This online class explores the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of Irish dance, from its early influences to its global impact. Students will learn about the historical context behind traditional forms like sean-nós and step dancing, as well as the role of organizations like the Gaelic League in shaping modern Irish dance. The class also delves into international influences and the ongoing fusion of contemporary styles with traditional Irish elements.
In this class, you will dive into the rich history and cultural heritage of Irish dance, exploring its roots, influences, and transformation over time. By understanding the historical context behind Irish dance traditions like sean-nós and step dancing, you will gain insight into how these forms have evolved and adapted through centuries of change. You will also discover how Irish dance has been shaped by international influences and how dance has been featured across Ireland's folklore!
By the end of the class, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Irish dance and its role in preserving Irish identity. You will not only understand the key milestones in its development but also recognize the ways in which modern choreographers are blending contemporary styles with traditional forms. This course provides the knowledge to better appreciate Irish dance, whether you’re a dancer, a history enthusiast, or simply someone interested in Irish culture.
Your teacher is Amy O'Riordan, an Irish Pagan with a Masters in Irish Regional History and a deep love for Irish dance. Amy has taught various classes at the Irish Pagan School, bringing both historical expertise and cultural passion to the learning experience.
- Origins of Irish Dance:
- Explore the early influences on Irish dance, from Celtic rituals to Viking round dances, and how these traditions shaped the dance forms we know today.
- The Evolution of Irish Dance:
- Learn about the impact of British and French influences in the 17th to 19th centuries, including the spread of set dancing and the role of traveling dance masters.
- The Gaelic League’s Role in Standardization:
- Understand how the Gaelic League worked to revive and codify Irish dance, favoring ceili dancing while rejecting set dancing for its European influences.
- Sean-nós vs. Step Dancing:
- Discover the differences between the improvisational style of sean-nós and the formalized, competitive world of step dancing, including their unique footwork and music.
- International Influence and Modern Adaptations:
- Examine how Irish dance spread globally through emigration, the influence of Riverdance, and how contemporary and ballet elements are shaping new forms.
- Folklore and Irish Dance:
- Delve into the beliefs, superstitions, and possible connections to Irish mythology, as well as the fairy faith and its ties to traditional dance.
Full transcripts and subtitles are available on all recorded materials, for accessibility and ease of processing.
Common Questions Answered:
- How did Irish dance evolve over time, and what were the key influences?
- What is the difference between sean-nós and step dancing?
- How has Irish dance adapted to international and contemporary influences?
- What role did the Gaelic League play in shaping modern Irish dance?
Common Mistakes Addressed:
- Misunderstanding the difference between set dancing and ceili dancing.
- Overlooking the importance of improvisation in sean-nós dance.
- Failing to recognize the international and modern influences on contemporary Irish dance forms.
This is a historical overview class and does not include practical dance exercises. Instead, it focuses on deepening your understanding of the cultural and historical context of Irish dance and will provide students with additional reading PDFs.
WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU ENROLL THIS COURSE?
Your Course access enrollment includes access to:
- -- Class Presentation Slides
- -- Class Videos
- -- Class Audios
- -- Exercises to complete in your own time
- -- Q&A Session with the Teacher (recorded during live class).
This is a completely self-paced online course.
When you enroll in this class, you are receiving lifetime access (with a full 30 day money back guarantee).
Enroll in the course, download the content, learn from the materials... and if you don't like what you've learned just email us and we'll give you all your money back. We're taking a risk by offering this - we can't get the content back, so you could just enroll, then ask for a refund, and rip us off! However, we work on an honour system with our Tuath, as did our ancient ancestors. We trust that you won't do that to us, just like you can trust that we will do our very best to make sure you have a good experience with the Irish Pagan School.
You have a 100% money back Guarantee, for a full 30 days, so you can go ahead and enroll with full confidence.
(see below - HOW TO GET ACCESS TO THIS COURSE)
Your Instructor
Amy O'Riordan holds a Master's degree in Irish Regional History and is passionate about promoting the Irish language and open knowledge. As a practicing Irish Pagan and witch from Waterford, she has deep roots in the folk traditions passed down through generations. Amy is dedicated to keeping these traditions alive, not only in her own life but by researching and sharing Irish history and cultural heritage. She also runs a YouTube channel, The Crafty Cailleach, where she explores Irish history, folklore, food, and magic. Amy has previously taught classes on the Irish language, hearth magic, and Irish hand-crafting at the Irish Pagan School.
"I came here to learn about my roots. There is a gap in my knowledge that needs to be filled. IPS helps fill the gap with lore and resources, and they do it in a way that makes sense. I also value how Lora and Jon's honesty when trying to place the ancient practices in historical context, and their open mindedness to adapt when new archeological discoveries are made, or when the scholars disagree on a topic. And they do this in a language the rest of us who are not archeology majors can understand."
- Rebecca Mellinger 
recommends The Irish Pagan School.
"Delighted by the wealth of historical context given here - so helped in the grounding of my own understanding of hearth magic (or kitchen witchcraft, as my dad introduced it to me when I was little). Especially enjoyed the section on how hearth magic can be practiced in our modern world & time. Well done, go raibh míle maith agat!"
Shannon McEntee - Hearth Magic
Frequently Asked Questions
"I am loving the courses and meetings. I have looked for knowledge for most of my life and am so relieved I found a place and teachers that are so knowledgeable, kind and ready to share all the wonderful culture, traditions and everything related to Irish Paganism. I highly recommend the IPS for anyone interested in pure, down to earth learning."
- Anna Garcia recommends The Irish Pagan School.
Once you have enrolled for a LIVE online course...
You will receive some emails from Eolas @ IrishPaganSchool.ie.
When you enroll in a course at the Irish Pagan School, you’ll receive a system confirmation email that contains a clickable link to the course. You can use this link to open your course, or you can type the school or course page URL into the address bar of your web browser. (www.IrishPaganSchool.com)
You'll also receive:
- Fáilte - How to Access your Course at the Irish Pagan School! This tells you how to log in, what to do if you forget your password, and how to join our Students Only facebook group (if you'd like to).
- Your Live Online Class Zoom Invite. This is the invitation to join our live event. You can also find this in the Course Curriculum, after you log in using the instructions in the email above!
If you can't attend the course teaching live (at 9pm Irish time on the Sunday), don't worry, the recorded files and presentation slides, etc. will be posted into your Course Curriculum by the following Tuesday.
HOW TO GET ACCESS TO THIS COURSE
- Choose the payment option below that best suits you - pay in Euros with a Credit Card, or pay in US Dollars with a Credit Card or PayPal.
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