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Types of Dances
The four types of Irish music and associated dances are the jig, reel, hornpipe, and set dances. There are several main Irish step dances. They are the reel, the light jig, the heavy jig, the single jig, and the hornpipe.
There are two distinctive forms of Irish dancing. They are solo dancing, and figure dancing. To demonstrate control and grace, arm movements are restricted when dancing.
Jig and Reel Some examples of the jig are the light jig, heavy jig, slip jig, hop jig, and triple jig. The light jig is the fastest. The dancers feet rarely leave the floor higher than 12 inches, and for each bar of music, the action is repeated three times. The dancer wears heavy shoes when performing the heavy jig, and there is much loud stomping. The slip jig with its combination of grace and power is danced in 9/8 time, and is so unique as to be called the ballet of Irish dance. Jigs are danced as solos by man or woman, by two men, two women, a couple, two men and a woman, two three four or eight couples. Inset dances are where couples dance, and the steps are simpler than in solo work. And the timing is simpler in set dances. Danced on the flats of feet and usually performed by four couples, set dances are usually arranged on the sides of a square. Later, they are arranged into figures numbering 2 to 9. But usually 5 or 6. Leaps and traveling movements are usually avoided in this type of dance. The jig and the reel have a lot in common. Enough so that the jig and reel can be danced to each other’s music with minor changes to the rhythm. The reel is made up by speedy gliding movements that are silent, but the reel is less graceful and smoother than the light jig, and the single jig. The reel is also the first Irish dance learned by beginning students. |
Step Dance |
Set Dancing Irish set dances came from the French around 1816 by soldiers returning home from the Napoleonic Wars. Set dances can be broken down into steps, and figures. These figures can range in number anywhere from 2 to 9. |
Horn pipe With its upbeat rhythm and danced in 2/4 time, it is the most energetic of the Irish hard shoe dances. The difference of the Irish jig and the horn pipe is small. The horn pipe contains more clogging than the jig. The two kinds of styles of hornpipe, women tend to dance the hornpipe, and leave the more difficult hornpipe to the men. This is because the double hornpipe contains much drumming and grinding that is very difficult. |
Ceili Dance Ceili or figure dances were originally danced at house dances. They range in the number of participants (2 hands, 4 hands, 6 hands, 8 hands, 16 hands, or more). The majority of the dances are danced in jig (6/8) or reel (4/4) time. Today they are primarily danced in competition. |
Irish Sean-no Sean-no dance comes from Connemara and is mostly danced to reels. It is highly improvisational, low to the ground and rhythmic. : |
Seven Steps: Side step in reel
The seven steps are the basic steps which need to be mastered before dancing a reel. For the beginner, it is important to stand with the weight comfortably balanced on both feet. The routines below incorporate the seven steps and two short threes, where the dancer quickly repeats three steps.
1. Stand center stage. |
4-11. With right foot pointed out front, move from center to right side of stage for seven steps. Lead with right foot and follow with left foot. |
17. Hop onto knee, raising left foot up to right knee. |
17. Hop onto knee, raising left foot up to right knee. |
27. After seventh step, lift left foot with knee bent. |
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The Rising Step: Side step in Jig |
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1. Hop on left foot while raising right foot in front with toe pointed. |
4. Hop on right foot while bringing left foot behind. |
7. Place left foot behind right while raising right foot. |
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