Module Code - Title:
MD4142
-
IRISH DANCE PERFORMANCE SKILLS 2
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To enable students whose first area of practice is not Irish dance to continue to develop their Irish dance skill set .
Syllabus:
Continued development of Irish dance skills to include travel steps, foot work, rhythm and an understanding of interpreting the music. Basic posture, footwork and musicality will be addressed relevant to the students' ability.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Students will further enhance their knowledge of Irish dance motifs and how they relate to the music. They will expand their Irish dance repertoire to include set dances and social dances.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Students will further appreciate a range of Irish dance styles. Students will critically engage with a range of Irish dance performances.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Students will continue to develop their Irish dance skills and choreographic competence in the genre. They will work on limb extension and pointing and arching.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Additional skills will be taught based on students' previous experience of Irish dance. classes will be mostly studio based and students will be in small groups.
Prime Texts:
Foley, Catherine (2015)
Step Dancing in Ireland: Culture and History
, Ashgate
Ni Bhriain, Orfhlaith (2008)
Terminology of Irish Dance
, Macerater Press
Other Relevant Texts:
De Gallaí, Brendan (2013)
Imeall Siúl: A choreographic Exploration of Expressive Possibilities in Irish Step Dancing
, ULIR
Melin, Mats (2016)
One with the Music
, Cape Breton University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN IRISH MUSIC
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN VOICE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN WORLD MUSIC
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Breandan.deGallai@ul.ie