From a young age, the world of dance captivated me. Ballet lessons as a child blossomed into a passion for jazz and tap. While jazz presented its flexibility challenges, tap dance became an obsession. The rhythmic clicking and shuffling on hardwood floors, much to my mother’s dismay, was a constant expression of this newfound love. Years later, attending a dance concert in college, I was reintroduced to this captivating world, enjoying ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and of course, tap performances. But it was the Irish step dancers that truly sparked a new curiosity. Their precise movements, locked arms, and rapid footwork created a mesmerizing spectacle, immediately prompting the question: what exactly sets Irish step dance apart from tap dance?
Delving into the history of Irish step dance reveals a rich tapestry woven through centuries of Irish culture. Its roots stretch back to as early as 400 BCE, deeply embedded in Celtic traditions. Even as pagan Ireland transitioned to Christianity, music and dance, vital components of Celtic identity, were preserved and adapted. By the 18th century, despite Norman influences on Celtic song and tradition, the esteemed figure of the “dance master” emerged. These masters ensured the continuity of dance traditions, passing them down through generations with rigorous standards, and elevating soloists to celebrated status. It was during this vibrant period at the close of the 18th century that step dancing, as we recognize it today, truly took form. The global phenomenon of shows like Riverdance has since cemented Irish step dance’s place on the world stage, ensuring its continued evolution and appreciation (IrelandsEye).
Tap dance, conversely, emerged in the melting pot of America, a dynamic fusion of diverse percussive dance forms. Primarily, it draws from African tribal dances combined with Scottish, Irish, and English clog dances, hornpipes, and jigs (Britannica 1). Tap dance, therefore, embodies a unifying rhythm, ironically finding some of its origins in Irish step dance itself, which explains their perceived similarities. While the exact origins of tap are debated, it’s widely believed to have coalesced in bustling urban environments like New York’s Five Points District, where various ethnic groups mingled, their dances interweaving to create a completely new art form (Britannica 1).
The fundamental differences between tap and Irish step dance become apparent when examining body movement and footwork. Tap dance embraces syncopation throughout the entire body, encouraging dancers to engage their whole being in the rhythm. In contrast, Irish step dance emphasizes a striking rigidity. The traditional jig prioritizes straight lines and an almost perfectly still upper body, with movement concentrated below the waist. Spatial dynamics also differ; tap dance often utilizes broader movements across the stage, while Irish step dance, while dynamic, frequently adheres to specific spatial patterns, propelling dancers in defined sequences.
Costume also plays a significant role in distinguishing Irish step dance. Unlike tap, where attire is largely unrestricted beyond specialized shoes, Irish step dance, particularly in performance settings, mandates specific and traditional costumes. Reflecting its deep Irish cultural heritage, step dance costumes evoke historical garments, reminiscent of clothing styles from centuries past, featuring dresses, kilts, and jackets (Ireland’s Eye). This emphasis on traditional attire reinforces the notion that Irish step dance, imbued with historical and cultural significance, maintains a more regulated and tradition-bound character compared to the more freely evolving tap dance.
Both tap and Irish step dance have witnessed surges in global popularity in recent years. A testament to Irish step dance’s captivating appeal is the Irish dance group Fusion Fighters, who garnered international acclaim with their electrifying performance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014.
Similarly, the Syncopated Ladies, a tap dance ensemble, have achieved widespread recognition for their innovative tap performances, including their viral rendition of Beyoncé’s “Formation” and their powerful artistic response to socio-political events.
Ultimately, while both tap and Irish step dance share percussive rhythms and dynamic footwork, each dance form proudly preserves distinct traditions, rhythms, and aesthetics. These unique qualities allow both performers and audiences to deeply appreciate the individual beauty and cultural significance inherent in each style. Exploring Irish step dance reveals not just a dance form, but a vibrant expression of cultural heritage and rhythmic artistry.
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.
