Irish step dancing often makes me cringe a little, because although it is full of precision and power, it also looks like it produces painful tension in those who dance it. So what a wonderful discovery to find Suzanne Cleary & Peter Harding, creators of Up & Over It!, Irish step dancing for the postmodern age. The "We No Speak Americano" video has been making waves, with more than 2 million views on YouTube. But I like "3 Little Words" just as much, and it shows them using their whole bodies in a bigger way than the first one does.
Precision doesn't have to mean an increase of tension; dynamic freedom of movement can be fun!
taking discoveries from the cushion and the classroom into daily life
Amy Ward Brimmer
mother daughter wife teacher writer dreamer sister worker seeker activist minister healer student human
I don't know if it's true or not, but some Irish Americans told the story that Step Dancing developed out of restrictive laws of the British imposed on the Irish, so thus a way of rebellion, freedom, joy. Could be a tall tale.
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