im pretty sure that when ireland was under brittish rule they were not allowed to dance, they would dance under the table moving just their legs so the brittish wouldnt know they were dancing, now it is tradition, in many true irish restarunts the windows dont start till … Specifically the Stillson School of Irish Dance, Maine USA. Perhaps it was the church, as stated in the previous theory that was responsible for this? Others put their arms slightly behind their backs so their hands are hidden. in jail, they would dance to keep from going insane. So, they would make large circles of people and dancers would dance in the middle of the circle. The advent of Irish dance competition turned the Gaelic revival of the 1890's also impacted arm movements in Irish dance. In other forms of Irish dancing like Sean Nos, Ceilí and Set Dancing, the arms are free to move as much as the dancer likes. Before, the arms were more relaxed and were even placed on the hips. Lots of Irish children learn early on that they can still dance with broken arms, it just looks kind of silly. It was fascinating - very clever and entertaining. Good luck to all those step dancers who practise so hard and give enjoyment to audiences in Ireland and in other countries. The other day I saw some Irish step dancing. Discover (and save!) Unlike the Hollywood-style dances of Riverdance, Quinn says traditional Irish dancers hold their arms straight at their sides. The Irish responded, so the theory goes, by keeping their arms still so the British would not be able to tell they were dancing if they say them through the windows of a country house, behind a hedge or behind the bar in a pub. It's a great idea really. 197 Likes, 5 Comments - The Trinity Irish Dancers (@trinityirishdancers) on Instagram: “Ever wonder why Irish dancers dance with their arms down?? First and foremost, the dancing could not be suggestive. Well, the simple answer is that they don’t, at least, not for most Irish dancing. However we came to dance with our arms straight, it remains today, and helps make traditional Irish dance so distinctive in a world where no other form of dance expects perfect balance without the use of the arms. They therefore made their students dance with their arms in a fixed position, … Some dancers keep their arms directly at their sides. This doesn’t seem too likely though does it? The dancers had to keep their backs straight, their arms down and the smile was taken off the face. Old-style step dancers dance with arms loosely (but not rigidly) at their sides. Irish dancers keep their arms straight down because back then, people would put the Irish in jail. “One theory is that, when the English came into Ireland the Irish weren’t allowed to do their dance. It is quite possible that this event actually happened. The British tried to establish control by attempting to stamp out aspects of Irish culture and identity, including traditional songs and dance. And even in Step Dancing, mainly under the influence of Michael Flatley’s Riverdance, the old convention has been relaxed and we now see more use of the arms. The dancers had to keep their backs straight, their arms down and the smile was taken off the face. The truth is that no one knows for certain what the real answer is but here we take a look at the various theories behind this distinctive feature of Irish dance.. But that didn't stop the Irish from dancing indoors right under the noses of any Brit walking by. Sometime in that decade or the one following, a dance teacher had his students compete with arms held firmly down to their sides, hands in fists, to call more attention to the intricacy of the steps. To ensure there was no chance of any sneaky canoodling going on, … Like this article? Irish dancers keep their arms straight down because back then, people would put the Irish in jail. Put your hands into fists, but be careful not to clench them -- you don't want to tense up. These dancers had no choice but to dance for the Queen, so the stiff arms was their way of showing their fellow countrymen that they didn’t want to do it and weren’t enjoying the experience. Back in the "old" days, when men used to wear swords around their waists, they would have to clamp their arms down at their sides (over the sword) to prevent it from swinging around and causing damage while they were dancing. The most believable theory, which is supported by many historians of Irish dance, is that the Dance Masters of the 18th century were responsible. It's actually quite difficult to keep one's arms still while moving one's feet so quickly. One such theory is that, during English occupation of Ireland the Irish dancers refused to use their arms as a way to protest the England’s suppression of Irish culture. Share it with your Facebook friends. The mystery of what Maureen O’Hara whispered to make John Wayne look so shocked, Meghan Markle can trace her family tree back to Ireland, Matt Damon winning hearts and minds with charm assault on Ireland, Cork trio perform best Irish dance video of the year, Action hero Tom Cruise was once attacked by an old man in a Kerry pub, Liam Neeson speaks about his late wife in emotional interview, Dating site explains why Irish men make wonderful husband material, Billy Connolly says public should ignore politicians and listen to comedians, Take a look inside Hollywood star Saoirse Ronan’s stunning Irish home. Also, when royalty arrived in Ireland they were greeted at the shore by Irish dancers. Could someone please explain why they do this? Sometime in that decade or the one following, a dance teacher had his students compete with arms held firmly down to their sides, hands in fists, to call more attention to the intricacy of the steps. They therefore made their students dance with their arms in a fixed position, holding a stone on the hand to keep them in a fist.”. There is an emphasis on making percussive sound with the … Telephone: 020 8902 0150. The concept is that if you can't move your arms, you can't lift a beer mug or throw punches. They dance in a limited space. made as part of a competition for rte dance on the box in march 2005.it was overall winner with 3 other films. Other teachers and dancers quickly followed the new trend. According Irish dance teacher Antonio Pacelli, it’s all down to the kind of style preferred by the dance teachers of the 18th century. One such story claims that dancing was banned by the English or by the Clergy so the Irish confined their dancing to indoors (or behind hedges) and kept their arms down by their sides so that people walking by couldn't tell they were dancing. Turn up that volume and listen closely…” When children are born in Ireland, they break their arms so that they hang limp to their sides. your own Pins on Pinterest Three Irish islands up for sale, could you live in a place like this? They are supposed to be very stiff at their sides, in contrast to their feet tht are moving very fast. That it had something to do with swords. A ceili dance may be performed with only two people, or as many as 16. Innova Irish Dance company impress the Judges with their jigging to chart topping tracks. One possible explanation that is often quoted is that it’s down to the power of the Catholic Church, which exerted so much control over Irish life right up until the 1970s. These dancers refused to raise their arms to her, and kept them rigidly by their sides as they danced out of defiance, and possibly to show they were not enjoying themselves as they danced for her and the English. This must have happened a really really long time ago, since dance has been around forever! Dancing in a limited area contributed to the arms being kept down by the side and the focus being maintained primarily on the footwork. One of the main features of Irish dancing is the way dancers maintain a rigid upper body and keep their arms by their side whilst dancing. Perhaps less plausible is the theory that it dates from the days when Ireland was constantly rebelling against British rule. In traditional dances, arms should be firmly at your sides — it’s what makes Irish dancing so recognizable. But yes, traditional and purist Step Dancing, as still taught by Irish dance schools across the world, still requires the arms to be kept still. It’s only in Step Dancing that performers are expected to maintain the stiff-arm approach. There is no definitive answer to explain why Irish dancers do not use their arms while they dance but there are hundreds of stories and theories passed down to try to explain. Ceili Irish dancing closely resembles Irish step-dancing, with dancers performing on their toes. made by zanita films and Ardmore studios Edwina Guckian - … hope you like the explanation! One story is that a group of Irish dancers were brought to dance for the Queen. Ceili Irish dancing can be performed in lines facing each other, circular formations, long line formations, and quadrilles. Why do Irish dancers always dance with arms straight by their sides? Mar 18, 2017 - Here is one theory on why Irish step dancers do not move their arms. Those of natural-looking, synthetic fibers might cost more than $100. Some say that stiff arms were less provocative, and others say that the Church was trying to increase the dancer's self control. Check out your local Irish dance school. You’d have to be a very short-sighted soldier not to realise that that all that bobbing up and down on the spot amounted to some form of dancing. Feb 12, 2012 - This Pin was discovered by Kim Adams-Plehal. But there were a few stipulations. Some wigs arrive styled and trimmed, but others are … Email: [email protected]. Keep your arms straight and at your sides. She reportedly enjoyed Irish jigs, and it is known that dances of Irish origin were danced in her courts. Other stories relating to the English tell how the Irish would go into pubs, and dance behind the bar with their upper body straight so that the English would not be able to tell they were dancing. The dancers may have been called to the courts for her entertainment. 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