Religious and Social Side

Hey guys!

Today is all about history and the past of Irish step dancing. The church played a huge part of the popularity of this dance and how it was viewed socially. In my previous blog I mentioned a little bit about how the dance masters helped bring it out to the public and I will be mentioning more about them today, so keep your eyes our for that!

In the 17^th century the Irish culture was “under attack” in a way. The established Church denomination of England (Anglican) didn’t want Irish to believe or practice any religion or denomination other than their own. Because of this they created Penal Laws, which enforced their wishes causing the Irish to spend the majority of their lives underground and in secret.  The established church didn’t even want catholic children to be schooled, much less step dancing to be a privilege that the Irish could practice. During this time step dancing still continued, but obviously in secret…it was a source of comfort and release from the craziness and suppression going on around (or above) them.

The dance masters that I mentioned previously at this time came out of their shells and wanted the dance that portrayed their passion and kept their culture’s passion alive to be spread and not to be forgotten underground. They went to different towns and spread it to whoever they could without getting in trouble. They would even dance in secret places like kitchens of town members or in a corner of town – having the people around them to memorize or pick up whatever they could.

Eventually when the Irish weren’t so suppressed by the churches laws (The Penal laws were lifted in the 1920’s…just a little bit before women came out dancing from their place of hiding as well) the dance masters would all compete in festivals called, “feisianna”. They would be judged on who could remember the most steps and everyone around them would go crazy over this social event. According to the Nassau County, “In Ancient Ireland communities placed great importance on local festivals, where people could come together in song, dance, music, theatre and sport”

Dancing was something steady for the Irish during their time of secrecy and suppression. When they became free it was almost a celebration of the fact that no matter good or bad circumstances they have a reason to be joyful and to dance.

Until next time!

Lauren C

Kingsland, Arthur. "Irish Dancing." Sets, Steps and Ceilis: Irish Dancing. University of Newcastle. Web. 14 Apr. 2015. <http://www.unco.edu/AE-Extra/1999/2/id.htm>.

"What Is a Feis?" The Nassau County AOH Feis and Irish Festival. The Nassau County. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. <http://www.nassauaohfeis.com/about/history-of-the-feis/>.