Like a lot of Ireland’s history there is little recorded information on the origins of Irish dancing. We do know however, it has developed into a popular dance around the world and has taken on many different forms
The history of Irish Dancing
When the Gaels arrived in Ireland they brought a new culture along with their own customs, which would have included some form of dancing. It is believed the Celts used dancing as part of religious rituals but how much of that is actually true is unknown.
We do know that the Celts did have a major influenced over today’s Irish dancing with their Celtic designs. Irish dancing dresses are beautifully designed with Celtic design that date back since the arrival of the Celts.
In Irish history we know that Christianity arrived in Ireland after the Celts which, like the Gaels, changed the local Irish culture and customs. As Christians converted the druids of Ireland into Christianity the earlier form of Irish dancing would have changed too although keep in mind we are talking about a period that spans over hundreds of years so the way people danced in Ireland was not changed over night.
The Irish Dance Master
Photo of Irish DancersDuring the 18th Century in Ireland the known Dance Master appeared. These were teachers of Irish dance that would travel around the country teaching the locals the art of dancing. They were seen as important figures as the helped the spread of Irish culture throughout the island.
Even today, your Irish teacher should be given the utter most respect as they are teaching an ancient form of dance that is helping to keep the Irish culture alive as we know it.