By: Natasha Enis, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
SOUTH JERSEY – When most people think of Irish dance, they often envision St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or Riverdance, a popular show that’s known for its long line or Irish dancers moving in complete synchronization.
However, Irish step dancing – a unique style with quick, intricate footwork and a stiff upper body – forms the center of a world that spans far beyond the holiday stereotypes. Instead, it is a sport that involves discipline, community, and dedication.
Irish step dancing originated from Celtic roots in Ireland over 2,000 years ago. Immense precision and leg control with arms motionless at the sides are defining characteristics. Treble jigs and hornpipes are the two dances performed in hard shoes, footwear made with blocks to make tapping sounds. The rhythm of the shoe hitting the floor is the focus of the dance. Soft shoes are used in dances such as the slip jig and reel, where jumping, leaping, and kicking give the illusion that the dancer is flying through the air.
Irish dance has a strong presence in South Jersey, as it is home to many dance schools and local competitions. Kate O’Brien, owner and head instructor of the Emerald Isle Academy of Irish Dance in Woodstown, describes the community as “a big small world since you always see a lot of the same teachers and kids at competitions and performances.”
Behind the performances and competitions comes a great amount of preparation. Hours of focused practice are invested each week, and those going to national or world competitions are in the studio almost daily.
According to Molly McGrath, a student at Emerald Isle, “in a two hour dance class, we run through our dances many times to increase our strength and stamina. My legs are dead by the end, but in a good way.”
In addition to strength and fitness, there are many aspects of the technique that dancers must keep in mind to reach success. Turn-out of the feet is the main and most difficult part to master. High kicks and jumps, posture, toe height, precise rhythm, and extended legs are also critical.
At a local Irish dance competition or “feis,” one can expect to find girls of all ages with sparkling dresses and voluminous curly wigs, musicians playing a variety of instruments, vendors selling various supplies, and dancers and parents running from stage to stage.
One of the biggest competitions in South Jersey takes place every May at the Salem County Fairgrounds in Pilesgrove. It runs across five stages in three pavilions and has close to four hundred dancers each year.
J.J. Hester, dance teacher and judge, runs the feis. “There is quite a bit of planning that goes into it long before the day of the event, which includes securing the stages, judges, musicians, a hotel, a venue, trophies, medals, sashes, and so much more,” he remarks.
There are six levels of competition from beginner to open championship. To move up, dancers must secure three first places in each dance with one to three judges watching each round.
Hester explains, “I’m looking for the overall best competitor when judging. For me, that is a dancer that comes out with confidence, stays in time with the music, has great rhythm, and maintains great foot placement as well as posture.”
However, opinions vary for each judge as they all have their personal preferences.
“It’s a bit subjective and not like any other sport where you cross the finish line first or score the most points,” O’Brien admits. “It matters if one judge really likes your style and maybe saw something another one didn’t. The results can reflect that, which is hard to explain to dancers, but it prepares them well for life.”
Still, many dancers love the thrill of competing and attend many competitions throughout the year.
“I always have so much fun performing on stage and showcasing all the hard work I’ve invested. Especially when I finally get that first place and move through the levels, I feel so accomplished and proud,” McGrath shares. Dancers also value making life-long friends at competitions that they see throughout the years.
The true benefits of dance, however, go far beyond what can be found at competitions.
“Obviously the competitive success is great, but for me, it’s the least satisfying as a teacher,” O’Brien asserts. “I would rather see dancers push their limits and see what they can achieve when they put their minds to it, whether it’s taking the first leap as a beginner to nailing a new advanced skill.”
This emphasis on personal growth is echoed by parents in the community.
Michelle Hitchcock, whose daughter dances for O’Brien, explains, “Dance has helped my daughter Sophia become so much more confident in herself. She’s also learned the importance of practice and perseverance, which are essential life-long characteristics.”
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