Research topic
When discussing the topic of Irish dance, many avenues can be pursued in different directions ranging from early history to present day interactions. However, as I read more and more about the origins of Irish dance, I cannot help but be fascinated by the fact that the essence and passion of dance occurs in the rural and poor parts of Ireland. The dancing masters are key evidence to the process of how the Irish who perhaps were not connected with the cultural renaissance of mainland Europe created their own entertainment and preservation of "identity." Dances happened everywhere; in the courts, the kitchens, the fields. Yet, styles today of Irish dance are probably most influenced by the methods used by the dancing masters. Even large scale competitions are devised from the simple dance-offs that were once held between two rivaling dance masters. Although the tactics and work of the dance masters linger today, the reality of how they affected rural society is intriguing indeed.
For this project, I intend on providing evidence and examples of the steps taught, how they were taught, and what they meant to those learning them. I also want to include the similarities experienced between the original rural societies in Ireland and the diaspora that affected several sects of American culture, particularly the Appalachia. The impoverished mountain communities, like the Irish, had to develop their own type of entertainment whether to distract their minds from the dim lifestyles of hard labor or to just have fun. The Appalachian development evolved separately from the Irish dance; however, in terms of dance, many steps were borrowed from the Irish hard and soft shoe along with other moves from African-American folk dances. These comparisons will be presented more in performance than in research.
There certainly are a variety of sources I can turn to for information. Thus far, I have done most of my research through articles and books. I do hope, however, to obtain personal accounts from Irish dancers and Appalachia cloggers regarding their opinions of how traditional instruction by a teacher or by relative has helped secure their heritage and participation of cultural "being."
posted by Esther @ 4:45 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
OK,. good coverage. However, this seems (a) rather general and (b) very very broad--too much to do!
I also think it would be good to get some more concrete information about the relationship between the dancing masters and modern step-dance: both technical/choreographic connections (or lack of same) and also functional/social connections (or lack of same). Rural Irish culture was so different than contemporary American culture that simple comparisons can be flawed.
I think one of the most interesting elements is one you cite later: the connection b/w "methods of learning* dance in rural Ireland and ways in which those methods were retained, or changed, as some Irish emigrated to America. Were there dancing masters in the colonial American countryside? Did they still teach Irish dance? Did the nature of their teaching stay the same or did it change?
Also, once you've begun to formulate opinions about these things, you need to put them in the form of a thesis; e.g., "In this article, drawing on period sources, drawings, and commentary in some literature, I will argue that the 'concept' of a dancing master actually survived immigration to America, and was carried on, with some modifications, in colonial America as it had been used in rural Ireland."
Although the tactics and work of the dance masters linger today, the reality of how they affected rural society is intriguing indeed.
For this project, I intend on providing evidence and examples of the steps taught, how they were taught, and what they meant to those learning them. I also want to include the similarities experienced between the original rural societies in Ireland and the diaspora that affected several sects of American culture, particularly the Appalachia. T
Although the tactics and work of the dance masters linger today, the reality of how they affected rural society is intriguing indeed.
For this project, I intend on providing evidence and examples of the steps taught, how they were taught, and what they meant to those learning them. I also want to include the similarities experienced between the original rural societies in Ireland and the diaspora that affected several sects of American culture, particularly the Appalachia. T
I feel there are some similarities between Esther's and my research. Though we are researching different topics, we both mention Irish 'identity.' Furthermore, we both seek to provide an explanation of that identity and how it derived part of its existence from outside sources. Likewise, we also want to discuss how that identity has evolved over time. Our research ideas also both mention viewing a 'tangible' part of Irish culture both through the view of both 'insiders' and 'outsiders.' Though the focus of our research differs, we both cite personal interviews as important sources within our research because they provide insights to tradition and heritage, and the ways in which people participate in their culture.
Post a Comment
<< Home