The origins of Irish Dance are thought to date back to the dawn of time. Initially, with the Druids in pagan rituals, and later, with Celts in festivals. Dancing became increasingly more popular as Ireland became a Christian nation and was integrated deeply into the culture.

If you've ever watched Irish dancing, you'll note how little arm movement there is. It's not just a coincidence; it's part of the dance's history. In the mid-1700s, Irish dancing teachers appeared and began teaching dance in various villages.

Because there was little room for arm mobility when dancing on a table, a door, or in any confined place, the beauty of the dance was expressed in footwork. 

This was especially evident in Riverdance, the well-known Irish dance tradition. When most people think of Irish dance, they think of Riverdance, which first gained popularity in 1994 during the Eurovision Song Contest.

Here in Asheville, APAA’s CAID school is investing in the next generation of Irish Dancers. 

Irish Dance in Asheville - Asheville Performing Arts Academy

The Seven Styles of Irish Dance:

There are seven styles of Irish Dance:

• Traditional Irish Step Dancing: Long lines, circles, and squares are formed by male and female dancers. Traditional Irish music at a fast tempo is played during the performances.
• Modern Irish Step Dancing: Female dancers wear soft shoes called ghillies and perform ballet moves such as leg swings, hopping, and sashaying. Tap shoes will be worn by the men.
• Irish Set Dancing: In this dance, couples dance in four sets, beginning with the same choreography and then splitting apart to emphasize individual couples one at a time.
• Irish Ceili Dancing: Irish Ceili Dancing is pronounced "kay-lee" in Celtic. It is the most traditional folk dance from Ireland, dating back to the 1500s.
• Irish Sean Nos Dancing: This is the only Irish dance in which the arms are allowed to move.
• Irish Two-Hand Dancing: Couples dance with repetitive patterns with the illusion of gliding in Irish two-hand dancing, which was a big element of socializing in Ireland's history.
• Riverdance: Riverdance was originally performed in 1994/1995, and it was a hybrid of traditional Irish dance, flamenco, and Russian dervish elements.

If you would like to experience Irish Dance, APAA offers classes for a wide range of skill levels.

The Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance at Asheville Performing Arts Academy

The Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance (CAID) conducts Traditional Irish Dance classes to people of all ages and levels through APAA. Heather Gallagher, the Asheville Director, has been dancing since she was four years old and strives to find ways to express herself through dance while still upholding the Irish dance tradition.

You or your child might begin learning the wonderful and unique art of Irish Dance for as little as $65 per month and hopefully fall in love with it. If you'd like to learn more about the various classes and ratings, please visit our website. You are also welcome to phone us at (828) 253-4000 and speak with us personally.