle

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectThe JigSolo DanceCan be performed in different formsSlip or Hop Jig (today only danced by women but used to be danced by men and couples in competitions)Graceful danceSoft shoesRiver DanceSingle Jig, Double Jig, or Heavy JigSingle= Light dancingDouble= light or heavyHeavy=hard shoes to put emphasis on sound and rythm

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectSolo Set DanceHeavy (Hard) ShoesSpecific music and danceDates back to the 19th centurySet dance differs form the ordinary jigTwo parts:The stepThe set: prescribed tune so that the foot work and rhythm of the dance are expected to interpret the tune

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectThe CeilisGroup DancesCompetitions and Social DancesStructured on a few basic steps:Side StepThreesPromenade StepRising Step Rise and GrindRound dances, long line dances and column dances

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final Project

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectOppression or Privilege?British occupation of Ireland during the 18th centuryThe stiff upper body is in honor of the oppression of the Irish culture, in language, dance and song.America todayCompetitions are held and Irish dance is now privilegedFound no oppression today

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectEvolution of Cultural ExpressionsMost recent world championship in Irish Dance was held in America for the first time in Philadelphia in 2009Acculturated: Cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture: a meaning of cultures as a result of prolonged contact. Irish dance before the advent of An Coimisun, was more subdued form of dancing; the emphasis being onPoise, grace and musicality of the steps rather than on speed and complexity of steps and footwork. Movement of the arms is now sometimes incorporated into modern Irish step dance, although this is generally seen as a hybrid and non-traditional addition.Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectThank You!For:Unique styleHistoryPrivilege to learn the DanceMost Irish step dancers are not from Irish decentContributions: Dance MasterLetting us borrow steps to modernize dance

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final ProjectWorks CitedHistory of Irish Step Dancing. Historical Origins Of Irish Step Dancing. Kwintessential. 20 April 2011. Irish Dance. The History of Irish Dance. 20 April 2011. .Jonas, Gerald. Dancing: The Pleasure, Power, and Art of Movement. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc, 1998. Social Irish Dance. 20 April 2011. Whelan, Frank. The Complete Guide to Irish Dance. Belfast, Ireland; Appletontree, 2000.

Amelia Ekstein CIS 1020 Final Project