Miller School of Irish Dancing ~ Information for New Families

Irish Dancing: Hints for Beginners (and their carers)

A survival guide for parents/carers of dancers

and an information kit for the bewildered.

A brief history of Irish Dancing

Pre-history ~

Not much is known of the dancing of the early Celt of Ireland but their artwork survives in the Celtic patterns on the Irish dancing dresses.  Their art consists mainly of complex, twining geometric designs, and the masterpiece of this art is the Book of Kells (mid 8th Century).

The Dance Masters ~

The Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland resulted in the banning of native Irish culture and dance.  Traditional Irish culture was continued with some degree of secrecy right through to the 1600-1700's.  Around 1750's with a less strict attitude, Irish Dance flourished under Dance Masters.  A dance Master would travel the country side stopping for six weeks in a village and staying with the locals and teaching dance steps.  Having an eminent dance teacher staying with your village was cause for pride and boasting by the community.

Each dance master had a repertoire of dance steps and he created new ones over time.  The choreography to eight bars of music is called a step.  Irish dance has a long tradition of being competitive.  The early village competitions were won by the man, who knew the most steps, not how well he did them!

During the 1800?s, a popular event was a cake dance. A cake would be placed on a stand in the centre of a field as the prize for the best dancer.  The winner would of course "take the cake".  Attempts by the parish priests to suppress dancing were frequent, but appear to be mostly ineffective.

Modern Irish Dance ~

Modern Irish dance begins in 1893 when the Gaelic League was founded (Conradh na Gaeilge).  This group encouraged the revival of Irish culture, long suppressed.  In 1929, the Irish Dancing Commission was founded to establish rules and standardise teaching, judging and competitions.  It continues in that role.

In the time of the dance masters and secrecy, dancers performed on kitchen tables or even barrel tops.  By the 20th Century, stages were being used for competitions so dance movements increased markedly.  Steps that required substantial space like flying leaps were introduced.  Now points are deducted if a dancer does not use the stage.  Irish dance has evolved in other ways during the 20^th Century.  Instruction begins at a younger age.  Before, girls danced in groups and boys danced solo.  Now mostly girls are taught.   Previously the arms were relaxed or placed on hips, instead of being held, as they are now, rigidly to the sides.  It is said that the Parish Priests considered rigid arms a lot less provocative and stiff arms were said to increase a girl's self control.

Dance Costumes ~

Dance costumes too have changed.  In the 1800's girls wore their "Sunday best" with ribbons.  After 1893, the typical dance costume consisted of a hooded cloak or a shawl over a white dress with a sash.  By the 1930's, the cloak was gone and the shawl evolved into the shawl now worn on the back caught with brooches.  Until the 1980's a cord with tassels was often worn around the waist.  Males adopted the kilt in the 1920's.

Early colours were predominantly green, white and saffron, but never red, (although red was a traditional colour), as it was worn by the occupying English troops.  In recent times all colours have come into use.  Male colours are much more subdued.

Embroidery was minimal on costumes in the early 1900's.  However, it has steadily increased in use and complexity.  Celtic designs over 1200 years old are used.  Modern patterns on the same theme are used as well.  Gold and silver are now in fashion in material and embroidery, which has not been used since pre Norman Ireland.

Early dancers often danced barefoot.  Soft-shoes were introduced around 1924 for girls and boys, but boys have not used them since the 1970's.  Hard shoes with fibreglass tips have changed the style and content of many dances.  The clicks are now much louder than when coins and nails were stuck to the soles of shoes.

Feis (competition) rules state that competitors must wear traditional Gaelic dress, but it is unlikely that today's dresses would have been recognised in Celtic Ireland.  With the popularity of shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, the boundaries of recognised "Celtic dress" is under even more pressure.

Music and Dances ~

The four types of Irish music and associated dances are the jig, reel, hornpipe and the set dances.  Just as dresses are evolving so are dances.  Toe stands are a newer style, some innovations are more controversial because they conflict with keeping true to traditions.  However, highly skilled dancers are always pushing the boundaries.

(Note: A copy of the Miller School music on CD for practice at home, is available from Miss Jackie for $10.)

Jigs ~

Jigs are danced in 6/8 time, and slip jigs are danced in 9/8 time.  Beginners learn 2 soft shoe dances. The reel and then the Single Jig, then the hard shoe routines are introduced.  The slip jig is always danced in soft-shoes and is a very graceful dance with light hopping and skipping and is only danced by girls.

The Reel ~

The reel originated in Scotland around 1750 and the Irish dance masters brought it to full development.  The music is 4/4 time and is danced at a relatively fast tempo.  Both men and women dance the reel.  For women, it is a light, rapid, soft shoe dance that allows for plenty of leaping and demands an energetic performance from the dancer.  Men often dance the reel in hard shoes without tips.

The Hornpipe ~

The hornpipe began around 1760, it was originally danced exclusively by males in hard shoes and the first girls who tried it were considered quite bold.  But now, both men and women compete.  The hornpipe is in 4/4 time like a slow reel.  A notable feature is the frequent use of rocking of the ankles. 

Set Dances ~

A set dance is performed to a specific tune, which has remained set over time.  They are hard shoe dances.  There are many set dances, which come from an approved list.  The unusual titles of these tunes are very old, some even referring to Napoleon's battles or just daily life, like "Kilkenny Races".  The first set dances your child will learn are "St. Patrick's Day" and then "Blackbird".  These are traditional set dances, which means the steps don't change.  There are non-traditional set dances, which can have some individual choreography.

Team Dances ~

These date back a long way, but were standardised by the Handbook of Irish Dances, which was published in 1902.  The hands are used in team dances, which are more like folk dances than solo dances.  They can be all girl or mixed teams of 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 dancers.  The girls wear matching team dresses.  Not all competitions have a team section.  Team dances are learnt in an additional teams class.  The dancers compete in age groups, such as under 11, under 13, under 16, and Open age.

At Your first Competition ~

There are eight or so, small competitions during the year.  They are sponsored by the Australian Irish Dancing Association.  Competitions are held in church halls, or school halls.  During the week before the competition your teacher will tell you what time your child's age group is dancing.  On the day of the competition you need to be at the venue at least 1 hour before the time of your child's dance time.  Sometimes the competition will run late, but never on the day that you're running late!.  On arrival, you will pay an admission fee.  There are normally concessions for pensioners.  You then need to register your child at the official table.  The organisers cross off your child's name, and you will be given a number.  This will be pinned on the front of the dress or outfit, so that the Judge can see it easily.  Keep pins in the dance bag in case they run out.

There will be a program.  You will have to listen to the numbers called for the number allocated to your child.  When the number is called your child goes on her own to the side of the stage under the direction of one of the organisers.  The small beginners will dance three at a time on the stage together.  Your child will be dancing different steps from the other children on the stage and the hardest thing for him/her is not to be distracted by them.

The order of competition within your child's age group is:

·         Beginners

·         Primary

·         Intermediate

·         Open.

Your child will be competing against children of the same age.  Age is taken as at 1 January each year.  If your child is born in January your child will be one of the older children in that group.

Age Groups for Premiership/Championship

At your first competition, you will probably be entered for two dances, the Jig and the Reel.  Beginners usually go first and then the other grades; then the next type of dance starts again with the beginners.  You must return your number to the registration table after you have finished your dances.  You then have to wait for the results.

Judging ~

The marking system is standard world wide.  Solo dancers are judged equally on timing, steps, execution and method, and deportment and style.  In smaller competitions, there is only one judge.  At State level, there are three judges and at National Level, three international judges come to Australia.  Two or three dancers compete on stage together.  The dances are quite short and judging is instantaneous.

What if ?? ~

If your child's shoelace comes undone he/she can stop, move to the back of the stage and stay still until the other dancers finish and leave the stage with them.  He/she can re-tie their shoe and dance again at the end of the section.

 If your child falls and doesn't hurt him/herself, he/she can get up quickly and start dancing again.  If he/she can't dance, he/she waits quietly at the back of the stage and leaves when the music stops.  He/she may be allowed to redance if he/she doesn't leave the stage during the dance. Never leave the stage until the music has stopped playing, or the adjudicator has indicated for you to do so.

Prizes ~

Medals are given out to placegetters.  All competitors are invited onto the stage and the results are read out in reverse order.  For young Beginners, often every competitor will get some sort of medal, which is seen as an encouragement award.  Trophies are given out at Premiership level.  Always have a pen and paper to write down your child's results or you'll forget.  Better yet, keep a "dance diary" to track your child's progress.  When the medals start to accumulate, you'll be glad if you have written on the back the date, dance, level and place your child gained.  You are welcome to video the prize giving, but the AIDA does not allow the filming of competitors while dancing.

Competition checklist

·         Entry form details

·         Shoes soft/hard

·         Socks

·         Dress and pop-over

·         Matching knickers

·         Scrunchie and headband

·         Hair spray and hair net

·         Bobby pins

·         Brush, safety pins, curler bag, spare elastic / laces for shoes and scissors

·         Pen and paper (or diary), and camera

·         Brooches for your child?s costume (if necessary) to hold shawl on.

·         A big smile for your competitions is a must. You must be seen to enjoy yourselves (hopefully).

Entering your first competition ~

About three or four weeks before a competition, your teacher will give you an entry form.  Your teacher will be required to tick which dances your child is going to enter. Your teacher will also sign the bottom and then you return it to your teacher with the correct payment.

Keep a copy of the entry form as it has the address of the competition and what dances your child has entered.  The timings for each age group will be announced at the class two or three days before the competition.  Little beginners are most likely to be on first thing in the morning.

Before the Competition ~

Costume ~

For your first competition, please speak to Miss Jackie about the most appropriate arrangement for your child.  Used dresses may be available for purchase.

Knickers which match the underskirt colour, are worn when dancing.  Pop-overs are compulsory for the children to wear over their costumes and can also be purchased from the school, as they may be wearing the costume for a few hours.  Food is usually available at competitions and smocks cut down on dry cleaning bills.  Boys wear good, black dark trousers and a loose fitting bloused shirt, this can be teamed with a nice waistcoat and tie, and black socks.  You will also see some boys in kilts and blazers but this is almost non-existant now.

Shoes ~

A beginner will only use soft-shoes at first (girls are like black slippers with criss cross laces.  Boys have suede sole pumps). Later as your child learns other dances, he/she will require "hardshoes".   Please write your child's name on the bottom of shoes in case they are lost.  Second hand shoes are also available from time to time.  Do not buy shoes before checking with Miss Jackie.  Bubble socks are available from the school. 

All beginner, primary and intermediate pupils are required to lace their soft shoes with elastic.

All Open pupils are to leave their laces in soft shoes.

Generally, all teams dancers are to leave laces in soft shoes.

Hair for beginners ~

Except for those lucky girls with naturally curly hair, the hair is curled with curlers or rags.  The hair is done "half up half down" with a matching scrunchie or ribbon around the top pony tail.  The hair is set with setting mousse or styling lotion so that the curls will hold for 3 hours of dancing.  Any product labeled "strong hold" will do.  If your daughter has fine hair, use small rollers, thick hair use the larger rollers.  Curling papers can be bought by the box from hairdressers and these will help protect the hair while it's curled.  If your daughter can't sleep in rollers, try "Softspikes" available by mail order from various suppliers.  Most often hair is dressed after you arrive at the competition venue.  A hair slumber net can hold curls between dances.  The hair can be left in the ringlets or teased out into a fluffy mass.  Some parents may choose to purchase a wig, please see Miss Jackie if interested.  When you buy a dress they come with matching embroidered headbands or crowns.  These are worn in front of the scrunchie.  For mothers of boys?wash it, dry it and thank your lucky stars.

Also curly srunchies are available from Miss Jackie. These are sometimes worn by beginners (prior to approval by Miss Jackie) and the teams dancers. Usually a tiara would be worn in front of srunchie. These scrunchies must be pinned down securely as with the wigs to avoid embarrassment on stage!!!

Life after Beginners ~

Getting out of Beginners ~

After your child has competed in Beginners for some time, he/she will also start to learn in class dances, which are not considered Beginner steps.  He/she will then be in a position to compete at the next levels, which are Primary and Intermediate Levels.

Your child can still dance in Beginners, however he/she must dance "Beginners dances".  If he/she dances harder steps in the lower grade he/she will not be marked at all, as this would not be fair to the other beginners. So at some competitions, your child may be entered in both Beginner and Primary dances.  If your child comes first place in a Beginner dance, and there are over 8 children and 2 schools in the contest, he/she will be promoted to Primary level and no longer allowed to compete in Beginner grade for that dance.

Primary ~

At the Primary level your child will learn harder dances.  Steps he/she learns in Primary cannot be used in Beginners.  Same rules apply if  a pupil wins a first place like in the beginners section.

Intermediate

Your child can stay at this level until he/she wins a section against 8 or more dancers and then he/she will be promoted to Open.  The steps are the same for Intermediate and Open.

Open level and State Teams ~

This is the highest level at which a dancer can dance. Leg tan and make up is usually requested in a ?light form?. In the case of teams, classes are usually held on every Friday and very few Saturdays towards the end of term 3. Any pupil dancing solo State Championship level is required to dance with their colleagues in team events except under exceptional circumstances.

Premierships ~

When your child learns more difficult dances, he/she can enter the Premiership section of the competitions.  In this section, the competitor dances, say a reel and a jig and the points are added together.  Premierships are danced in age divisions (Refer to above chart)  Trophies are awarded to the best overall dancers.

Except under extreme circumstances, a child would presumably dance or win in beginner, primary and intermediate, before being entered into the Premiership section.  Miss Jackie will advise if this is the case.

State and National Competitions ~

The State Championships are held over a full weekend each year, usually in August.  The Australian Nationals are held by each capital city or large regional centre in turn, and this competition goes over a week usually in the October school holidays.  Each dancer is judged on his/her overall performance in two dances and if he/she does well he/she will be recalled to dance his/her Set Dance.  His/her mark will be an aggregate of all three dances.  Which three dances he/she dances will depend on the syllabus set for that particular age group and year.

Please note:

In my experience, a pupil achieving success in beginner and primary grades is very rewarding. I have encountered many ?transition? hurdles with pupils, through attempting to raise them to the Intermediate level of competition. It is required that a general discussion is held between the pupil, guardian and teacher to explain such challenges before them. More practice is required and certainly determination.

Also, your teacher can only assess a pupil?s dancing ability based on what is performed in front of them. Obviously, the more practice and commitment, the more rewarding for the pupil. In saying this, I encourage all pupils to enjoy their wonderful dance culture, and will try to ensure that they achieve their goals.

Updated 2006