Dance, in its myriad forms, offers a compelling avenue for expression, culture, and physical prowess. From a young age, many are drawn to the rhythm and movement that dance provides. For me, that introduction began with jazz and tap, under the tutelage of a mother who herself had a history in ballet. While jazz presented its challenges, tap dance quickly became a passion, turning every hard surface into a potential stage for rhythmic exploration. This early immersion into the world of percussive dance laid the foundation for a later appreciation of other forms, particularly Step Dancing.
It wasn’t until a university dance concert, years after hanging up my tap shoes, that I encountered Irish step dance. Amidst the grace of ballerinas, the energy of hip-hop dancers, and the familiar beats of tap, the Irish step dancers captivated with their unique style. Their arms held rigidly at their sides, their feet a blur of motion against the floor, created a mesmerizing display. This performance sparked a fundamental question: what exactly distinguishes tap dance from Irish step dance? Both are clearly forms of step dancing, but their differences are significant and rooted in distinct histories and cultures.
Unpacking Irish Step Dance: A Legacy in Footwork
Irish step dance boasts a rich and lengthy history, tracing back to as early as 400 BCE in Ireland. Even as pagan traditions gave way to Christianity, the intrinsic cultural value of music and dance allowed these art forms to persist and adapt. By the 18th century, a structured system of dance preservation emerged with the rise of the “dance master.” These figures were instrumental in passing down dance traditions, maintaining high standards, and fostering the development of esteemed soloists. It was during this late 18th-century period that step dancing, as we recognize it today, truly took form within the Irish dance tradition. The global phenomenon of shows like Riverdance has since propelled Irish step dance onto the world stage, ensuring its continued evolution and widespread appreciation (IrelandsEye).
Alt text: A vibrant stage photograph showcasing a line of Irish step dancers in mid-performance, clad in elaborate traditional costumes featuring Celtic designs and embroidery, their legs executing synchronized, rapid steps, capturing the energy and precision of Irish step dance.
Tap Dance: An American Fusion of Rhythms
In contrast to the ancient roots of Irish step dance, tap dance emerged in the melting pot of America. It is a dynamic fusion of diverse percussive dance traditions, primarily drawing from African tribal dances and the step dances of the British Isles, including Scottish, Irish, and English clog dances, hornpipes, and jigs (Britannica 1). Tap dance, therefore, embodies a unique unifying rhythm, ironically incorporating elements from Irish step dance itself, which contributes to their perceived similarities. While the exact origins are debated, the Five Points District of New York City is often cited as a key birthplace, a place where diverse ethnic groups mingled, exchanged cultural practices, and collaboratively forged this entirely new dance form (Britannica 1).
Alt text: Two tap dancers in dynamic poses during a performance, highlighting their metallic tap shoes striking the stage floor, creating visible percussive movements and showcasing the energetic and rhythmic nature of tap dance.
Key Distinctions: Body, Feet, and Form
The fundamental differences between tap and Irish step dance lie in their utilization of the body and the mechanics of footwork. Tap dance embraces syncopation throughout the entire body, encouraging dancers to engage their whole being in the rhythm. It’s a full-bodied expression where arm movements, upper body isolations, and even facial expressions can contribute to the performance. Irish step dance, conversely, emphasizes rigidity and control, particularly in traditional forms. The upper body is held erect and still, with arms typically kept close to the sides. The focus is intensely placed on the intricate and rapid foot movements. In terms of spatial dynamics, tap dance tends to be more expansive, utilizing broader movements across the stage. Irish step dance often incorporates specific patterns that propel dancers within a more defined space, focusing on vertical movement and intricate footwork within a smaller area.
Costume and Cultural Context
Costuming further distinguishes these two step dancing forms. Tap dance generally allows for greater freedom in attire, with the primary requirement being tap shoes. Costumes can range from casual practice wear to more elaborate performance outfits, depending on the style and context of the dance. Irish step dance, deeply rooted in Irish tradition and cultural heritage, features specific and often elaborate costumes, especially for performances. These costumes frequently evoke historical Irish clothing, incorporating elements like dresses, kilts, and jackets reminiscent of 18th and 19th-century styles (Ireland’s Eye). This connection to tradition imbues Irish step dance with a formality and regulated aesthetic that differs from the more adaptable and evolving presentation of tap dance.
Modern Popularity and Global Reach of Step Dancing
Both tap and Irish step dance have witnessed surges in global popularity in recent years. Irish step dance gained significant international attention in 2014 when groups like Fusion Fighters captivated audiences on shows like “Britain’s Got Talent,” showcasing the dynamism and contemporary evolution of the form.
Fusion Fighters Irish Dance group performing on Britain's Got Talent
Alt text: A still image from a Britain’s Got Talent performance featuring the Irish step dance group Fusion Fighters, highlighting their innovative and high-energy choreography, with dancers in modern attire performing complex step sequences on a brightly lit stage.
Similarly, tap dance continues to evolve and inspire, with groups like the Syncopated Ladies achieving widespread acclaim for their innovative tap performances set to contemporary music, including Beyoncé’s “Formation,” and for using their art to respond to current social and political events.
Syncopated Ladies tap dance group performing outdoors
Alt text: The Syncopated Ladies tap dance group performing an outdoor routine, showcasing their rhythmic precision and contemporary style in an urban setting, emphasizing their innovative approach to tap dance with modern music and choreography.
Conclusion: Celebrating Diverse Rhythms in Step Dancing
In conclusion, while both tap dance and Irish step dance fall under the broader umbrella of step dancing and share a focus on intricate footwork and rhythm, they are distinct art forms with unique origins, techniques, and cultural significances. Each form possesses its own beauty and appeal, offering both dancers and audiences a profound appreciation for the diverse expressions within the rhythmic world of dance. Whether it’s the grounded, tradition-rich steps of Irish dance or the improvisational, full-bodied rhythms of tap, both styles contribute richly to the global tapestry of dance and continue to evolve and inspire new generations of dancers and enthusiasts.
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.
