Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Why Irish Dance Lessons Manassas Are So Important

By Kelsey Benson


When it comes to Irish dance lessons Manassas enthusiasts understand the importance of contracting the services of a reputable school. In this is form of dance that originated from Ireland centuries ago and is a form of expression the rich ethnicity and culture of the people. The most active parts of the body are the feet while the rest are held up straight and tall, legs are used to perform intricate movements.

The movements observed are a class apart from the usual as observed in such dances as tap and jazz dances. It is also a more recognizable form of expression especially as it is popular in hundreds of performances and shows that have come to be enjoyed by many individuals. One of the most alluring qualities includes the beautifully smooth movements made with the feet.

Children participating in this art have learnt how to take pride in their ability to perform such movements this has led to self-confidence. They also benefit from improved memory and cognitive abilities and skills and learn the importance of cooperating with others to achieve a common goal. It also instills in them the value of healthy competition among their peers and takes any loss or wins in stride.

Nationwide competitions are held for those who choose to take the competitive path and show off their skills against others. During such competitions, they are expected to perform to live music in front of a panel of experts who award them marks with the highest scorers getting the chance to win some trophies and medals. This has led to the development and creation of imaginative and simply awesome steps taking the dances a notch higher.

One can start learning from the age of five although those who have not grasped the jig and reel steps are considered as beginners. The sessions start with the young ones having a go at the basic steps of the dance. Basics include the posture, foot position, and timing and over time, the skills are then developed to produce an intricate form of movement.

Costumes are another important feature with the first few year dancers wearing white round short-sleeved blouse with a skirt with green peats, poodle socks, and a traditional headband. Every beginner is expected to done on this costume for mini performances or competitions if they choose to take the competitive path. Shoes worn are of two types, the ghillies that are made of soft leather and have long laces tying around the ankle and hard shoes for the fairly advanced that have fiberglass heels and tips.

Five basic types of step dances that include the Jig, Reel, Hornpipe, set dance and slip jig. Many variations of such dances do exist with each school choreographers having their own version of the steps learnt. It is common to find that students start with the soft shoe steps like the reel before they advance to the hard shoe ones like the hornpipe and treble jig.

To get involved one has to show a certain amount of dedication and commitment in order to move up the levels rapidly. No substitutes exist to physically attending Irish dance lessons Manassas schools offer as one gets the chance to work one on one with a qualified coach. Learning this form of body expression also helps to bring out the best of any ones character and traits.




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