Figure 1.--A perennial controversy between set dancers and ceili dancers concerning which form of dancing is "more traditional" or "more Irish". This basic issue leads to some of the most controversial subjects in the set dancing world. We notice pairs dancing at many Feiseanna.. We are not sure is this is classified set or ceili dancing.. |
A perennial controversy between set dancers and ceili dancers concerning which form of dancing is "more traditional" or "more Irish". This basic issue leads to some of the most controversial subjects in the set dancing world. Utltimately there may prove to be an acceptable compromise between "tradition" and "change". Indeed, many believe that dance enthusiastsd should accept the responsibility of learning how the sets were originally danced through workshops and classes. Many also believe, however, think that the heavy burden of tradition should not necessarily restrict the many dancing styles
seen today at ceilis.
Irish dance experts note many differences between step dancing, set dancing, and ceili dancing. One Irish dancer writes, "Just a note, as a set dancer and step dancer, I would have to say set dancing is more natural as far as style goes. Ceili dancing is more formal in how the movements are executed, though both styles of dancing are choregraphed with specific movements. There are similiarities that cross over in both styles, but set dancing is more informal. Both are fun though!"
There is considersable controversy concerning battering. One dancer can't bring himself to believe that people who batter in the Lancers should be branded as dancing "incorrectly". Many simply conform to the style his partner is dancing, and they enjoy dancing both the smooth, gliding steps as well as the battering.
Sadly many believe that in Ireland (particularly) the regional styles and the details of the dances are getting forgotten as enthusiasts try and learn more and more
dances. Most dancers recognize that these changes are occurring in set dancing, but few
agree on what to make of them. Many people would agree that details are being forgotten. But others would argue that as set dancers they are part of a living tradition. Rather than simply preserving the past, set dancing is continuing to evolve and the changes
occurring should be at least tolerated as a natural part of the dances
becoming more popular. The changes should not necessarily be lamented as
tragedies. Set dancing's popularity is remarkable, and the number of people learning the dances seems to be steadily increasing. In some manner, dance enthusiasts should be thankful that so many people are dancing and that the dances were not lost.
Inevitably, the current situation presents a conundrum. Should the past really be preserved in which very few people were dancing but they did so "correctly" over the present situation in which many many people are enjoying the dances and ensuring the survival of the sets? Dublin teachers appear exemplify the compromises that need to
take place in our community and have made some excellent decisions
lately in their efforts to promote the dancing of more obscure sets at ceilis.
Some believe that things are changing and rapidy. A typical dance is the Clare Lancers--collected and revived in the 1980s as a silent and smooth dance. However
it is now battered to death because everyone wants to demonstrate how good
they are by competing with each other to see who can make the most noise over the music.
Others disagree. One enthusist insures HBC that people batter, not out of
a sense of competition or to drown out the music or annoy other dancers. People batter because it is fun. I don't think I've ever seen anyone batter out of spite toward the dance or other dancers.
Others are convinced that the set dancers of today seem to have little respect for the
tradition despite the excellent teachers that are around over here. And here is the heart of the debate: do we "respect tradition" and essentially become folk dancing museum pieces, or do we accept that we are dancers just as those who came before us? Do we dance just to
preserve the past, or do we dance because we simply have a great passion
for the music and the dance itself?
There are Irish dancers who think it is possible to do both, but some compromises will have to be made. There is a great debate in America over the use of callers at ceilis.
Callers, of course, are not traditional to set dancing, but the truth is
that they enable a greater number of people to dance. At present, the
majority of ceilis in Ireland except for those on the west coast
utilize callers because they are such a great convenience. There are
some disadvantages to calling, but I think the benefits outweigh them.
(Many people would disagree with me.) I support Pat Murphy's remark
that he defends calling simply because it allows more people to dance.
These changes have actually driven the older folk away from the scene, and
the average age of set dancers would be 30'ish and getting younger. About 20 years ago it would have been 50'ish. Some begrudge the insinuation that younger dancers have no respect for our elders and that we are ruining the dances. Older dancers have been
crucial to my set dancing experiences, and many are infinitely thankful for
them. One dancer admits that at 22 years old, he is accustomed to being
one of the youngest dancers at ceilis in both Ireland and America. He respects the tradition of set dancing with its local variations and
details, and I endeavor to learn all of the "proper" steps. At the same
time, he believes that young dancers are a living part of that tradition, and that past
need not dictate every step danced at a ceili.
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