From a young age, the world of dance captivated me. Ballet, jazz, and especially tap dance filled my childhood with rhythm and movement. Like many, I was drawn to the energetic footwork and percussive sounds of tap. However, encountering Irish step dance for the first time sparked a question: what exactly differentiates it from tap, and what makes each form unique? While both share a focus on footwork and rhythm, the styles, origins, and cultural contexts of Irish step dance and tap dance are distinctly different. Exploring these differences reveals the rich history and captivating artistry of each dance form, moving beyond a simple comparison of what one might initially perceive as “Irish Tap Dance”.
Irish step dance boasts a history deeply rooted in Irish culture, tracing back to as early as 400 BCE. Even as pagan traditions gave way to Christianity, dance and music remained integral to Celtic culture. By the 18th century, a formal structure emerged with the rise of the “dance master.” These esteemed teachers passed down traditions, emphasizing high standards and solo performances. It was during this period that step dancing, as we recognize it today, truly took shape. The global phenomenon of shows like Riverdance has since propelled Irish step dance onto the world stage, ensuring its continued evolution and appreciation (IrelandsEye).
Tap dance, in contrast, is an American invention, born from the fusion of diverse percussive dance traditions. It’s a melting pot of rhythms, primarily drawing from African tribal dances and European forms like Scottish, Irish, and English clog dances, hornpipes, and jigs (Britannica 1). In essence, tap dance embodies a unifying rhythm that, interestingly, incorporates elements from Irish dance itself, contributing to the initial perception of similarity. While the exact origins are debated, tap dance is largely believed to have emerged in vibrant urban environments like New York City’s Five Points District. Here, diverse communities mingled, blending their dance styles to create something entirely new and distinctly American.
The fundamental differences between Irish step dance and tap dance lie in body usage and footwork. Tap dance embraces syncopation throughout the entire body, encouraging dancers to engage their whole being in the rhythm. Irish step dance, however, emphasizes rigidity in the upper body. The traditional jig style prioritizes straight lines and stillness in the arms and torso, focusing all energy downwards into the intricate foot movements. Spatial movement also differs; tap dance allows for greater freedom across the stage, while Irish step dance often involves specific patterns that propel dancers within defined areas.
Costume also plays a significant role in distinguishing the two. Tap dance costumes are generally open to interpretation, with shoe choice being the main defining element. Irish step dance, deeply connected to Irish tradition, adheres to more specific and often historically inspired attire. Performance costumes frequently evoke clothing styles from centuries past, featuring dresses, kilts, and jackets that reflect Irish heritage (Ireland’s Eye). This emphasis on traditional attire underscores how Irish step dance acts as a powerful carrier of Celtic cultural identity, often maintaining a more regulated and tradition-bound approach compared to the more freely evolving nature of tap dance.
Both tap and Irish step dance have achieved widespread popularity in recent years. The Irish dance group, Fusion Fighters, captivated a global audience with their dynamic performance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014, showcasing the energy and precision of the form.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOz_bNVY7OA
Similarly, the Syncopated Ladies, a tap dance group, have garnered international acclaim for their innovative performances, including their viral tap rendition of Beyoncé’s “Formation,” demonstrating tap dance’s capacity for contemporary expression.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9T2BH8KQ-A
In conclusion, while both tap and Irish step dance utilize rhythmic footwork and may appear similar at first glance, they are distinct art forms with unique histories, techniques, and cultural significance. Each dance tradition offers a captivating blend of rhythm, movement, and cultural expression, fostering a deep appreciation for the diverse world of dance.
Works Cited
Frank, Rusty. “Tap Dance.” Dance Forms. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2009. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
“The History of Irish Dance.” Ireland’s Eye. Ireland’s Eye, 1994-2004. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
All videos courtesy of YouTube. P.S. Sorry they didn’t get properly embedded… something went wrong with the links!
