How to Be Irish Step Dancer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Irish Step Dancing is an art form that has been around for centuries, and is highly respected in Ireland. Its popularity has grown over time, and is now practiced around the world. The energetic and intricate footwork involved in Irish Step Dancing requires a lot of skill, and it is often seen as an impressive display of agility and grace.

The cause of this growing popularity is likely due to its association with Irish culture and heritage. As Irish heritage has grown in popularity, so has the appreciation for Irish Step Dancing. It has also become increasingly popular as a form of entertainment, due to its unique style that is sure to captivate audiences.

since Irish Step Dance competitions are now regularly held, the art form has become even more popular. With its gorgeous rhythms, skillful footwork, and colorful costumes, Irish Step Dancing is sure to remain an important cultural tradition.

Steps How to Become

1. Find a qualified Irish step dance instructor. Before taking classes, it is important to find an instructor who is qualified to teach Irish step dancing. Look for someone who has experience teaching the style of dance and is familiar with the traditional steps and music.
2. Take classes. Attending classes is the best way to learn Irish step dancing. It is important to focus on proper technique and practice regularly so that your dancing looks polished and professional.
3. Participate in competitions. Taking part in Irish step dance competitions is a great way to hone your skills and show off your hard work. Competitions can also be a great way to meet other dancers, get feedback from judges, and connect with professionals in the industry.
4. Practice, practice, practice!. Learning and mastering Irish step dancing takes time and dedication. Practicing regularly, both in class and on your own, is essential for improving your skills and becoming a better dancer.
5. Join a dance troupe. Joining a dance troupe is a great way to stay motivated, learn from more experienced dancers, and have fun while you are doing it! Troupes typically perform together at events and festivals, so it’s a great opportunity to show off your skills and meet new people.

Staying ahead and efficient as an Irish Step Dancer requires dedication and focus. Taking classes and private lessons with experienced instructors is essential to mastering the technique and form of Irish Step Dancing. Working on drills, practice, and repetition are key to developing the physical coordination and the confidence needed to perform well.

staying up to date on the latest trends and styles in the Irish Step Dance world is important to developing a unique style that will set you apart from the rest. Finally, setting goals and keeping track of progress can help dancers stay motivated and continue to strive for excellence. With hard work and dedication, any Irish Step Dancer can stay ahead and efficient in their craft.

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Job Description

1. Dance Instructor: Teach Irish step dancing to students of all ages, teach choreography and musicality, guide students through learning and mastering steps and techniques, train students in proper dance etiquette and safety.
2. Performance Choreographer: Create unique, high-energy dance routines for performances, select appropriate music to accompany choreography, provide artistic direction to dancers, collaborate with other artistic staff to ensure continuity among performances.
3. Costume Designer: Design and construct costumes for Irish step dancers, use fabrics, beads, and other materials to create visually stunning costumes, be mindful of safety when selecting materials and design elements.
4. Dance Competition Judge: Evaluate Irish step dancers on their technical skill, interpretive abilities, and overall presentation during competitions, provide constructive feedback to competitors to aid in their improvement.
5. Dance Company Founder/Director: Establish and manage an Irish step dance company, recruit, hire, and train dancers, create and manage budgets, coordinate performances and marketing efforts.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Flexibility and strong posture
2. Ability to move quickly and precisely
3. Ability to execute complex combinations of steps
4. High level of stamina
5. Understanding of traditional Irish step dancing styles and techniques
6. Ability to improvise and interpret music
7. Knowledge of traditional Irish step dancing costumes and footwear
8. Good coordination and balance
9. Ability to learn and remember choreography
10. Good sense of rhythm and timing

Becoming a successful Irish step dancer requires dedication, hard work, and the mastery of various skills. To achieve success, dancers must have an understanding of the traditional music and its rhythms, as well as an appreciation for the culture and history behind the dance. Building strong technique is also essential; mastering the various steps, turns, and jumps is a must.

having a good sense of timing, balance, and coordination are also key components for success. As with any form of dance, having a passion for the art form and a desire to share it with others is essential. With all these skills combined, Irish step dancers can create beautiful performances that will leave audiences captivated.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• How long have you been involved in Irish Step Dancing?
• What inspired your interest in this style of dance?
• What type of Irish Step Dancing do you specialize in?
• How do you keep up with the latest trends and techniques in Irish Step Dancing?
• What type of performance experience do you have?
• How do you choreograph a routine for an Irish Step Dancing performance?
• What challenges have you faced as an Irish Step Dancer?
• How did you develop the skills necessary to compete at a professional level?
• What would you say sets your style of Irish Step Dancing apart from others?
• What is your favorite part about performing Irish Step Dancing?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Dance Shoes. Highly durable and flexible shoes used to provide support and stability for Irish Step Dancers. (Eg: Hard leather sole for increased grip)
2. Bodhrán. A traditional Irish drum used to provide rhythmic accompaniment to Irish Step Dance. (Eg: Goat-skin head and wooden frame)
3. Fiddle. A traditional, bowed string instrument used to provide musical accompaniment to Irish Step Dance. (Eg: Maple wood body and horsehair bow)
4. Sporran. A traditional pouch worn around the waist by Irish Step Dancers which holds personal items. (Eg: Leather pouch with decorative brooch)
5. Kilt. A traditional skirt worn by Irish Step Dancers which is typically made of tartan wool. (Eg: Plaid wool skirt with adjustable belt)
6. Practice Mirror. A full-length mirror used by Irish Step Dancers in order to practice and refine their technique. (Eg: Wall-mounted mirror with adjustable height)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA)
2. Irish Dancing Commission (IDC)
3. The Irish Dancing Commission of the United States of America (IDCU)
4. Irish Dance World Championships (IDWC)
5. World Irish Dance Association (WIDA)
6. An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG)
7. North American Feis Commission (NAFC)
8. Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne (ORNC)
9. American Irish Dance Association (AIDA)
10. British Association of Irish Dance Teachers (BAIDT)

We also have Street Dancer, Acrobatic Dancer, and Contemporary Dancer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Reel. A popular Irish dance style characterized by a fast tempo and a hopping, skipping, and jumping movement.
2. Jig. Another popular Irish dance style characterized by light and rapid footwork, as well as quick and intricate hand movements.
3. Ceili. An Irish social dance in which people hold hands in a circle, with the man leading the woman in a series of spins, turns, and jumps.
4. Step Dance. A solo dance performed by a dancer who uses their feet to create intricate and rhythmic patterns.
5. Slip Jig. A type of jig characterized by a nine-beat meter and light, quick footwork.
6. Hornpipe. A type of dance that originated in England and is characterized by a lively tempo and intricate steps.
7. Set Dance. A folk dance where couples dance in formation with a set of predetermined steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Irish Step Dancing?

Irish Step Dancing is a traditional form of Irish dance that incorporates intricate footwork, jumps and turns.

How long has Irish Step Dancing been around?

Irish Step Dancing has been around for centuries, with the earliest evidence dating back to the 18th century.

What are the main elements of Irish Step Dancing?

The main elements of Irish Step Dancing include fast footwork, leaps, stomps, and turns.

What is the origin of Irish Step Dancing?

The origin of Irish Step Dancing is believed to have stemmed from traditional Irish folk dances such as jigs, reels and hornpipes.

What type of music is used for Irish Step Dancing?

Irish Step Dancing is typically performed to traditional Irish music such as reels and jigs.

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Web Resources

• Irish Step Dancing | YSU ysu.edu
• Irish Step Dancing | The Celtic Fringe - Haverford College blogsarchive.sites.haverford.edu
• Irish Dancer Places Third in National Competition www.sacredheart.edu