Steppin' Up: Old Irish Dance New Again

Renowned dancer Shannon Dunne brought her Sean-nós step dancing (solo Irish dancing) instruction to the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) last night, Aug. 3. 

Dunne has performed and taught Sean-nos Dance all over the US and in Ireland, including at the famed Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In addition, she is also a recurring guest speaker on the history of Sean-nos at the University of Maryland and George Mason University, also in the District of Columbia.

Sean-nós, which translates to "old style" in the Irish language, is characterized by its "low to the ground" footwork, improvised steps, free movement of the arms, and an emphasis upon a "battering step," a movement with the tow and heel that acentuates the beat in the accompanying music.

Unlike the synchonized choreography associated with the Riverdance craze of a decade ago, Sean-nós dancing is traditionally a solo dance form. Because sean-nós dancing is improvisational, it is not necessary for a pre-arranged routine or choreography to be decided upon by the dancer. Spontaneous expression is highly valued.

The workshop was presented by Claddagh na nGael (clad-dah nah-ngayle), or Irish Shore, the newest branch of Comhaltas, a preservation and promotion society working for the cause of all things Irish.  Dunne instructs dance to children in the Monmouth County area through Claddagh na nGael.  

For more information about Claddagh na nGael or to find out where Dunne may be holding future workshops in the Monmouth County Area go to: www.irishshore.org.

Download the movie