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Irish Dance Group - Irish Step Dancing (Riverdance) 2009

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The roots of Irish dance can be traced back to pre-Christian Ireland, with evidence of dance in ancient Celtic rituals and celebrations.

Influence of Religion: With the arrival of Christianity, certain dance forms were incorporated into religious ceremonies and festivals. Dance became a way to celebrate and express joy during religious holidays.

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1. Solo Step Dancing: Solo step dancing is a distinctive form of Irish dance characterized by rapid footwork and an upright upper body. Dancers typically perform in a stationary position, with arms at their sides. This style gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries.

2. Group Dances: Ceili dances involve group formations and are often performed at social events. Set dances, which have specific formations and patterns, are another form of group dance. Both Ceili and set dances have roots in traditional community gatherings.

3. Competitive Irish Dance: Competitive Irish dance as we know it today has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Competitions became organized, and a standardized form of Irish dance emerged. This led to the development of the distinctive costumes and the strict posture seen in competitive Irish step dancing.

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1. Traditional Attire: Historically, Irish dancers wore everyday clothing while dancing. However, as competitive dancing became more formalized, dancers began to wear costumes that reflected Irish culture, such as dresses with Celtic knotwork designs and specific colors.

2. Wigs and Shoes: Female dancers often wear wigs or use curled hairpieces, and both male and female dancers wear specialized shoes. The most recognizable are the "hard shoes" with fiberglass tips for creating the distinct percussive sound associated with Irish dance.

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The hard shoes

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1. Early Traditions: Irish music has ancient roots, with evidence of traditional tunes dating back centuries. The influence of Celtic and Gaelic cultures is evident in the melodic and rhythmic characteristics of early Irish music.

2. Influence of Christianity: With the arrival of Christianity, monastic communities played a crucial role in preserving and developing musical traditions. Manuscripts like the 9th-century "Antiphonary of Bangor" contain early examples of musical notation.

3. Folk Tradition: The oral tradition is fundamental to Irish music. Many tunes and songs were passed down through generations without the aid of written notation, relying on the skill of musicians and the strength of community memory.

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1. Sean Nós (Old Style) Singing: This is a traditional style of unaccompanied singing that emphasizes ornamentation, melodic variation, and a deep connection to the Irish language. It is often performed in a highly individualistic and expressive manner.

2. Ballads and Storytelling: Irish music often tells stories, whether through instrumental tunes or lyrical ballads. Historical events, mythological tales, and everyday life are common themes.

3. Session Music: The tradition of informal music sessions is vital to Irish music. Musicians gather in pubs or homes to play tunes together, sharing and learning from one another. The spontaneity and creativity of these sessions contribute to the living nature of Irish music.

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Tin Whistle or penny whistle, is a simple, six-holed flute-like instrument that's accessible to beginners and central to Irish music.

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Bodhrán is a frame drum played with a double-headed stick called a tipper. It provides the rhythmic foundation in many Irish tunes.

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Accordion and Concertina. Both accordion and concertina are popular in Irish music, contributing to melody and harmony. The button accordion and Anglo-German concertina are common variations.

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The fiddle is a prominent instrument, known for its expressive qualities. Fiddlers often employ ornamentation and distinct bowing techniques.

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Uilleann Pipes are a set of bagpipes unique to Ireland. They are known for their melodic and harmonic capabilities and are played while sitting.