Battle of the Irish Dancers Sky Arts

RiverDance really revolutionised Irish dancing and brought it into the UK mainstream.

Before that, it was something that was considered be really naff by the English..Including this poster.

Dead from the waist up used to be the saying. Really corny music. But even then hugely, seethingly competitive.

Now looks as though it could go back to being a joke with these silly almost comical ringlets and garish clothes.

WOE!!

(What On Earth)

Primrose that sounds like the dancing my daughters did here.
Lots for charity and in care homes as well.

I watched it this afternoon and thought it was really interesting. Lots of my Irish cousins were Irish Dancers when they were young and really enjoyed it.

They wore very nice dresses, socks and shoes and just left their hair natural. As far as I remember they all had long hair which bounced really nicely as they danced although some wore their hair in little buns.
Those hideous wigs looked dreadful and were so huge that they altered the proportions of the girls. Is this the American influence?

I really dont know why girls have to wear Curly Wirly Ringlets as wigs ? Boys dont dress is stupid wigs ? What is the matter with everyone ?

We retired to Ireland (Co. Mayo) 16 years ago and the Irish dancing is a delight everywhere. Saturdays in Galway is alive with dancers - busking, mostly teenagers, (boys and girls, for a few €s I find it an absolute. joy to see

My daughters danced and competed at the World Championships. We joined up quite casually as a hobby and for exercise, but the girls - and me - were quickly drawn into the world of wigs, expensive dresses, travel and multiple classes per week. I thought I'd be delighted when they "retired" but I've really missed it and, despite saving a fortune on all the dresses etc, I miss the sense of community around the Irish dance world. I was disappointed when my granddaughter tried a few classes and decided it wasn't for her, but each to their own I guess

I enjoyed watching this as well! I used to love River Dance and Lord of the Dance. Not so keen on the garish dresses and silly wigs though.

I admit I do miss it...
Somehow it's quite visceral.

My youngest girls both did Irish dancing.
They did compete in a fèis now and then but they were quite casual - compared to the "serious" ones and tended to involve lots of group work as well as individual dances.