Pat Ahern with author Dr Sharon Phelan at the launch of her book at Siamsa Tire on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A NEW book on the history of dance in Ireland was launched last night at Siamsa Tire.
Written by lecturer in performing arts and cultural studies at IT Tralee, Dr Sharon Phelan, ‘Dance in Ireland: Steps, Stages and Stories’, was launched by Pat Ahern, founding director of the national folk theatre.
I asked the author how long it took to write the book.
“In reality it would stem back to the beginning of my doctorate, but since then I did a lot more research in certain areas, so we’re talking about four years,” said Dr Phelan.
Lucy Ellis and Miranda Cournane from IT Tralee at the launch of “Dance in Ireland: Steps, Stages and Stories” at Siamsa Tire on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
“The book goes right through the eras of Irish dance. It covers dance from cultural perspectives and political perspectives and places it into the cultural context. The book also acknowledges that Siamsa Tire was the first to place it into a theatrical context,” said the author, who said her own passion was ignited by Siamsa when she joined the group many years ago.
Speaking at the launch, Pat said; The book explores dance in Ireland since the 1200s. At the outset, it recognizes the contribution of British and French dancers to the Irish dance tradition and it illustrates the evolution of the dance master system in Ireland. It progresses to the pantomimic dance traditions, such as Wexford Mumming and it acknowledges where movements in dance during the rising arose among clerics, nationalists, feminists and the Anglo Irish. The final chapter in the book strikes a personal note, as it is devoted to the evolution of dance in Siamsa Tíre. Sharon’s love for dance originated in the Tithe Siamsa where she performed with Siamsa for over twenty years”.
Teresa Higgins Walker, Maria Clifford, Sheila O’Mahony and Martha Farrell, at the launch of “Dance in Ireland: Steps, Stages and Stories” at Siamsa Tire on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
This is the first publication from Dr Phelan who was joined at the launch by Dr Brian Coates from the University of Limerick and commented that “during the book, cultural theorists rub shoulders with Irish dancers and as the book progresses it exhibits the importance of dance in Ireland.”
Commenting on the launch Dr Oliver Murphy, President at the IT, Tralee said; “On behalf of the staff, students and management of the IT, Tralee I would like to congratulate Sharon on the launch of her first book. It will provide an academic source for third level students internationally and it will also be a valuable read for dance and cultural enthusiasts.”
Joanne Griffin, Noreen Lynch and Geraldine Hurley at the launch of “Dance in Ireland: Steps, Stages and Stories” at Siamsa Tire on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tadhg O’Shea and Donnacha Twomey at the launch of “Dance in Ireland: Steps, Stages and Stories” at Siamsa Tire on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
