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SAVANNAH, Ga. () – From the vibrant wigs adorning dancers’ heads to the unique ghillies on their feet, the elements of Irish dancing today are deeply rooted in age-old traditions, as explained by a local instructor in anticipation of Tuesday’s parade.
While St. Patrick’s Day might be the time when Irish history captures widespread attention, the Legacy Irish Dance Academy is dedicated year-round to celebrating the rich heritage symbolized by the colors green, white, and orange.
Paige Kelly, a dance instructor, shared that various stories surround the origins of each tradition in Irish dancing. A notable requirement is maintaining a rigid upper body, often referred to as the “carriage.”
Kelly recounted one story suggesting that during the British occupation of Ireland, the British aimed to erase Irish culture. To avoid detection through windows, people perfected their footwork by keeping their upper bodies still while dancing indoors.
Another tale describes dancers in pubs struggling to hear the sound of their shoes on dirt floors. To amplify the rhythm, they would place a door on the ground. To accommodate more dancers on this makeshift platform, they would stand with arms straight, packed closely together.
Kelly said if arms move during a competition, dancers will lose points and it’s taken very seriously. She said even though the dance is Irish, it doesn’t mean you have to be Irish to do it.
“It’s something that’s beyond those Irish Roots,” said Kelly. “It’s something that gives them a different creative outlet than a different style of dance. I think it’s very unique”
Dancer and instructor Tara Shea Ennis said she’s learned a lot from being an Irish Dancer.
“Even though Irish dance has modified and adapted with the world, truly at its roots, it has traditions and core values, and it teaches you how to go through life and have poise and grace and patience, especially in the competitive world,” said Ennis.
She said they also have a unique obstacle. Irish dance is counted in 6/8 time, which is different from ballet or tap. Therefore, dancers have to stay on rhythm or points are deducted.
Kelly’s dancers work tirelessly, four nights or more a week, all year long to master the step. She said it requires full body workouts in and out of the studio to keep a level of athleticism required to complete the dance.
“It’s really special,” said Kelly. “I think the work ethic that Irish dance gives these dancers is something they can use in all aspects of their life. Irish dance is incredibly disciplined.”
Some dancers at the academy travel all over the world competing against Irish Dancers from Britain, Ireland and more.
“Seeing all the different people and like meeting all the euros and stuff, and I feel like it’s just broadened my like, view of Irish Dance,” said Sadie McGarity, Legacy Irish Dance Academy dancer.
Although they have taken stages globally, they said performing at St. Patrick’s Day is special to them.
“I like to show the city of Savannah what I can do,” said dancer Keegan Forbes. “And what Irish dance really is and what St Patrick’s Day means to us at legacy.
Kelly agreed.
“This is a time where they can kind of let loose and relax and just show what they want to do and what they love to do with their friends and family and even strangers on the parade,” said Kelly. “So, the energy is contagious at the parade, and they can just see the girls have so much fun.”
You can find the Legacy Irish Dance Academy performing in front of the Cathedral and throughout the parade on St. Patrick’s Day.