Crowd Expects Usual Riverdance Routine But Performers In Black Are Ones To Watch

Mar 11, 2021

Most people will have at least heard if they have not seen tap dance or Irish dancing before. Many probably won't even know that these two types of dance are actually distinct genres of their own and not merely the same thing. One reason for this is the world-famous stage show "Riverdance" which spread appreciation for tap dance and Irish dance all across the world following its initial conception in 1994.

Rhythmic step dancing routines have reached a compelling new peak since the experimentally percussive escapades of Riverdance. Thanks to fantastically fast footwork, this legendary troupe demonstrates the unbelievable auditory excellence of complex old-school jigs. Traditional tap dance stylings will never hold a candle to this decadent cross-genre display of this artistic on-stage brilliance.

Riverdance has boldly perfected Retro-European craftsmanship over the years. The iconic dance show has been delivering captivating performances for over two decades now, and the group's name has even become interchangeably synonymous with the art as a whole over time.

However, many more wonderful artists and dancers have been inspired by this surge of fame. Get ready to glimpse a fearless folk phenomenon of intricately timed step dance choreography. In this video from 2011, the featured professional dancers possess a skillful precision that is gloriously meshed with pure, raw energy and beautiful poise. Featuring both classic Irish tap dancing and the more modern step dance equivalent, this video really showcases the differences between the two styles and their shared artistry. Due to specially modified metal shoes, this mesmerizing exhibition really resonates beautifully.

Two Types of Dance Meld into One

While Irish dance and tap dance are actually two completely distinct realms of dance, the line separating these categories has seriously started to blur over the years. They both share the humble origins of being associated with the working class, and the genre has been cherished for its universal accessibility among so-called commoners. Riverdance has cultivated a rebellious throwback with extreme cultural significance by eschewing pomp and pretenses in favor of sheer talent. An elite background is evident with every flawless movement, and their extensive training regimen truly pays off with wild feats of the feet.

A Fierce New Era of Auditory Entertainment

With top-level tap dance gatherings, audiences are granted a dose of charismatic moves that are bolstered by extraordinary endurance and stamina. This riveting field has seen tremendous public interest over the last two centuries, so amazing variations have spawned all over the planet. Classical acts have smartly adapted the flashy concept for their compositions, and jazz outlets have seamlessly incorporated savvy, syncopated beats with their performances. Furthermore, post-modern innovators have experimented with mind-blowing mathematical variations that involve dance. In the meantime, Broadway has fine-tuned the form's core mechanics to garner widespread fascination. Many theater companies even boast their own proud tap-dancing departments these days.

The exact origins of tap dance are widely debated among historians, but the impressive dance style is sadly connected to the U.S.'s darker past. As Britannica explains, tap dance is a U.S. style of dancing that first gained prominence during the times of slavery. 

Its roots trace back to two distinct types of step dancing: primarily West African step dances that were upheld by the unfortunate slaves working plantations primarily in the South. And Irish stepdance that most likely arrived in the U.S. with Irish immigrants, who often worked as indentured servants on the same plantations. Many historians believe this is where the two dance styles first met and merged into the now well-known American style of tap dancing.
Other researchers claim that tap dancing only developed a bit later, in urban settings such as New York, where the two ethnic minorities met and mingled.

The Profound Outcomes of a Harrowing American Legacy

Whichever way it came to be, during the early 19th century, tap dancing started to gain traction in the U.S — first, as part of racist entertainment such as minstrel shows, which featured blackface performers and used Black culture for comedy purposes, and later as part of vaudeville performances, which originated in France but gained popularity in the U.S. It grew popular together with jazz and is often connected to this iconic music genre. Because of the discriminatory "two-colored rule," solo acts were prohibited for ethnic minorities. One of the most famous dancers of early tap dancing was Bill Robinson, the first Black American performer who headlined a mixed-race Broadway production and one of the first Black performers who danced solo, helping overcome the two-colored rule. His birthday was later turned into the U.S.'s National Tap Dance Day.

While tap dancing may seem similar, in style, to Irish stepdance, there are distinct differences.

Tap dancing features movement of the whole body; the dancers' arms and upper body usually become part of the performance and are used to express the dance. In contrast, Irish stepdance features a very stiff upper body that ideally does not move at all. Merely the dancers' feet tap and step along to the music, which gives the dancers the typical "floating" look. Another difference is that Irish stepdance features two forms, one making use of the well-known metal-soled shoes and one featuring soft-soled slippers, akin to ballet shoes, that make almost no sound at all. The percussion needed for the performance is then added by Irish drums, or Bodhráin.

This video here features a wonderful side-by-side comparison between these two types of dance. The performance starts with soothing jazz music and two dancers performing traditional tap dancing pieces. Combined with the dark, urban setting of the stage, viewers are transported to the poor, rundown parts of bigger cities.
While the two tap dancers are showcasing their fleet footwork, a set of Irish dancers enter the stage from the side and looks on curiously. Apparently inspired by what they see, they quickly start with a set of traditional Irish stepdance moves, accompanied by a fiddle.

While both sets of dancers start out trying to impress the other, soon the performance turns into a cooperative dancing extravaganza. They repeat and recreate each other's moves, clearly showing how the two dance styles influenced each other over the years. In the end, a beautiful show results in the mix!

For anyone who wants to witness the ultimate convergence of ancient artistry and contemporary flair, all it takes is a quick gander at this dazzling clip. To get an extra special treat, just keep your eyes on the guys in black. Their talented tap dancing will surely impress you! Once you get your fill of thrills from this video, be sure to pass it along to all other dancing enthusiasts among your friends.