The relationship between Ireland and Scotland is a fascinating tapestry woven with threads of shared history, culture, and traditions. After reading about the historical ties between these Celtic nations, particularly the influence of Ireland on Scotland, it sparked a deeper curiosity about their cultural connections, specifically in the realms of music and dance. Both countries boast vibrant Celtic heritages, distinct from their English and Welsh neighbours, yet intertwined in intriguing ways. This exploration will delve into these shared traditions, focusing particularly on Irish Dancing Music and its relationship to Scottish musical forms.
Historically, the bond between Ireland and Scotland stretches back centuries. As early as the 5th century, Irish migration to the western coasts of Scotland brought with it Gaelic language and cultural practices. While Irish dominance in Scotland was short-lived, the Gaelic influence remained strong, particularly in the Scottish Highlands. Despite periods of diverging paths, especially with Anglo-Saxon and later English expansion, a cultural kinship persisted. More recently, both Ireland and Scotland have seen a resurgence of cultural pride, strengthening the ties between them, further fueled by the significant Irish diaspora in Scotland.
The cultural similarities between Ireland and Scotland are striking. Both nations cherish their Celtic roots, expressed vividly in their music and dance. Irish dancing music and traditional Scottish music share common ancestors and instrumentation. Think of the evocative sounds of fiddles, the stirring drone of bagpipes, the lively melodies of whistles, and the rhythmic pulse of the bodhrán – these instruments are cornerstones of both musical traditions. While categorizations often lead to “Irish” or “Celtic” music compilations, finding albums specifically labeled “Scottish music” can be less common, highlighting the widespread recognition and perhaps broader appeal of irish dancing music in the global music scene.
Interestingly, irish dancing music has experienced a remarkable revival in recent decades, arguably propelled by phenomena like Riverdance and Michael Flatley, achieving global recognition. Scottish traditional music, while equally rich, hasn’t seen the same level of mainstream resurgence. Modern irish dancing music often incorporates contemporary elements – synthesizers, drums, and electric instruments – creating a dynamic and evolving genre that resonates with new audiences while staying true to its roots.
While pinpointing precise musical distinctions between Irish and Scottish traditions can be nuanced – often appreciated by Celtic music aficionados – the world of dance offers clearer contrasts. Having personal experience with Irish step dance, it’s evident that while sharing a Celtic foundation, Irish and Scottish dance forms have evolved distinct characteristics. Let’s consider Scottish Highland dance and Irish Step dance.
One key differentiator lies in arm movements. Scottish Highland dancing frequently features arms raised overhead or positioned on the hips. In contrast, Irish dancing, with the notable exception of group céilí dances and the flamboyant style popularized by Michael Flatley, emphasizes keeping arms close to the sides. A popular, albeit possibly apocryphal, story explains this arm discipline in Irish dance as a cultural preservation tactic during English rule. The idea is that restricted arm movements would allow dancers to practice within homes without alerting English soldiers to their cultural activities, as only foot movements would be visible from a window.
Scottish Highland dance showcases expressive arm movements as part of its dynamic and visually engaging style.
Irish Step dance, conversely, is characterized by its rigid arm posture, emphasizing intricate footwork and precision.
Costumes also reveal differences. While traditional Irish and Scottish dance attire share similarities, particularly in simpler forms, Scottish Highland dance often incorporates more tartan patterns. Historically, Scottish dancers might wear longer dresses, a style uncommon in Irish dance, where dresses typically fall around knee-length. Irish dance schools often have standardized, traditional costumes for beginners, while advanced dancers, especially women in solo performances, have greater freedom to design elaborate dresses. These solo dresses can feature intricate Celtic embroidery inspired by sources like the Book of Kells or Irish stone crosses, often adorned with Tara Brooch-style brooches. The more flamboyant, sequined Irish solo dresses emerged in the 1970s and 80s. Many appreciate the elegance of traditional embroidered dresses over the heavily sequined modern styles, though the latter are often made from lighter materials, offering more freedom of movement.
Modern Irish solo dresses often feature vibrant colors and extensive sequin embellishments, designed to catch the light and create a visually stunning stage presence.
Traditional Irish solo dress styles emphasize rich embroidery and Celtic motifs, reflecting a connection to historical designs and craftsmanship.
Footwear is another significant distinction. Scottish Highland dance exclusively uses ghillies – soft leather shoes laced across the instep and around the ankles, worn by both men and women. Irish Step dance employs a wider range of shoe types. Men wear hard shoes exclusively, while women wear either soft ghillies or hard shoes, depending on the dance style. Irish hard shoes are notable for their thick heels and wooden or fiberglass tips and heels, producing the percussive rhythms integral to irish dancing music and step dance.
The global popularity of Irish Step dance, especially since Riverdance, has arguably surpassed that of Scottish Highland dance. Like irish dancing music, Irish dance has evolved into a contemporary form while maintaining its traditional essence.
To experience the distinct styles, consider watching performances of Scottish Highland dance, such as the “Highland Fling” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=k71sHKbnMnQ&feature=related), and hard-shoe Irish Step dancing (www.youtube.com/watch?v=OraC81Mc1WA&feature=related). Exploring these captivating art forms reveals the rich and nuanced relationship between Irish and Scottish cultures, showcasing both shared heritage and unique expressions within the vibrant world of Celtic traditions, particularly in their music and dance.
