Irish Traditional Music and Dance

This module will examine current and historical performance and transmission of Irish traditional dance, instrumental music and song, with specific reference to the traditions of the West of Ireland. Utilizing cultural history frameworks, students will explore the place of traditional performance arts in Irish culture, and the central roles these traditions play in formation of local, national and transnational identities. Core elements include an examination of music in the postfamine period in Ireland; music among the Diaspora; revivals of dance and music; sean-nós song; style and the uilleann piping tradition. Conceptual issues of authenticity and tradition will underscore much of the discussions and central questions such as what constitutes traditional performance and the transformative potential of dance and music will be explored and exemplified through a variety of performance platforms. Students will meet with performers and take seannós song and dance workshops, all of which adds integrated, vocational support to the academic programme. (No previous performance experience is required).