Reverence for Éire: Expanding the Tradition

Abstract

Many aspects of Irish movement have been lost or forgotten due to the emphasis on oral tradition. Other features of Irish culture, literature for example, were well-documented, while Irish dance was neglected. This thesis recognizes the Irish body as an important historical site to research as well as a vessel for immense creative potential. It is an example of the exploration and documentation necessary for such a vast and varied subject. For centuries prior to the 1990’s Irish dance revival, Irish dance was known by those who participated in the dance form and was otherwise unknown to the global population. But, after the debut of Riverdance Irish dance became a global phenomenon. Now what? How can Irish dance be presented on stage in alternative ways? What impact can it have now? My research is focused on how Irish dance can not only exist but thrive within a contemporary context. Irish dance is still at such a beginning and I aim to uncover its creative potential through physical exploration and choreographic innovation. My aim is to establish a new set of relations through which Irish dance can be seen and recognized by challenging some defining limitations of the form.