In this clip, a huge crowd gathers for a group of teenagers as they show off a flawless execution of Irish dance.
One look and you would probably say “Oh bravo! They are performing a tap dance.”
Well for us average people with two left feet and no idea about different forms of dancing, you might conclude the same. But kids, fret not—as I am here to enlighten you about Irish stepdance!
It’s a sophisticated dance with proper posture, timing, rhythm and execution.
Irish dance is a group of traditional dance forms that originated from Ireland.
It encompasses dancing both in solo and in groups, whether it is for social, competitive or performance purposes.
Irish dance in its current form was developed from various influences such as Native Irish dance, French quadrilles and English country dancing.
The dance was taught by “traveling dance masters” across Ireland in the 17th to 18th century. One of its most well-known forms is Irish stepdance.
The video was uploaded by Fusion Fighters, a progressive Irish dance performance company and online community-based in Dublin.
The video has since earned more than a million views! They are performing Irish stepdance impeccably as they flaunt their rigid torsos and rapid and intricate footwork with every step, tap and stomp of their feet.
Just like the start of a battle, the quick steps are your heartbeat thumping loudly in your ribcage, whether out of excitement or nervousness.
Now you might be still a tad confused and will probably say it really looks like tap dance.
The main difference between the two styles of dance is where you place your arms while dancing.
Irish dancers have to keep their arms completely by their sides.
If you pay attention closely to the video, you’ll notice how the dancers keep their fists balled on their sides mostly throughout the duration of the video. The goal for Irish dance is for it to look like you took a pole and replaced it with your spinal cord.
No part of your body should move from the waist up.
In tap dance, you can move your arms all around. Actually, you are encouraged to do so as it helps you get off the floor to make the sounds.
Tap dancers need a push to get off of the ground to make the sounds but Irish dancers have to rely completely on their legs to do all of the work for them.
It is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and fast and precise movements of the feet.
Though they weren’t as strict with their performance as it wasn’t done in a competition that is the fundamentals of Irish stepdance that distinguishes itself from tap dance.
Aside from that, they also added flavor to their performance by including some hand gestures and formations in their choreography. They jived to the sound produced by the beatbox matching it with their music, seemingly unaware of the crowd gathering around them or the strong wind blowing around them as well.
With their feet crossing and ankles twisting, they twirled and turned with smiles on their faces, showing the world their skills and passion for dancing.
The Fusion Fighters believe that through this movement, they can continue to spread positive messages worldwide that promote creativity and inclusion—and this video is a great start!
Watch the full performance in the link below:
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