A unique catalogue

Something quite new to me while researching this project was how Irish dancing costumes are displayed and exhibited online for sale.  I came across the website of the very talented Gavin Doherty "Eire Designs by Gavin" in which a catalogue of Gavin's new creations is available online.  I've picked out some photos which are clearly very interesting and unique.  What do you think? 

 

 

 

 

http://www.gavindoherty.co.uk

I found this picture of the late Arthur Burns (top left of picture) and his dancers from the 1950s.  Arthur Burns was a big figure in the Irish dancing world in Newry and he had great success in the town and beyond.  He died in 1993.

 

 

 

What the boys wore in the 'olden days'

I found this clip on You Tube and showed it to my 7 year old daughter.  She couldn't believe that boys wore kilts in what she called 'the olden days.'  Also take note of the rope style belt which was quite popular on girl's dancing costumes in the 1980s.

On Wednesday 18th February 2015, I visited the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra to see their exhibition on Irish dancing entitled, "A Step in Time."  This was a brilliant 'step BACK in time' as on display were Irish dancing dresses from the 1930s, 1950s, 1970s, 1980s and 2010.  Also there was plenty of information on how Irish dancing started and developed from dancing at the crossroads to the World and International Championships.  Definitely worth a trip to see the exhibition which runs until January 2016.

 

The entrance to the exhibition at Cultra

 

 

 

 

Irish dancing dresses from 1930s, 1950s, 1970s, 1980s and 2010.

I found this article on Irish dancing from the BBC..worth a look:




http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-28043307

St Patrick's day costumes

I was in a department store yesterday and saw these costumes for sale in advance of St Patrick's day.  It's nice that the traditional dress is available to buy for the festivities.  And quite nice simple designs too.

What do you think?

Irish dancing competition in the Phoenix park in Dublin in 1929

I found this gem of a clip of Irish dancing in the 1920s.  No glitzy costumes in those days!

A must see! I will hopefully be visiting the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum next week...

Welcome to my research

Welcome to my blog on Irish dancing.



I am currently researching Irish dance, particularly in South Down and South Armagh, from the older styles of footwork and dress to the modern style which we now know.  This topic is close to my heart as I was an Irish dancer for over 20 years, my mother was an Irish dancer and now my seven-year old daughter is a dancer too!  If anyone would like to leave any comments or information on my blog please feel free to do so as any information would be greatly appreciated.