Conference tallis::celt

	Gerry,


Questions:
1. What is the origin of the dance ?, is it from Pagan times and if so
   in what context would it be normally done ?

	The dance is an original. Developed for the Eurovision 
	Production number. Choreographed by Michael Flatley an
	American.

2. In general terms how would one describe it (jig, reel, ???)

	Its a combination with a little flamenco added. It starts
	out with a singer in a blue mist doing a Clannad type number.
	The girl, Jean Butler, comes on wearing a dark cape. She takes
	it off showing a traditional costume and does a jig. 
	The color turns to read and the man enters (Flatley)
	who does a frenzied flamenco style dance. The two blend
	together producing a sexual tension. It builds up with more
	dancers till it ends with about 20 dancers in a line doing
	a wild almost Broadway style step. Someone told me it was
	a treble step.

3. Is there any significance to the name Riverdance (related to #1 ?)

	The title has something to do with her being the river and
	him being the land or something like that.

4. Has this form of dancing been always popular in Irish dancing circles ?
    ( I assume its main fame comes from last years Euro Song Contest)

	I've never seen anything like it. In fact it caused a bit of
	commotion among traditional circles. Flatley actually uses
	his arms.

5. Is it taught in the US ?? ... in Boston ?

	None of the teachers in Boston could handle it. Although I
	saw a couple of young kids do it a couple of week ago at the
	monthly Cork function.

6. Is it difficult (compared to ballet ?) and what would be an approx
   learning period (months, years )

	I wouldn't try it if I were you.

7. Music associated with dance; anything different about the instruments
   or is not normal Irish dance type music ?

	The main instruments used were drums and pipes as opposed to the
	traditional fiddles and accordions

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

	 Its only about 9 minutes long. They were selling copies for
	 Rwandan relief.
	

    
    Hi Neil
    
    Actually I have a copy of the video, but the interested parties wanted 
    to know more of the origins of the dance.  For instance someone mentioned 
    it was a "pagan mating dance" .... now we all know the Irish didn't do that
    until after the Late Late Show was on TV :=).
    
    Your comment on it being Flamenco style, would suggest that it may not
    be real traditional Irish music. Same with the instruments.
    
    Regarding me learning it ...... well I have heard that some Amercian
    footballers learn ballet for stretching ..... so why not a 200lb+
    Riverdancer :=).
    
    
    Anyway, I had gathered some of the infojut from watching the video, but
    if anyone was any more data on the "real" origins .. if there is such a
    thing, I would greatly appreciate it.

    The Riverdance is a very significant event in the evolution of Irish
    culture.
    
    For years traditional Irish dancing has been done to a very rigid
    format and formula. It had beauty and attraction and matched the
    traditional musical forms (reel, jig etc) and in some cases provided
    some of the percussion sound by means of the feet hitting the floor. It
    was boring and largely preserved for competitive events.
    
    The form was exported to the US with a major proportion of our
    population over the last 150 years. The emigrant population kept up the
    traditional form and have provided many of the worlds top Irish dancers
    in the last few years. Also, the develoment of Tap dancing was
    very influenced by Irish dancing.
    
    Riverdance is firmly based in the Irish tradition. Its significance is
    that it incorporates modern influences - the Broadway routine, the
    sexual tension, flexibility of form - and has brought these back to
    Ireland. It's making Irish dancing genuinely popular again and has
    caught the attention of Europe.
    
    The parallel with the development of traditional music is strong. The
    Chieftains have moved progressively from the pure traditional music
    with which they made their name, to using the traditional music of
    other countries and to colaboration with "pop" musicians.

	In fact it caused a bit of
	commotion among traditional circles. Flatley actually uses
	his arms.

Well, that's a bit of a laugh. The "traditional circles" that were
up in arms about it were purveyors of the modern-style step-dancing
which is a fairly new, rigid and sparkling style, danced high and
hoppy and on the toes, sexless, and full of pyrotechnics. I could 
*never* think of it as _boring_! It usually leaves my jaw hanging 
loose and my eyeballs out on stalks. It's a style which came from 
sean-n�s dancing, which is flat, battery, and on the heels. Depending 
on what part of the country you are from, the arms can play a fairly 
large part. In all sean-n�s styles, the arms at least swing loosely.

    
   > The Riverdance is a very significant event in the evolution of Irish
   > culture.
    
   I want some of that stuff your smoking -) -)...
    
    Come on..Its a 10 minute dance routine which is a on-off...some of the
    Rap boys out in LA do a few interesting versions of trad Irish music
    which has more energy but wouldn't go so far as saying it will affect
    Irish culture.
    
    Trad music has always had its divergences....this is one of them...
    
    rgs
    
    mick -)
    
    
    

    
    RE: -.1  
    
    Riverdance is electrifying.  It is a must see.  I was fortunate enough 
    to have a sister-in-law make a NTSC video copy for us.
    It is inspiring to young and old.  My kids ages 4 and 7 watch now
    want to learn Irish dancing like Riverdance.
    It has similiar affects on me as Flashdance did.  It makes you want to
    dance like that and it is a helleva work out for the 5-10 minutes.
    I am sure this will increase the interest in traditional Irish dancing 
    in Europe, as well as open the lid on other Irish dance innovations. 
    
    It played at Dublin's Point Depot for around 2 months to sold out
    crowds and there was talk of the troupe doing a world tour, especially
    to Europe, Australia and USA.
    
    Both Michael Flatley and Jean Bultler break the traditional Irish
    dancing mold and use their arms.  Flatley more like a Spanish Flamingo
    dancer and Bulter more balletish and sexual.  It is amazing the both are 
    American.  Flatley is from Chicago and Butler is from NY.  I think he is 
    marriage with a few kids, but she may be available...
    
    Both the music and the dance take parts from traditional Irish circles
    but the entire production was completely original.  
    Somebody should list the composer/arranger here.   I think his name is
    Weyland or something like that.
    
    The line cadence for the finale was very powerful.
    
    One other amazing thing to note is that Ireland won the EuroVision Song
    contest for an unprecedented 3rd time, so it will be hosting the show
    again next year.   How will they even match the Riverdance show?
    
    
    Slainte,
    Paul
           

Riverdance was written by Bill Whelan, vocals sung by the group Anuna.

I bought the CD last year, but didn't see the video until a few weeks
ago, when I was visiting in/around Philadelphia.  The folks who played
it for me have one of those big-screen set-ups -- it was most impressive!
It was also neat hearing the dancing as well as seeing it; that's 
something that's missing from the CD.  

Nancy

p.s. My friends from Philly and NY have also heard that the dancers 
     are planning to tour here in the states, but hadn't heard when.
     Perhaps this is a rumor with some truth in it.

    Answer to .5
    
    You made my point for me! Lots happened to Irish dance after export to
    other countries. This is the first time it has returned and been
    received enthusiastically in Ireland.
    
    Riverdance happened in Dublin, the locals love it and are now running
    'round like headless chickens writing follow-ups!
    
    
    
    

    Some (maybe all, I'm not sure) of Riverdance was shown on WGBH Boston
    during a show on Celtic music, St Patricks night.  Unfortunately I
    screwed up and didn't manage to tape it.
    
    It was riveting.  The end part with the large line of dancers belting
    it out is really stirring, it made me want to get up myself (which
    would have been embarrassing even in my living room!).
    
    Hopefully they'll show it again and I can tape it next time.
    
    Bernard

    Some Greek guy apparently was going nuts over it. He was waving
    that blue and white flag like he was guiding a 747 on the tarmac.
    
    It feels like a mixture of native american, african, and irish
    music. There was something very eerie yet compelling about it.
                        

    A full length show based on the Riverdance theme and using the same
    stars will open in London, the Labatt's Theatre, in early June.
    
    It's advertised in the Sunday Times and Evening Standard.
    

    re .6
    
    Are you the same Paul Greenaway who "riverdanced" all over our shins in
    the indoor soccer games way back when in Galway? 
    
    I'm the one that needed the oxygen but only after I went past you!!!
    
    Paul

    
    Hello Paul,
    
    Actually you're right.  I did do the first riverdance on unsuspecting
    shins, although I learned my lesson when I went up against Gerry "Steel
    shins" Murphy.
    
    It's good to hear from you Paul.  I'd probably be the one needing
    oxygen now with 2 kids and 1 on the way in Nov.
    
    I had my own 7 aside indoor soccer team the last 2 winters in
    Topsfield, Mass.  Lots of fun but still frustrating.
    I used to loose 2-3 a season to injuries.
    Now I'm coaching Under 8 year old girls.  Quite a challenge.
    
    It was very sad to loose Mike Kavanagh.  He was my soccer mentor.
    And I couldn't believe it when Paul Malloy left us either.
    I wonder where the survivors of the Wed night soccer gang are now.
    
    Gerry McCarthy, John Wafer, Pat "Elvis" Ridge, Mark Gantly, Eugene Cloonan,
    Mike Donovan, John Melody, Gerry Murphy, Tom Horgan, etc.
    
    I trust you're doing well in Galway still.  Still single?  If so you
    must be waiting till your 39th birthday!
    
    
    All the best Paul and say hello to our friends for me if you see them.
    
    Slainte',
    Paul