Why do Irish dancers always dance with arms straight by their sides? 2. It was fascinating - very clever and entertaining. The British tried to establish control by attempting to stamp out aspects of Irish culture and identity, including traditional songs and dance. They therefore made their students dance with their arms in a fixed position, holding a stone on the hand to keep them in a fist.”. Many alleged reasons relate in some way to the English occupation of Ireland, and the subsequent suppression of Irish culture. “One theory is that, when the English came into Ireland the Irish weren’t allowed to do their dance. When Irish Dancers do their routine they don't move their arms or hands. There is an emphasis on making percussive sound with the … Another idea is that, at a time of puritanical Catholicism, the Church in effect ironed the fun out of Irish dancing to make it reflect Christian ideals. The Irish Dance masters refined and codified indigenous Irish dance traditions. Those of natural-looking, synthetic fibers might cost more than $100. Irish Dance theatricals, and dance musical shows travel the world, and sell out at every stop. Other explanations put forward include the theory that the stiff arms was a kind of protest by dancers who were forced to dance for Queen Elizabeth, who was responsible for starting the plantations of Ireland. Movement of the arms is sometimes incorporated into modern Irish stepdance, although this is … They dance in a limited space. Sign in to subscribe to comment notification emails, © 2000–2021 Antonio Pacelli, 14 Hallmark Trading Estate, Fourth Way, Wembley HA9 0LB, England. One such theory is that, during English occupation of Ireland the Irish dancers refused to use their arms as a way to protest the England’s suppression of Irish culture. You’d have to be a very short-sighted soldier not to realise that that all that bobbing up and down on the spot amounted to some form of dancing. The adjudicator approved by placing the students well. Good luck to all those step dancers who practise so hard and give enjoyment to audiences in Ireland and in other countries. One possible explanation that is often quoted is that it’s down to the power of the Catholic Church, which exerted so much control over Irish life right up until the 1970s. Keep your arms straight and at your sides. Like this article? Innova Irish Dance company impress the Judges with their jigging to chart topping tracks. The dancers had to keep their backs straight, their arms down and the smile was taken off the face. And even in Step Dancing, mainly under the influence of Michael Flatley’s Riverdance, the old convention has been relaxed and we now see more use of the arms. This must have happened a really really long time ago, since dance has been around forever! made as part of a competition for rte dance on the box in march 2005.it was overall winner with 3 other films. The mystery of what Maureen O’Hara whispered to make John Wayne look so shocked, Meghan Markle can trace her family tree back to Ireland, Matt Damon winning hearts and minds with charm assault on Ireland, Cork trio perform best Irish dance video of the year, Action hero Tom Cruise was once attacked by an old man in a Kerry pub, Liam Neeson speaks about his late wife in emotional interview, Dating site explains why Irish men make wonderful husband material, Billy Connolly says public should ignore politicians and listen to comedians, Take a look inside Hollywood star Saoirse Ronan’s stunning Irish home. The Queen in reference is probably Elizabeth I. The concept is that if you can't move your arms, you can't lift a beer mug or throw punches. Specifically the Stillson School of Irish Dance, Maine USA. The adjudicator approved by placing the students well. A motivational video for Irish Dancers everywhere. Some wigs arrive styled and trimmed, but others are … The truth is that no one knows for certain what the real answer is but here we take a look at the various theories behind this distinctive feature of Irish dance.. Perhaps this reference to hedges has been mixed up over the years and actually refers to the Hedge Schools, the secret schools where Irish culture was taught in secrecy throughout the suppression. Why do Irish dancers have straight arms? They liked etiquette, and disapproved of the unruly arm movements of Sean Nos dancing. They liked etiquette, and disapproved of the unruly arm movements of Sean Nos dancing. To senior citizens this distinctive feature of Irish culture and identity, including traditional songs and dance good to. 'S feet so quickly hands rigidly by their sides, rather than their... Jigs, and foot placement are hidden winner with 3 other films with skirts well below the knee her! 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