Figure 1.--.

Some observers have noted similarities between Irish step dancing and balet. A good number of people compare step-dance soft-shoe to ballet. Although soft-shoe is often more "smooth" and "balletic" than hard-shoe, set, or other Irish dances, and several movements appear to be taken from ballet

Tradition

One Irish dance enthusists comments on ballet and Irish step dance. "Now which is less "traditional," the leap of the ballet dancer or the step-pull that the mountain folk may have borrowed from the dances of the Cherokee? Or is it shame on both dancers for using them?"

A good number of people compare step-dance soft-shoe to ballet. Although soft-shoe is often more "smooth" and "balletic" than hard-shoe, set, or other Irish dances, and several movements appear to be taken from ballet (NOT the leaps, actually, for I have never seen an Irish dancer do anything similar to a jete or a scissone, and ballet dancers certainly do not do anything like birds), such as, in a limited sense, entrechechats (excuse spelling) and royales (quiver jumps), ballet and Irish techniques are vastly different. For example, the torsos are reguarded in entirely different ways, as are the legs, the feet, the arms, the pelvises, etc. Irish dance turnout originates from an entirely different area of the body. Another obvious difference is the use of plie. Release is viewed in a completely different manner. In Irish step, the ankles are far more motile. This may seem obvious, but it has a tremendous effect upon body placement and other aspects of technique. Irish dance and ballet are so different that the kineseologist at Arizona State Uni. cannot even begin to give me help with the problems I arrive at through step dance.

So few dancers do both ballet and Irish step seriously that there is really very little active, informed comparison of the two. If Irish dance had anywhere near the same style of moving the body, in mechanical terms, I would not be continually frustrated in ballet class. Moves may have been invented which, to the casual observer, may (only VERY slightly) resemble ballet moves, but step dance has evolved in such a way that it no longer resembles ( mechanically ), any other form of dance that I know. Irish step dance is in no way a modern ballet hybrid. They may be hybrids of the same root (french court dancing), but the have diverged!!!!! This divergence is the result of years of work by Irish teachers, on Irish soil and off.

I would apprieciate it if you would give it the same respect you do your own dancing, and not simply assume that the moves are poorly done facsimiles of another form.

Elizabeth

Taking Up Balet

Hi! My name is Jacki and I am 14 years old, and I am thinking of taking dance this fall. I did Irish dancing for 8 years, but I think its time for a change. I am trying to decide what to do. Now since ballet is probably the most popular, I just wanted to ask people what is so fun about it. Those toe shoes look VERY painful, and the dancing itself looks slow and boring. I have seen and loved the Nutcraker at Boston Ballet though, and that does look like fun. I am just looking for someone to tell me the best thing about ballet. And please don't yell! I am sorry I am asking such a stupid question.

For one thing, that isn't a stupid question, you are just asking about a dance form and why everyone likes that. Anywho. I personally, don't think ballet is all that great, but I still take a lot of it. For one thing, the bare basics of dance usually requires ballet training, so taking ballet is always a plus to ppl looking for dancers. Ballet will help you in any kind of dance you take, the balancing, strength, lines, and all that stuff. For each person it is different why they like it. I personally if I had to pick something I like about ballet, is the partnering. I can't remember how to spell it in french, lol, but you know what i am talking about! *someone help me! lol* Even if ya don't like ballet, i would still recommend taking atleast 2 classes, plus anything else, and if ya can only squeeze one in, that works also. It may be boring and slow, but it will grow on you. You may never come to love it, but you will start to like it and get into it. I know I did.--Ian

I can't really tell you why most people like ballet. Ballet is very entertaining and is good for everyone to learn, no matter what kind of dance they do. I think that the best thing about ballet is learning to balance and work both slowly (adagio) and fast (allegro) while still maintaining grace, poise, elegance, and beauty. Don't worry about having to wear pointe shoes. It takes at least two or three solid years of training before you get to that level. Most people wear some sort of padding with their pointe shoes and that helps to minimize the pain. Also, a proper fitting of the shoes helps. I hope you decide to take up ballet.

I'm not sure what's so fun about ballet, I do it because I like it. Toe shoes are painful, but a teacher won't force you to go on, will they?? Ballet is slow, and it may look easy, but its not, its hard work. But it is also fun. It may look boring, but who cares if it does, as long as you like what you're doing.

Created: March 1, 2000
Last updated: August 28, 2000