The Story of Irish Dance

by Helen Brennan

Overview

From early accounts of dance customs in medieval Ireland to the present, Helen Brennan offers an authoritative look at the evolution of Irish dance. Every type of dance from social to traditional to clergy is included. Brennan takes care to explain the different styles and traditions that evolved from different parts of Ireland; which results in some lively discussions as people reminisce over old favorites. She also discusses how dance evolved to become such an important part of Ireland's culture and history. An appendix is offered to help explain the various steps involved in each style of dance including the Munster or Southern style, Single Shuffle, Double Shuffle, Treble Shuffle, the Heel Plant, the Cut, the Rock or Puzzle, the Drum, the Sean Nos Dance Style of Connemara, and the Northern Style.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589790032
Publisher:	Rinehart, Roberts Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/23/2001
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	5.96(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Helen Brennan was a consultant for the producers of Riverdance. She lives in Dublin, Ireland.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

1 The History of Dance in Earlier Times 15

2 The Fleshpots of Egypt and Gaelic Mayo: Dance and the Gaelic League 29

3 Learning to Dance 45

4 Step Dance in the Irish Tradition 63

5 "That You May Live Till the Skin of a Gooseberry Makes a Coffin for You!": The Solo Dance Tradition 73

6 Social Dance in Ireland 89

7 Gambles, Prinkums and Biddy Balls: Traditional Dance Occasions 103

8 "The Hobs of Hell": The Clergy and Irish Dance 121

9 From Johnny to Jiveáil: Focus on a Dance Community 135

10 Last Words 151

Appendix: Stepping 165

Note: The Irish Folklore Commission 173

Bibliography 175

Index 179

Editorial Reviews

"I use every inch of The Story of Irish Dance for my class at NYU in Irish Dance Performance. Helen Brennan's words breathe life into the history of our Irish dancing past and present. It is an invaluable resource." —Jean Butler, start of the original Riverdance

"A stimulating, smart and joyful account of the history of Irish step dance. The only book I ever read that answered questions I had about Irish Dance. This is a must read for every Irish dancer with an inquisitive mind!" —Colin Dunne, internationally renowned dancer and choreographer

"Helen Brennan's brilliant book is absolutely essential reading to anyone with an interest in the magnificent legacy and evolving story of Irish dance. It is scholarly but warm-hearted, erudite but readable, a work of astounding knowledge and inspiriting love, from a person with an utterly passionate devotion to her subject. It is a treasury of discoveries and an absolute joy. I warmly recommend it." —novelist Joseph O'Connir

"Helen Brennan's witty and encyclopedic account of the development of Irish dance offers a fascinating insight into this much-loved facet of Irish life. It is a wonderful and stimulating resource."-Ruán Magan, Director of the recent prize-winning dance-documentary - 'Steps of Freedom.'

From the Publisher