Irish Stepdance

One of the women in my office, Mary Lou, has two teenage girls who love Irish stepdance.  It's a tradtional dance-style that originated in Ireland centuries ago.  It's visually distinctive in that the dancers rigidly hold their arms down at their sides and never move their arms while they athletically bounce up and down with vigorous leg-movement and kicks.  It has to be seen to be believed.

I, like most Americans, was introduced to this dance-style when "Riverdance" swept New York in 1996.  It was a theatrical performance that caught America's eye and generated huge enthusiasm.  For most of us, it was our first look at traditional Irish dance.  Soon afterward, I saw the star of the show, Jean Butler, perform in person at a concert by The Chieftains, a famous traditional Irish music band.

Mary Lou's daughters' lives revolve around dance and they compete at the national level.  They travel far to dance-competitions and study with famous instructor, Donny Golden.

Mary Lou invited everyone in our building to see one of her daughters dance at a local exhibition.  I was the only person who showed up.  The dancing was incredible and equally as amazing were the costumes.  Mary Lou said the dancers try to stand out by wearing the best costumes.  Her daughter's dress cost $2,300.  The costumes are made by hand and some go up to $6,000.  When you see the pictures below, you'll believe that.

Have you ever heard of Irish stepdance?  Have you seen "Riverdance"?