Irish Dance

Irish Dance

(For Marina & Dermot, Melissa, Phil, Ann & Ali, Ruth & Amy, Noreen, Mary & Shawkat & Jess Iqbal, Jacinta & Cecil Cox, Michele Le Guérinel, Caroline & Sophie, Mary & Robbie, Mark Overton, Bridget & Vincent)

Irish Dance solo or in groups Whether Step-dance Sean-nós or Céilí The hop jig treble jig or hornpipe Rínce Fadá or set .

Always reflecting the rhythm of the music In the movement of the flying angel feet . Take Céilí dances Double jigs single jigs Slip or hop jigs Footed out to the sound of Tunes so full of rhythmic vitality Like “The Trip to the Cottage” “The Priest and His Boots” “The Bridge of Athlone” . The double jig is a six-eight-time tune Of six quavers-in two triplets-to each bar Whereas a lady dance slip or hop jig In Ireland is in nine-eight time . Always reflecting the rhythm of the music In the movement of the flying angel feet . Leaving reels & hornpipes played Out in two four or common time With the horn pipe played more slowly than the reel Exuding grace beauty & elegance of movement . To the sound of Willie Clancy playing out “The Haymaker’s Jig” & “The Cross Reel” “The Connemara Reel”, “Shoe the Donkey” “The Fairy Reel” & “Lanigan’s Ball” .

To the eight-hand jig Of “The siege of Ennis” “Suide na h-Inse” pronounced Siege of Venice . It’s an eight-hand jig where the dancer’s advance & retreat Then go to the side Hands across Advance & retreat & passes through arches . Always reflecting the rhythm of the music In the movement of the flying angel feet . Whereas if you are dancing The high cauled cap You lead around Body . Double quarter chain ladies interlace Gents interlace Stamp and clap First figure . Second figure circle & cross Third figure ladies’ chain Finish same as hand reel .

Whereas “The Walls of Limerick” You advance and retreat Move half right and left Dance breathless with opposite partner . Always reflecting the rhythm of the music In the movement of the flying angel feet .