Ireland

Irish Dance

The Celts originated in the Switzerland area. They inhabited large area of Europe and The British Isles. There is archeological history of the Celtic tribes all over Europe. Ireland had approximately 27 Celtic tribes. Ireland has a long history of Kings and Queens. The Niall kings have a long lineage of rulers. One of the greatest kings was Niall of 9 Hostages he reined for 27 years. In the 8th century the Vikings invaded and took control of Ireland. Many famous people fought to protect Ireland. Irish princess, Graine NI Maille, commanded a large fleet of ships. She confronted Queen Elizabeth regarding territories. The Queen accepted Graines claims. In spite of numerous invasions, the Irish have managed to preserve their Celtic history and identity. The Romans were not able to overcome them. There are still Celtic groups living there today.

There were migrations to the Ulster plantations by the Scotland lowlanders and England/ Scotland border families (most are a 9-group mix). The migrations were for different reasons, persecution, legal banishment, the mini-ice age causing disease, poverty and starvation. They did not mix much with the Irish inhabitants. There were also migrations to America. A large percentage of the immigrants from Ireland to America throughout history were not truly Irish. They were the 9-group mix.

Many forms of the same dances are found in different areas of Ireland, the jigs, reels, hornpipes, sets, polkas and step dances. Some of the dances became popular in the Court of Queen Elizabeth the 1st. The Irish Hey, the Rinnce Fada and the Trenchmore dances were popular during the 16th century. Solo dancing (step dances), started during the 1700’s. Irish dancing is categorized into: Step Dancing, Ceili Dancing and Set dance. Bagpipes and harps usually accompanied the music. Suppression and persecution are a part of the Irish history. Penal laws in the late 17th century sent the Irish culture including dancing, underground.

Irish dance masters traveled around Ireland during the mid 1800’s teaching the various dances. The dances originally were group, figure, and solo, celebratory social. The multiple ancient traditional dances include: The Piper’s Dance, The Sweets of May, The Cake Dance, The Bonfire Dance, The Waves of Tory. They have solo and group dances.

Clothing worn was of course the fashion of the era, long skirts, vests, and jackets. In recent modern times shorts skirts came into popularity. I have found 3 Irish surnames in my family ancestry.