2. A Brief History – a social dance Folk dances have been present in Ireland for centuries Influenced over the years by invaders, such as the Celts, Vikings and Normans Performed in groups - social Céilí – dance and music
3. Performance dance Can be danced as a solo/group to an audience Developed in Ireland in mid-18th century by the dance masters This tradition lasted until the early 20th century – dance masters had embellished, refined and standardised many dance steps and dances During this period, the step dance was created
4. Step dance Greatly popularised by Riverdance, first performed in 1994 during the interval of the Eurovision Song Contest Drew attention to Irish dancing 1995 Riverdanceshow opened in Dublin and now tours throughout Europe and to New York
5. What does the dance look like? Click here to view Riverdanceon YouTube Intricate footwork Movement from upper body or arms is limited Upper body straight and unmoving, arms hanging down on either side Fast, energetic steps Steps might involve step, hop, kick, jump and cross their legs
6. Musical Characteristics Both lively dances Reel = simple time 2/4, 4/4 or 2/2 Jig = compound time 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8 Both 2 in a bar feel Fast constant quaver movement with a few longer or shorter notes thrown in (eg. crotchets, triplets and semiquavers) Melodies often move in small intervals – lots of 2nds and 3rds 4ths and 5ths also used to give the music a traditional Irish feel
7. Music Characteristics ctd... Light, bouncy feel to music (like the dance) Binary (AB) form, each section lasting 4 8 bars. AABB is usually the overall form Ornamentation of melody (usually added in by performer, not written in) Simple harmony (usually tonic and dominant chords) Major or minor (also modal and pentatonic pieces)
8. ...ctd Unaccompanied solo melody. Traditional jigs and reels are performed by a solo instrumentalist but there are also many ensembles that perform with an accompaniment
9. Instruments Violin (fiddle) Flute Tin whistle Accordion Bodhran Uilleann pipes (similar to bagpipes but much quieter)
