Worth Knowing
What is Setdancing
Set dancing is a form of social dancing which has been popular in Ireland for over 150 years.
Sets are danced by four couples in a square, and usually consist of three to six figures with a short pause between each.
They are descended from the French quadrilles, which were brought to Ireland by the British army in the nineteenth century. Irish dancers adapted the figures to their own music and steps to form dances with great drive and enjoyment.
Today Irish set dancing is popular all over Europe, in the US, Australia and even Japan.
Absolute beginners are welcome. Irish set dancing is suitable for all age groups with single dancers and dancers with partners. Dancers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes with smooth soles.
A detailed description of Setdance offers Bill Lynch in his article "The Joy of Sets": www.setdancingnews.net/news/setintro.lp
Setdancing Glossary
A pretty good explanation of terms used in Setdancing its place setdanceteacher.ie/GLOSSARY.HTM
Name of Sets
Some sets are known by various names. Here is a list of these sets.
Name of set (as used by Pat Murphy) |
Other names of set |
---|---|
Auban | Ginny Ling, Jenny Lind (a variation) |
Baile Bhúirne Jig | Ballyvourney Jig, Baile Mhúirne Jig |
Baile Bhúirne Reel | Ballyvourney Reel, Cuil Aodha |
Ballingeary Jig | Béal Áth nGhaoraidh Jig |
Castle | Cashel |
Frères Nantais | Frères Nantes, Foraer a Neaintin, Connemara Jig |
Jenny Lind | Jenny Ling |
Kilkenny Lancers | Slate Quarry Lancers |
Mazurka | Meserks |
Melleray Lancers | Waterford Lancers |
South Kerry | Uibh Rathach |
Televara | Taille Mhara Jig |
Victoria Jig | Victora |
West Kerry | Corca Dhuibhne |