Others put their arms slightly behind their backs so their hands are hidden. Relevance. Whatever the reason, Irish dancers are continually reminded by teachers to keep their arms straight and back. 8 Answers. The torso and arms need to remain stable but relaxed while the lower limbs complete fast, explosive and intricate movement. It's a huge element that makes Irish dance unique. In Irish dance, maintaining the upright posture is stylistically very important. Thus the free wheeling energetic Irish dance of old, was compressed and redirected into a more rigid format. Irish step dancing is a unique form of artistic expression. Sources: Sources: Antonio Pacelli Irish Dance. 4 years ago. They liked etiquette, and disapproved of the unruly arm movements of Sean Nos dancing. Irish dancers keep their arms straight down because back then, people would put the Irish in jail. 16 Answers. In competition, most performance step-dances are danced solo, characterized by a controlled upper body, straight arms, and precise movements of the feet. A company of dancers crammed into the claustrophobic confines of a celtic kitchen, could only form a line, keep their arms tight by their sides, and do steps & kicks to the front. The dancers had to keep their backs straight, their arms down and the smile was taken off the face. The positioning of the arms is a major element of the Irish dance. Favorite Answer. In order to achieve and maintain the posture, the core muscles must be strong and controlled. Macedonian folk dancers: ... Kristen. Answer Save. Anonymous. why in Irish dancing, do you have to keep your arms straight and down to the side? The dancers do not move their arms, at least in the more traditional form of step dancing. in jail, they would dance to keep from going insane. 0 0. 3 ~ Point Your Toes Why do Irish dancers always dance with arms straight by their sides? Whether it is because of the English or the Catholic Church, straight arms have become as common as curled hair in Irish dance. Cause they do. To prepare for proper stance in Irish dance, the dancers feet are crossed, the right toe is pointed, the arms are held down straight by the side and the hands are curled into fists. 4 years ago. Tight arms and body, with nimble skilful footwork. Some dancers keep their arms directly at their sides. Our experts have some beginner level and intermediate level exercises that will help you strengthen your torso, improve your posture, and take your dancing to new heights. (2005). Answer Save. Yes, Michael Flatley's arms love to flail about every which way in Riverdance, but proper Irish dance technique requires that your arms are straight with hands hidden behind your back at all times. Relevance. Elaborate steps are made with just the legs, and it's primarily the lower legs that generate the most movements. Anonymous. Put your hands into fists, but be careful not to clench them -- you don't want to tense up. Irish dance is well known for its distinctive feature of keeping the upper body and arms still, while below the feet move very quickly. a1ways_de1_lorri_2004. 1 decade ago. Lv 4. How to build up your core strength for Irish dance – Part 1 Now you know that core strength is crucial for Irish dancing , you need to know how to get it. Performance Irish dancing is recognized by rapid leg movements accompanied by stationary upper bodies and arms. The most believable theory, which is supported by many historians of Irish dance, is that the Dance Masters of the 18th century were responsible. Keep your arms straight and at your sides. This is something most people notice about Irish dancers right away. 4 years ago. Lower legs that generate the most movements, people would put the Irish in,! Have to keep their backs straight, their arms straight by their sides straight by their?. 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