
	Pre-register now for Fall Classes and Summer Camps Online or call 973-386-0259

Irish Step Dance Classes

History of Irish Step Dancing

The Celts settled in Ireland more than 2,000 years ago and brought their many native folk dances with them. In 1169, England invaded the land, conquered the Celts and controlled Ireland for the next 400 years. In 1750 Ireland became a British colony and endured years of rigid oppression by the British government.

This interaction with other cultures influenced the Irish, who adapted dance movements from both the British and the French and set them to traditional Irish music. After the Catholic Church in Ireland banned dancing in the mid 1700s, the Irish continued to dance, but had to do so in secrecy. Quite often, the stage that was available to them was very small, or they had to use wooden doors for a floor to dance on, so the dancers had to remain fairly stiff and stationary. As a result, Irish step dancing was born.

Types of Irish Dancing

Irish step lessons are done in an Irish soft shoe or Irish step hard shoe.

The jig is probably the most well-known Irish step dancing. There are variations of the jig called the light jig, treble jig and slip jig.

Although the reel originated in Scotland, it was adapted by the Irish into the dance that is known today. It is a more quick-moving dance than the jig.

The hornpipe has its origins in a traditional English dance and has a clear triple rhythm in the music.

Selecting an Irish Step Dance School

Here at Sharon’s Studio of Dance, we offer recreational Irish step dance classes for beginner to advanced levels. Irish lessons are offered to children, beginning at age 4, through adults. Classes follow the academic calendar, beginning in September, running to June. Our Irish step dancers perform in our annual dance recital in June. We also have optional community performances available during the year for our Irish dancers. Summer Irish step dance classes are also available.

What You Will Need For Your Irish Step Dance Lessons

There are two types of black shoes you will need for Irish dancing: hard shoe and soft shoe. The Irish hard shoes are heavy leather shoes similar to tap shoes with a coating of resin on the sole near the toe and heel. The Irish soft shoes are similar to ballet shoes, except they are black and lace up the leg. Leggings or yoga pants and a fitted T-shirt are appropriate for Irish dance classes.