Enhanced physical skills - Developing body control and coordination. A wonderfully fun and effective form of exercise.
Enhanced mental skills - Listening, following directions, increased attention span, memorizing steps.
Self esteem - Increasing the child's confidence, developing "stage presence."
Developing a healthy, competitive spirit - Increasing the child's desire to do will and to the best of his/her ability.
Developing lasting friendships - No only with classmates, cut through performing and competing, meeting children from all parts of the city, state, and country.
Promoting Irish culture - A revival of Irish identity and tradition begain in the 1960s. While a young dancer may not comprehend this particular benefit while training, the revival continues!
A Brief History of Irish Dance
Step dancing is distinctively Irish, combining artistry, grace, and physical ability. It has followed the Irish and Irish missionaries wherever they have traveled, including North America, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Africa.
In the 1700's a major influence on Irish Dance and Irish culture was the advent of the Dance Masters. Dance masters traveled throughout the villages of Ireland teaching Irish dancing. A dance master would stay with a family and teach in their kitchen or farmhouse, in schools, and even in the crossroads. Each dance master had a repertoire of dance steps and created new steps over time.
During the 20th century, Irish dance continued to evolve in terms of locations, costumes, and techniques.
Today, Irish dancing remains a very popular form of traditional art. You can find Irish dance schools in nearly every state.
