Name: Bonfire Dance / Rince Mór na Tine
Time: Reel
Form: Everyone in one circle, partner stands next to you
1. Advance and Retire
Dance 4 Threes forward
Dance 4 Threes back
2. Rings
Dance Seven to the Right and 2 Threes in place
Dance Seven to the Left and 2 Threes in place
3. Advance and Retire again
4. Rings
Dance Seven to the Left and 2 Threes in place
Dance Seven to the Right and 2 Threes in place
5. Step In and Out
Face partner
Everyone dances Seven to the Right and immediate Seven back to Left
Turn partner half turn by the Right Hand into partner's spot
Turn partner half turn by the Left Hand back into your spot
Everyone dances Seven to the Left and immediate Seven back to Right
Turn partner half turn by the Left Hand back into partner's spot
Turn partner half turn by the Right Hand into your spot
6. The Rose
Ladies dance into the center and hold hands to make a smaller circle
Ladies dance Seven to the Right
Ladies dance 2 Threes while turning so they are facing out from the circle
Ladies rejoin hands and dance Seven to the Right and 2 Threes in place
Ladies dance out to partner and turn him by Right Hand
Gents dance into the center and hold hands to make a smaller circle
Gents dance Seven to the Left
Gents dance 2 Threes while turning so they are facing out from the circle
Gents rejoin hands and dance Seven to the Left and 2 Threes in place
Gents dance out to partner and turn her by Right Hand
7. Swing and Exchange
Couples now take crossed hands and swing each other around for about 4 bars
Gent drops Lady off on his Left side
Couples bow to each other, and bow to person on the other side of them who is now
their new partner
8. Repeat
Everyone is now back in one big circle, but with a new partner next to them
Repeat entire dance
This dance is sometimes called "The Bonfire Reel."
Some communities Advance and Retire doing 2 Threes forward and back twice instead of 4 Threes forward and back once, FYI. Either way it comes out to the same amount of time/bars of music.
More refined people dance the last swing slowly and take time to drop off their partner politely. The "real" way people dance it at parties, at least around here, is to spin like mad 'til you're good and dizzy.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Haymaker's Jig
Name: Haymaker's Jig / Baint an Fheir
Time: Double Jig
Form: Line of Gents facing Line of Ladies, partner across from you
Dance is ideally done with 5 couples, although it can be done with any number
1. Advance & Retire
Dance 2 Threes Forward, 2 Threes Back
Dance 2 Threes Forward, 2 Threes Back again
Dance 2 Jig Steps
Dance 2 Threes Forward, 2 Threes Back one more time
2. Turn in the Center
Top Gent and Bottom Lady turn by Right Hand
Top Lady and Bottom Gent turn by Right Hand
Top Gent and Bottom Lady turn by Left Hand
Top Lady and Bottom Gent turn by Left Hand
Top Gent and Bottom Lady turn with a Long Swing
Top Lady and Bottom Gent turn with a Long Swing
3. Link Arms
Top Couple turn with Right Hand
Top Lady turns next Gent in Line with Left Hand, Top Gent does same with Lady Line
Top Couple continues Right Hand to each other, Left to the next in Line until
they reach the bottom
Top Couple swing each other back to the top of the set
4. Cast Off
Gents dance Threes to the Left, Ladies dance Threes to the Right
Top Couple meet at the bottom and make a bridge
Everyone goes through the bridge
5. Repeat
Everyone is lined back up, the Top Couple is now the Bottom Couple
Entire dance is repeated
Time: Double Jig
Form: Line of Gents facing Line of Ladies, partner across from you
Dance is ideally done with 5 couples, although it can be done with any number
1. Advance & Retire
Dance 2 Threes Forward, 2 Threes Back
Dance 2 Threes Forward, 2 Threes Back again
Dance 2 Jig Steps
Dance 2 Threes Forward, 2 Threes Back one more time
2. Turn in the Center
Top Gent and Bottom Lady turn by Right Hand
Top Lady and Bottom Gent turn by Right Hand
Top Gent and Bottom Lady turn by Left Hand
Top Lady and Bottom Gent turn by Left Hand
Top Gent and Bottom Lady turn with a Long Swing
Top Lady and Bottom Gent turn with a Long Swing
3. Link Arms
Top Couple turn with Right Hand
Top Lady turns next Gent in Line with Left Hand, Top Gent does same with Lady Line
Top Couple continues Right Hand to each other, Left to the next in Line until
they reach the bottom
Top Couple swing each other back to the top of the set
4. Cast Off
Gents dance Threes to the Left, Ladies dance Threes to the Right
Top Couple meet at the bottom and make a bridge
Everyone goes through the bridge
5. Repeat
Everyone is lined back up, the Top Couple is now the Bottom Couple
Entire dance is repeated
Bridge of Athlone
Name: Bridge of Athlone / Droichead Atha Luain
Time: Double Jig
Form: Line of Gents facing Line of Ladies, Partner is Across from You
1. Rising Step, Advance & Retire
Two jig steps
Advance and Retire
Two jig steps
Advance and Pass Through the other line
Two jig steps
Advance and Retire
Two jig steps
Advance and Pass Through the other line
2. Down the Center
First 1, 3 or 5 couples (caller's choice)
Dance Seven down the Center, two Threes in place
Dance Seven back up the Center, two Threes in place
3. Cast Off
Gents line dance Threes to the Left, Ladies dance Threes to the Right
4. The Bridge
Top Couple(s) make a bridge and everyone else goes through the bridge
Everyone else makes a brige
Top Ladies go up under bridge while Gents go up to the left of Briddge
Top Gents go down under bridge while Ladies go down to the right of Bridge
5. Start over
Everyone should be back in 2 lines, the former Top Couple(s) now at the bottom
Repeat entire dance
Time: Double Jig
Form: Line of Gents facing Line of Ladies, Partner is Across from You
1. Rising Step, Advance & Retire
Two jig steps
Advance and Retire
Two jig steps
Advance and Pass Through the other line
Two jig steps
Advance and Retire
Two jig steps
Advance and Pass Through the other line
2. Down the Center
First 1, 3 or 5 couples (caller's choice)
Dance Seven down the Center, two Threes in place
Dance Seven back up the Center, two Threes in place
3. Cast Off
Gents line dance Threes to the Left, Ladies dance Threes to the Right
4. The Bridge
Top Couple(s) make a bridge and everyone else goes through the bridge
Everyone else makes a brige
Top Ladies go up under bridge while Gents go up to the left of Briddge
Top Gents go down under bridge while Ladies go down to the right of Bridge
5. Start over
Everyone should be back in 2 lines, the former Top Couple(s) now at the bottom
Repeat entire dance
Irish Dance - Faking It
I've been involved with Irish dance in some capacity for over 15 years. In that time I've seen just about every variation on steps, figures and ceili dances. Some good, some not so much.
But allow me to vent a brief moment on "faking it."
There seems to be a proliferation of teachers and online posters putting up faked or dumbed-down versions of dances. This is ridiculous, and I'll tell you why: people always start faking it when they are tired regardless of what you teach them.
So why not teach it correctly from the start? There's no need to teach a ceili dance taking out all the jig steps or more vigorous footwork simply because you think it's over the heads of the dancers or beyond their stamina and coordination. They will, they always do, replace the harder steps with simple walking or skipping as it suits them...even when you encourage them not to wimp out.
I have no issue with people doing less strenuous steps or simpler figures - sometimes time doesn't allow to teach a dance fully. Sometimes, after 2 hours of dancing, doing more Rise & Grind steps are way too much to ask. But if things are posted for others' education, they should be noted when they are not the full version, and that they are a modified version. Otherwise, we have ceili groups popping up (and I've witnessed this) who are self-taught incorrectly.
But allow me to vent a brief moment on "faking it."
There seems to be a proliferation of teachers and online posters putting up faked or dumbed-down versions of dances. This is ridiculous, and I'll tell you why: people always start faking it when they are tired regardless of what you teach them.
So why not teach it correctly from the start? There's no need to teach a ceili dance taking out all the jig steps or more vigorous footwork simply because you think it's over the heads of the dancers or beyond their stamina and coordination. They will, they always do, replace the harder steps with simple walking or skipping as it suits them...even when you encourage them not to wimp out.
I have no issue with people doing less strenuous steps or simpler figures - sometimes time doesn't allow to teach a dance fully. Sometimes, after 2 hours of dancing, doing more Rise & Grind steps are way too much to ask. But if things are posted for others' education, they should be noted when they are not the full version, and that they are a modified version. Otherwise, we have ceili groups popping up (and I've witnessed this) who are self-taught incorrectly.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Dancing in Madison
There are currently a few options for adults to try out Irish Dance in Madison, WI.
ALL of these classes are open to beginners with no previous experience.
No special shoes are required; just don't wear your dirty shoes in off the street onto dance studio floors (clean tennis shoes, ballet slippers, dance sneakers, or anything that does NOT have a thick tread is fine).
Step Dancing for Adults
This class is for adults who want to learn solo step dancing. The class covers three basic routines: a jig, reel and a hornpipe. 122 State St., 3rd Floor. 7:30-8:30pm. Wednesdays. Registration Required here:
UW Continuing Studies
Survey of Irish Dance for Adults
This class is a sampling of solo step dancing as well as set and ceili dancing. Class is held at local schools through Madison School & Community Recreation. Mondays or Thursdays. Registration Required here:
MSCR
Irish Dance Drop-In Lessons for Adults
This class covers solo step or ceili dancing depending on how many people attend. Every week is a little different from the one before since it is drop-in. But basics are always covered at least briefly. Great for people who want to try out Irish Dance without having to commit to a full semester. 212 N Henry St. Wednesdays. 5:15-6:16pm. Studio Information Here: Dance Fabulous, LLC
ALL of these classes are open to beginners with no previous experience.
No special shoes are required; just don't wear your dirty shoes in off the street onto dance studio floors (clean tennis shoes, ballet slippers, dance sneakers, or anything that does NOT have a thick tread is fine).
Step Dancing for Adults
This class is for adults who want to learn solo step dancing. The class covers three basic routines: a jig, reel and a hornpipe. 122 State St., 3rd Floor. 7:30-8:30pm. Wednesdays. Registration Required here:
UW Continuing Studies
Survey of Irish Dance for Adults
This class is a sampling of solo step dancing as well as set and ceili dancing. Class is held at local schools through Madison School & Community Recreation. Mondays or Thursdays. Registration Required here:
MSCR
Irish Dance Drop-In Lessons for Adults
This class covers solo step or ceili dancing depending on how many people attend. Every week is a little different from the one before since it is drop-in. But basics are always covered at least briefly. Great for people who want to try out Irish Dance without having to commit to a full semester. 212 N Henry St. Wednesdays. 5:15-6:16pm. Studio Information Here: Dance Fabulous, LLC
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Sink and Grind
Here's another step that shows up in jigs for both step and ceili dancing. It is called a Sink and Grind.
Here is a basic, all-purpose version of the Sink and Grind:
(Count the step "Down, up, hop back 2-3-4")
Down: Jump off both feet and land on both feet with your right foot in front.
Up: Jump off both feet and land on the left foot with the right foot next to the left knee.
Hop back: Hop off your left foot and land on your left foot. THEN place your right foot behind the left*.
back-2-3-4: Step right, left, right, left
Repeat on the same foot.
*Make sure you hop off the left foot and land only on the left foot. Once you have completed that, then put your right foot on the ground. This is NOT a jump from one foot the other. It is a hop and then a step - two separate movements.
Here is a basic, all-purpose version of the Sink and Grind:
(Count the step "Down, up, hop back 2-3-4")
Down: Jump off both feet and land on both feet with your right foot in front.
Up: Jump off both feet and land on the left foot with the right foot next to the left knee.
Hop back: Hop off your left foot and land on your left foot. THEN place your right foot behind the left*.
back-2-3-4: Step right, left, right, left
Repeat on the same foot.
*Make sure you hop off the left foot and land only on the left foot. Once you have completed that, then put your right foot on the ground. This is NOT a jump from one foot the other. It is a hop and then a step - two separate movements.
Friday, May 18, 2007
My Students' Recital
Here are my Irish Step Dance students in their first recital. Awesome.
If you click on the picture you will be taken to another page where you can watch the clip. Hit you "back" button to return to this page.
A Reel:
A Jig:
If you click on the picture you will be taken to another page where you can watch the clip. Hit you "back" button to return to this page.
A Reel:
A Jig:
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
The Fancy Dahill Jig Step
Dance notation is nearly impossible, but I'll try anyway.
This jig step was shown to my dance friends and me many years ago at the Dubliner Pub in Saint Paul, MN. Since we sort of put Eileen Dahill, who showed us the step, on the spot and at a busy bar no less, it took a long time to try to piece together what she'd shown us after she left. This is my best estimation.
Stand facing front.
Step on the RF whilst facing 45 degrees to the left.
Kick up your LF with a straight leg.
Hop on the RF.
Hop again on the RF while bringing the LF behind it
Step 4 times LF RF LF RF (LF is in back, RF is in front)
Step on the LF whilst facing 45 degrees to the right.
Kick up your RF with a straight leg.
Hop on the LF.
Hop again on the LF while bringing the RF behind it
Step 4 times RF LF RF LF (RF is in back, LF is in front)
Brush the RF forward
Hop on the LF
Jump and land with weight on both feet (RF lands in front)
Jump and land with weight on both feet (LF lands in front)
Jump and land with weight on both feet (RF lands in front)
Jump and land with weight on both feet (LF lands in front)
Kick LF while hopping on RF
Hop again on RF while bringing LF behind
Step 4 times LF RF LF RF
Repeat entire step starting on the opposite foot.
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
This jig step was shown to my dance friends and me many years ago at the Dubliner Pub in Saint Paul, MN. Since we sort of put Eileen Dahill, who showed us the step, on the spot and at a busy bar no less, it took a long time to try to piece together what she'd shown us after she left. This is my best estimation.
Stand facing front.
Step on the RF whilst facing 45 degrees to the left.
Kick up your LF with a straight leg.
Hop on the RF.
Hop again on the RF while bringing the LF behind it
Step 4 times LF RF LF RF (LF is in back, RF is in front)
Step on the LF whilst facing 45 degrees to the right.
Kick up your RF with a straight leg.
Hop on the LF.
Hop again on the LF while bringing the RF behind it
Step 4 times RF LF RF LF (RF is in back, LF is in front)
Brush the RF forward
Hop on the LF
Jump and land with weight on both feet (RF lands in front)
Jump and land with weight on both feet (LF lands in front)
Jump and land with weight on both feet (RF lands in front)
Jump and land with weight on both feet (LF lands in front)
Kick LF while hopping on RF
Hop again on RF while bringing LF behind
Step 4 times LF RF LF RF
Repeat entire step starting on the opposite foot.
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
Friday, May 05, 2006
Rise and Grind
A step that shows up in jigs for both step and ceili dancing is the Rise and Grind. If you master this step, you will have mastered the most difficult footwork in all of ceili dancing.
Here is a basic, all-purpose version of the Rise and Grind:
(Count the step "Hop up, hop back, hop back 2-3-4")
Hop up: Hop on the left foot and bring your right foot up to you left knee at the same time.
Hop back: Skip* backwards landing your right foot behind.
Hop back: Skip backwards landing your left foot behind.
2-3-4: Step right, left, right.
Start over on the left foot.
*To skip backwards, hop on your left foot THEN put your right foot on the floor behind the left foot. It's a hop followed by a step.
Here is a basic, all-purpose version of the Rise and Grind:
(Count the step "Hop up, hop back, hop back 2-3-4")
Hop up: Hop on the left foot and bring your right foot up to you left knee at the same time.
Hop back: Skip* backwards landing your right foot behind.
Hop back: Skip backwards landing your left foot behind.
2-3-4: Step right, left, right.
Start over on the left foot.
*To skip backwards, hop on your left foot THEN put your right foot on the floor behind the left foot. It's a hop followed by a step.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to Heidi's Irish Dance Page. I'm Heidi.
I started learning Irish dance in 1993 in St. Paul, Minnesota. I started with ceili, added sets and a little step too. Hopefully, through this blog I'll be able to put down some of the things I've learned in writing so that others can learn something and so that I don't forget what I've learned myself.
I started learning Irish dance in 1993 in St. Paul, Minnesota. I started with ceili, added sets and a little step too. Hopefully, through this blog I'll be able to put down some of the things I've learned in writing so that others can learn something and so that I don't forget what I've learned myself.
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