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Welcome - Failte Romhat!

When the translation is provided submissions to the blog will be published in both English and Irish. Please send submissions to the webmaster address shown at the very top of the blog. Please visit us often. This blog is the companion of the Ottawa Comhaltas website: http://www.ottawacomhaltas.com/

Beidh poist a fhoilsiú i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge nuair is féidir. Tabhair cuairt orainn go minic. Is é seo an blag an compánach an láithreán gréasáin Comhaltas Ottawa: http://www.ottawacomhaltas.com/
Showing posts with label Irish dancing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Irish dancing. Show all posts

Tuesday, 27 March 2018

Toronto - Dance Weekend (with a twist!)

25-27 May 2018, Dance all Weekend!


Our friends in the Irish community in Toronto will be having a whole weekend of dancing, and great craic to be had!



Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Todmorden Branch 10,   1083 Pape Ave, East York, ON M4K 3W7
  • The venue has wooden floor, 
  • air conditioning, 
  • separate bar and lounge, 
  • easy parking, 
  • TTC accessible.



https://www.opendoorceilitoronto.com/set-dance-teacher
The dance teachers will be Kevin and Carol Monahan ("SetsMad"), who will be in Toronto for the first time. They have been set dancing for more than 20 years.They teach all over Europe, and as on occasion in the US as guest of the Milwaukee Set dancers.

The bands playing at the event are Cabbagetown Ceili Band and North Atlantic Drift with Ena O'Brien. 


Weekend Schedule
Friday 25 May:
8PM - Midnight, Welcome ceili


Saturday 26 May:
Morning workshop, 10AM - 12PM
Afternoon Workshop, 2PM - 4PM
Ceili, 8PM - Midnight


Sunday 27 May:
Workshop, 1PM - 2PM
Farewell Ceili, 2PM - 5PM  
(a Sunday night seisiun at a local pub after the ceili)

Event Costs:
Whole weekend package, Can$110

Individual Events:
Friday welcome ceili, Can$25
Saturday morning workshop, Can$20
Saturday afternoon workshop, Can$20
Saturday ceili, Can$25
Sunday mini package, Can$25
Sunday workshop, Can$15
Sunday farewell ceili, Can$15

Registration available online: https://www.opendoorceilitoronto.com/dancer-reg-form-2017 

Contact Geraldine at 416.573.1205 or Mary 905.330.7972 or at opendoorceilis@gmail.com


This even is made possible in part with a grant for the Irish Cultural Society of Toronto.





Everyone is welcome!!!





Tuesday, 13 March 2018

St. Patrick's Day 2018 Céili Dance List and Schedule

Ottawa Irish Arts 
Elaíona Gaelacha Ottabha



St. Patrick's Day Céili Dance List and Schedule, 17 March  2018


(Remember, you do not need to know how to dance nor need to have a dancing partner. Everyone is welcome!)

Click on a dance title for videos to see how it is danced.

7:20 - 7:30PM      Workshop
                               Join us in the first half hour of the evening for a short 
                               tutorial on steps, holds, and terminology that will have 
                               you dancing your way through the evening with  
                               confidence. 
                                Gay Gordon (March)

7:30 - 8:15PM       Antrim Square (Set dance)
                                  Figure 1: Wheel and turn
                                  Figure 2: House and slide
                                  Figure 3: Slide and change
   

                             Free Waltz (Waltz)   
                        
8:15 - 8:45PM       Entertainment and 1st Intermission
                              Trillium School of Irish Dance
                               Students from Trillium will perform.   

8:45 - 9:30PM       Haymaker's Jig (Jig)
                        
                             Aran (Set Dance)
                                 Figure 1: Grand Chain
                                 Figure 2: Dance around opposites
                                 Figure 3: Gents change over
                        
                            Waltz Cotillion

                            2-Hand Reel (Reel)
                                                    
9:30 - 10:00         2nd Intermission 
                             Join us for a cup of tea and freshly baked Irish Soda bread. 
                             Be sure to have your admission ticket handy for the Door 
                             Prize draw. There will be a 50/50 Draw.

10:00 - 10:30PM  Bonfire Dance (Reel) 

                            Clare Lancers (Set Dance)
                            Each figure starts with a two-handed lead around, 
                            turning the lady under to swing.
                            Each figure ends with a full around-the-house.
                                  Figure 1: Square the House
                                  Figure 2: House and Turn the Lady
                                  Figure 3: Big Wheels and Big Christmas Tree
                                  Figure 4: Small Wheels and Small Christmas Tree
                                  Figure 5: Long Chain and Line Ups

Note: As the final dance of the evening, the Clare Lancers will not be called. Given that this dance is not called and that all figures will, as it is traditional, be danced consecutively, more experienced dancers will be invited to form a set and show off their steps, but as always, all dancers are welcome to the floor.


Here are some helpful dance guidelines:Irish Set (and Ceili) Dance Etiquette
Check our dance page for more information on the dances called at our céilis.

Sunday, 11 March 2018

Rhythm of the Dance - Irish month



Irish Month in Ottawa!


We hope you’ve all been enjoying Irish Week in Ottawa! There are still a number of exciting events coming up but if you’re not quite ready for it to end this coming weekend, there’s one more event on Wednesday, 21 March, that you won’t want to miss! 

Centerpoint
Rhythm of the Dance celebrates the rich cultural history of Ireland – its traditions of music, dance, and song – in a live show that brings together on stage world champion dancers, a traditional Irish band, and the Young Irish Tenors. 


–– “What sets Rhythm of the Dance apart from Riverdance is that we tend to be a bit more traditional and purist and we rely less on the technical support than other shows do, although we do carry quite a lavish production.” – Kieran Cavanagh, Rhythm of the Dance Producer. 

This two-hour incredible live show tells the story of the Irish throughout history and blends contemporary technology with traditional music and dance. Cavanagh promises audience members that they “will leave the theatre feeling that they have been on a trip around Ireland and [with] a strong impression of our culture and our music.” 

The show is produced by the National Dance Company of Ireland and is internationally rated as one of the most popular and busiest Irish step dance shows in the world. Important traditional elements of Irish culture and music like stepdance, the male tenor voice, and the blend of instruments from an Irish band will feature throughout the telling of this epic tale. 

Rhythm of the Dance will be in Ottawa for one night only at Centrepointe Theatre – don’t miss your chance to enjoy the passion, energy, and rhythm on Wednesday, 21 March, at 8pm! There are still tickets available to purchase online. Don’t miss out – we’ll see you there!




Sunday, 4 February 2018

Céili Dance List and Schedule, 10 February 2018


Ottawa Irish Arts 
Elaíona Gaelacha Ottabha



Céili Dance List and Schedule, 10 February 2018


(Remember, you do not need to know how to dance nor need to have a dancing partner. Everyone is welcome!)

Click on a dance title for videos to see how it is danced.

7:00 - 7:30PM      Workshop
                               Join us in the first half hour of the evening for a short 
                               tutorial on steps, holds, and terminology that will have 
                               you dancing your way through the evening with  
                               confidence. Gay Gordon (March) to finish.

7:30 - 8:00PM       Aiofe's Three Step (March)

                             North Kerry (Set dance)
                                  Figure 1: Wheel and turn
                                  Figure 2: House and slide
                                  Figure 3: Slide and change
                             
8:00 - 8:30PM       Entertainment and 1st Intermission
                             Ottawa Irish Arts Dance Class
                               Caitlin Crockard’s Monday night adult class will perform 
                               skilfully choreographed pieces during the intermission. 8:30 - 9:30PM        Haymaker's Jig (Jig)
                        
                              North Kerry (Set dance)
                                  Figure 4: Wheel and turn
                                  Figure 5: Hornpipe body                                                    
9:30 - 10:00         2nd Intermission 
                             Join us for a cup of tea and freshly baked Irish Soda bread. 
                             Be sure to have your admission ticket handy for the Door 
                             Prize draw. There will be a 50/50 Draw.

10:00 - 10:30PM  Walls of Limerick (Reel) (dance instruction starts at 0:35 min) 

                            Clare Lancers (Set Dance)
                            Each figure starts with a two-handed lead around, 
                            turning the lady under to swing.
                            Each figure ends with a full around-the-house.
                                  Figure 1: Square the House
                                  Figure 2: House and Turn the Lady
                                  Figure 3: Big Wheels and Big Christmas Tree
                                  Figure 4: Small Wheels and Small Christmas Tree
                                  Figure 5: Long Chain and Line Ups

Note: As the final dance of the evening, the Clare Lancers will not be called. Given that this dance is not called and that all figures will, as it is traditional, be danced consecutively, more experienced dancers will be invited to form a set and show off their steps, but as always, all dancers are welcome to the floor.


Here are some helpful dance guidelines:Irish Set (and Ceili) Dance Etiquette
Check our dance page for more information on the dances called at our céilis.


Tuesday, 24 February 2015

St. Patrick's Dinner and Céilí - 14 March 2015 - Family-friendly event

We Invite you


When: Saturday, March 14th, 2014. Céilí from 08:00PM to 11:30PM


Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa Ontario K1S 2L5.

Tickets: $35, Please note that NO tickets will be sold at the door! Deadline for ticket purchase was 11 March. 


This is an authentic Irish, family-friendly (no green beer) event!

Last year's dinner and dance were a sellout and a HUGE success. In fact, last couple of years, we had to turn people away at the door. It will sell out this year, so you should get your tickets as soon as possible.

This year our dinner will be catered by the award-winning Bobby's Table chefs. The three-course dinner will include vegetarian, and gluten-free options! 


After a first-class, three course complete dinner, beverages available for purchase, there will be an Irish dance (Céilí), with the dances called. No experience or partner is required, and it is loads of fun and helps work the dinner off.

The excellent Comhaltas Céilí Band will provide the music and Sheila Scott will call the dances. At the intermission, Irish dancers from the Trillium Academy will be performing.

There will be a raffle, a 50-50 draw, and a multitude of crafts and items for sale, by Blakeney Designs from Kingston.

At around 10:30 PM, there will be tea and snacks.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.




Come, join us  and have a good craic!
Ceol, damhsa, craic!


Sunday, 22 June 2014

Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada: Tamworth and Dún Laoghaire (Ontario) 2014

www.oireachtas.ca


Do not miss the upcoming 2014 Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada as part of the Gaeltacht Thuaisceart An Oileáin Úir that will held both in Tamworth and at the Days Inn and Conference Centre in Kingston (Dún Laoghaire), Ontario. This Irish cultural festival runs from the 27 to 29 June 2014.

For detailed information check: http://www.oireachtas.ca/Baile-bea.shtml

Again this year, the CCE Ottawa branch will be represented in competition by the CCE Set Dancers. The competition categories are Sean-nos dancing and singing, harp, Ceili Bands, Uilleann pipes, recitation and poetry, choir performance, etc.

Come and join us for a good craic!


Saturday, 14 June 2014

42nd Scoil Éigse

from http://www.fleadhcheoil.ie/scoil-eigse


Scoil Éigse 2014 Sligo 10th - 15th August
International Summer College of Irish Traditional Music Instrumental – Vocal – Dancing Workshops – Lectures – Sessions – Irish Language 



When: 10 August 2014–15 August 2014, at 3:00 pm (Irish time)
Where: Sligo
Contact: Siobhán ní Chonaráin 
Phone: +(353) 01 2800295

The 42nd Annual Scoil Éigse organised by Comhaltas this year will take place in Sligo, between 10- 15 of August, the week before the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.


What is the Scoil Éigse? The Scoil Éigse is the official summer school organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann where Irish people and students from the Commonwealth (or from anywhere in the world where is a Comhaltas branch) attend to obtain a better and deeper understanding of Irish music and culture.


At the CCÉ’s annual international Summer School, students of all ages register for the various classes offered. The school provides workshops, lectures and sessions the week before the Fleadh and continues each day during the Fleadh. The emphasis of the school is in traditional music, dance, and song during the day with informal céilís and sessions each evening.

For details check the Scoil Éigse descriptive document, and the registration form.



Tuesday, 11 March 2014

St. Patrick's Dinner and Céilí - 15 March 2014 - Family-friendly event

Ottawa Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann



When: Saturday, March 15th, 2014.
Doors open at 05:30PM
Dinner from 06:00 PM to 08:00PM
Céilí from 08:00PM to 11:30PM 


Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa Ontario K1S 2L5.  Additional parking will be available at Corpus Christi Elementary School, 157 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 2L5

Tickets: $35, purchase them online at https://stpats2014.eventbrite.caPlease note that NO tickets will be sold at the door!

This is an authentic Irish, family-friendly, no green beer event!

Last year's dinner and dance were a sellout and a HUGE success. In fact, last couple of years, we had to turn people away at the door. It will sell out this year, so you should get your tickets as soon as possible.

We will have the same excellent caterer as last year - Franz Gierer - and the menu promises to please, the 3-course dinner will include a vegetarian, and gluten-free options!

After a first-class, three course complete dinner, with wine available for purchase, there will be an Irish dance (Céilí), with the dances called. No experience or partner is required, and it is loads of fun and helps work the dinner off.

The excellent Comhaltas Céilí Band will provide the music and Sheila Scott will call the dances.

There is a cash bar, a raffle, a 50-50 draw, and a multitude of crafts and items for sale.

At around 11 PM, there will be tea and snacks.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.


All tickets purchases are $35. By ordering online now, you get your tickets guaranteed. 



Purchase online at: https://stpats2014.eventbrite.ca

For paper tickets and information contact the PRO at: info.ottawacomhaltas@gmail.com


Come and have a good craic! 

Also notice that no classes (dance or Language) will be held on Monday 17 March, all classes resume on 24 March.


Sunday, 22 December 2013

Traditional Irish Music - Dancing



Last time we talked about music for singing. There are individual dances, such as Sean nós dancing,  which is a casual type of dance compared to the more formal, competition-oriented form of Irish solo (or stepdance). Sean nós is characterized by a “low to the ground” footwork, improvised steps, free movement of the arms, and an emphasis upon a "battering step" (which sounds out more loudly the accented beat of the music). Like in Sean nós  singing, spontaneous expression on the dance are very much valued. On occasion dancers will dance in turns, playing against each other. 

2013 Oireachtas Canada, Tamworth, Ontario.

Also, like in singing, there are regional differences in Sean nós dancing, and apparently it originated from the Connemara region.  Solo dancing now has been taken over by the solo step dancing style. According to Kieran Jordan, "They used to say, 'A good dancer could dance on a silver tray, and a really excellent dancer could dance on a sixpence.' Now, any modern Irish dancer would fill the whole stage. But, why compare the two? After all, says Patrick O'Dea, they are two entirely different dances – one, a traditional "old style" of step dancing, and the second, a newer and less traditional outgrowth or variation." http://www.celticcafe.com/archive/Dance/Articles/SeanNos_BostonIrishReporter.htm

The other type of dance music is for social dances, like set dancing. It is said that the spreading of social traditional dances was linked to military regiments. Regiments brought dances from other countries, and shared their own with other countries. The significance of these can still be seen in the names of some of the sets still danced in traditionally strong dancing areas, such as The Caledonian (after a Scottish regiment) and The Lancer (after the French De Lancier regiment). http://www.standingstones.com/cmaoitm.html

Social dances mainly utilize three groups of tunes: hornpipes (4/4 with swung eighth notes), jigs (double and single jigs are in 6/8 time; jigs come in various other forms for dancing – the slip jig and hop jig or single jig are commonly written in 9/8 time, the slide in 12/8), and reels (4/4).

It seems that the reel arrived in Ireland, from Scotland in the 1700-1800s, though it was know in Ireland before, but like the polka, waltzes and mazurkas, it became popular in the 1700s.  The jig was more popular than the reel in Ireland before the 1800s. The hornpipes are considered as a more recent arrival with some indications of England as a source.


Here you can see some of the basic Sean-nós steps. Also, here is John Joyce at the Oireachtas na Samhna 2012.



We hope you enjoy it! 


Sunday, 20 October 2013

Halloween Céilí

THIS MONTH: DRESS UP IN YOUR FAVOURITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME!




When: Saturday 26th of October, 8:00-11:00 pm

Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue


Members – $10,
Non-Members – $15,
Students – $5,
Children under 12 years of age – free


Do you love great company, great music and a fun time dancing? If you answered "yes" to any of the above you MUST join us for our October ceili. Come on out to a fun night of relaxed entertainment in a friendly environment and learn the steps of our ancestors. It is a great no-pressure environment in which you can enjoy the evening without dealing with drunks, learn some new dance steps (even if you have two left feet), and listen to some of the best live music in town!



Come and join us. We will love to see you there! 

Monday, 14 October 2013

Irish (set, sean-nós, and solo) dancing and Irish language classes


Every September we resume our weekly groups of classes on Monday nights:


6:00-7:00 pm Beginner Irish
6:00-7:00 pm Advanced Beginner Irish
7:00-8:30 pm Intermediate Irish
7:00-8:30 pm Advanced Irish
6:30-8:00 pm Set Dancing / Sean-nós dancing
8:00-9:30 pm Solo Dancing

Monday night classes began on September 9 and run until December 16 and resume on January 6 2014 and run until May 26. 

All events are held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 2L6 unless otherwise indicated.

More information on Irish language and Set Dancing / Sean-nós dancingSheila Scott

More information on Solo Dancing: Caitlin Crockard 

If you want to know more about Set Dancing, check these stories: http://ottawacomhaltas.blogspot.ca/2012/12/what-is-irish-set-dancing.html


http://ottawacomhaltas.blogspot.ca/2013/01/set-irish-dance-terms.html


Come and join us. We will love to see you there! 

Tuesday, 2 July 2013

Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada: Tamworth and Dún Laoghaire (Ontario) 2013


In case that you missed it, the last weekend of June (28-30 June) was the 2013 Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada as part of the Gaeltacht Thuaisceart An Oileáin Úir that was held both in Tamworth and at the Days Inn and Conference Centre in Kingston (Dún Laoghaire), Ontario. For detailed information check: http://www.oireachtas.ca/forbhreathnu-bea.shtml 


Tamworth. Photo courtesy C. Hamm

During the three-day event, the most exciting is the one held on the Saturday, at the Tamworth site. There is where all the competitions are held; competitions are grouped as follows: 





Speaking: Oration, Story Telling, Poetry Recitation, Pair Dialogue 

Writing: Poetry, Prose, Learning Books and Aids 

Singing: Sean Nós Singing, Singing in Irish (not Sean Nós), Individual, Choir, Lúibíní 

Music: Harp, Uilleann Pipes, Céilí Bands 

Dancing: Sean Nós, Set Dancing 

Several CCE Ottawa members actively participated at the Oireachtas, in music, speaking, Sean Nós dancing, Singing, and Set Dancing. At the end of a Saturday where the rain held off for the most part of the day (began to rain as the participants were heading off to the Banquet in Kingston!), the Ottawa group fared quite well. 


Ellen MacIsaac’s Celtic Choir, took the first place (Gold medal) on the Choir competition, the Ottawa Céilí Band took the first price in their category, Ellen MacIsaac took the 2nd place (Silver medal) in the Corn Mhic ConCharraige competition, the Sean Nós competition for those who have already won the open Sean Nós competition. Emilie Funston took 3rd place on Sean Nós dancing, Patrick Scott took the 1st Annual Bob Ely award for Poetry Recitation, and the CCE Ottawa Set Dancers took the first place on Set Dancing.


Ellen Singing and Medals. Photo courtesy of Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada

Pat Scott reciting. Photo courtesy C. Hamm
Pat Scott receiving the Bob Ely Award. Photo courtesy of Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada
Ottawa Céilí Band. Photo courtesy C. Hamm

CCE Ottawa Set Dancers. Photo courtesy C. Hamm
Two of our dancers, Emilie Funston and Melanie Courtemanche with their winning medals! Photo courtesy of Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada


Congratulations to everyone who competed, regardless of the result!

Sunday, 9 June 2013

North America's Premier Irish Gaelic Festival: Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada - 28-30 June 2013


OIREACHTAS GAEILGE CHEANADA
NORTH AMERICA'S PREMIER IRISH GAELIC FESTIVAL
Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada is the only festival outside of Ireland featuring the performing arts of the Gaeltacht, and conducted through the medium of the Irish Language.

Dates: Friday 28 – Sunday 30 June 2013
Location: The North American Gaeltacht, Tamworth/Erinsville Ontario

http://www.oireachtas.ca/Ionaid-bea.shtml
http://www.anghaeltacht.ca/GAELTACHT/gaeltacht_index.htm
Registration:
http://www.oireachtas.ca/claru-bea.shtml

Featuring Performances and Competitions in:
Speaking
Drama
Singing
Writing
Dancing
Instrumental Music
Special Guests/Gaeltacht Personalities:
Máirín Uí Chéide
Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha
Loretta Ní Churraighín
Mícheál Newell
Meaití Jó Shéamuis
Lábhras Sonaí Choilm Learaí
Ray Mac Manais
John P. Kelly

The Irish Language brings families together. Our Language. Our Future.

===================

GAEILGE

OIREACHTAS GAEILGE CHEANADA
ARD-FHÉILE GHAEILGE MHEIRICEÁ THUAIDH

Is é Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada an t-aon fhéile amháin taobh amuigh d'Éirinn a thaispeánann taibh-ealaíona na Gaeltachta, trí meán na Gaeilge.

Dátaí: Dé hAoine 28 – Dé Domhnaigh 30 Meitheamh 2013
Láthair: Gaeltacht Thuaisceart an Oileáin Úir, Tamworth/Erinsville Ontairió
http://www.oireachtas.ca/Ionaid-gael.shtml
http://www.anghaeltacht.ca/GAEILGE/gaeilge_An_Baile.htm

Clárú:
http://www.oireachtas.ca/claru-gae.shtml

Le Taibhithe i:
Labhairt
Dráma
Amhránaíocht
Scríbhneoireacht
Damhsa
Ceol Uirlise
Aíonna Speisialta / Pearsantachtaí Gaeltachta:
Máirín Uí Chéide
Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha
Loretta Ní Churraighín
Mícheál Newell
Meaití Jó Shéamuis
Lábhras Sonaí Choilm Learaí
Ray Mac Manais
John P. Kelly

Teannann an Ghaeilge teaghlaigh le chéile. Ár dTeanga. Ár dTodhchaí.

Saturday, 1 June 2013

Second Annual Tulip Ball 2013


Next Saturday June 8th!


When: June 8th, 2013 at 8:00PM to 11:00PM


Where: At the Residence of the Irish Ambassador, 291 Park Road, Rockliffe, K1M 0E1. 


Tickets: Student/Members $25, Adults $30. 


Purchase tickets online at https://ottawatulipball2013.eventbrite.com/


To welcome the 2013 summer season in style, please join us to the Second Annual Tulip Ball on June 8th,at the Residence of the Irish Ambassador.  Enjoy an entertaining evening, with live music and traditional Irish dancing,  hosted by the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Youth Group. 

Last year's even was sold out, so don't wait until the last minute to get your tickets!!

For more information contact Lisa at 613 620 7031.



Sunday, 28 April 2013

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013 in Derry


For anyone that is seriously considering attending the Fleadh Cheoil 2013, in August in Derry, you can check the updates with all the latest news and developments regarding biggest Irish traditional music festival in the world.

Top Acts Revealed for Fleadh 2013:

  • The Poet and the Piper, Seamus Heaney and Liam O’Flynn: Wednesday 14th August 2013 
  • Cara Dillon and the Orchestra of Ireland: Thursday 15th August 2013 
  • Dervish: Friday 16th August 2013 
  • A Gathering of Traditions: Wednesday 14th - Sun 18th August 
  • Late Night Tunes: Friday 16th - Sunday 18th August 2013 


And many more excellent artists!

For more information check the official newsletter for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013 

See you in Derry, come and join us! 

Sunday, 21 April 2013

Irish Set Dancing and Health


For many of us Irish set dancing is enjoyed as an inexpensive and mild cardio workout, with the added social benefits of having a lot of fun, seeing current friends, and making new friends. However, trying to enlist new enthusiasts to join us in dancing can be difficult. Irish dancing goes through different phases of popularity, with peaks and lows, that are common everywhere. But new research shows that perhaps we can add another benefit to Irish dancing.

Earlier this month there was a very interesting article on the BBC news service where the benefits of dancing were explored. The article, Parkinson's patients test Irish set dancing benefits, mentions an international study that focuses on determining if dancing alleviates some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In the Irish Times there is a video clip where you can see some Parkinson's patients dancing an open-air Connemara Set on Inishmore (scroll down the Irish Times article for the video).

Now the research team wants to investigate the efficacy of set dancing on Alzheimer’s Disease. In contrast with Parkinson's disease patients, there likely would be a need for a large number of volunteers to help with the patients.

What we know for sure is that Irish set dancing is a fun social activity, and for that it is worth the effort. If in addition to that benefit Irish set dancing helps patients with degrading physical and, or, mental capacities, that is truly a great outcome.

See you on the dance floor!
Until next time / Go dtí an chéad uair eile!