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The Irish dance developed significantly in the last century, but the extent to which dance competitions became larger and larger over time, no more clear than the amazing old videos than the British.
In this video from 1926 – nearly a century ago! We see an Irish dance offer by a number of winners in the first prize throughout Ireland, who hold, according to the British, including 8,450 medals.
The crowds gather around as CEILI dances are performed for live music at a high stage with what appears to be the GAA stadium in the background.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
In another clip filmed in Phoenix Park in Dublin in 1929, we see a similar scene of young and old Irish dancers competing in individual dances and the group:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
In this video in the thirties of the twentieth century, it was filmed in Dublin, we see a little girl performing Irish dance in front of a man who rules her skill as a woman sitting on one side and plays violin. This scene seems more intimate than many competitions today.
Although these videos are mostly black and white, it is easy to see the dresses that these girls wear are not vibrant, glamorous or glamorous like today’s dresses. Dancers in this clip reflect the natural style of dress at the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
In another clip, this is from Dún Laooghaire in 1932, we are again on stage with judges who are watching addresses in full swing of Irish dance competitors who have seen and chanted by large crowds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
He jumped forward until 1953, we see how Irish dance is used in a more formal form and celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
These historical Irish dance videos are proven by British Pathé without a doubt that Irish dance has strength!
* Posted in 2016, the last update in 2024.