Inside 43215: Downtown Lifestyles
GETTING JIGGY WITH IRISH JIGS
It’s going to happen again this year. Saint Patrick’s Day will arrive, green beer will flow and there will be dancing, Irish dancing, attempted by untrained and unauthorized un-professionals.
Do not let this happen to you or those you love. Take a minute to take in a few tips on Irish dancing… or better yet, hook-up with a real instructional class.
1. Hold a roll of coins in your hands
Irish dancers typically keep their arms straight at their sides. Beginners can practice steps while holding rolls of coins. Heavy hands make it easier to keep those arms down.
2. Avoid the big pants
Big leg pants (bell bottoms or droopy drawers) tend to get in the way of fancy footwork. Irish dancing requires clingy leg-wear so you won’t end up tangled and tripped.
3. When in doubt, toes out
The most typical stances involve shoulders back, chin high, heels in and toes pointing way out.
Or you may want expert help; there are classes for this sort of thing. Ann Richens, a world-renowned instructor from Dublin, Ireland has coached Irish dance champions. She also teaches absolute beginners in the Ohio Theatre (practice room #1), Monday nights at 6:30 pm.
As an instructor, Richens is awfully encouraging, “I teach very basic steps and my students are always surprised at how easily they learn. Some of them will be ready to perform this Saint Patrick’s Day even though they only started taking lessons in September.”
To get involved, contact columbusceltic@hotmail.com.
