Comment by Gerry Regan on November 13, 2014 at 11:08am

Lovely, stirring, but what's the difference between Sean Nós and Step Dancing? Or are they the same?

Comment by Nuala Doherty on November 13, 2014 at 12:04pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean-n%C3%B3s_dance    Explanation of Sean Nos (old style)

This looks more like the dancing done in east coast Canada

Comment by Ryan O'Rourke on November 13, 2014 at 12:16pm

Sean nós (old style) is much older than Irish "step dancing."  The step dancing became so popular worldwide after the "Riverdance" phenomenon.  Sean nós dancing and singing were, for a long time, seen mostly within the Gaeltachts around Ireland (and especially in Connemara).  Both the dancing and the singing are enjoying a renaissance in Ireland at the moment.

Comment by John M. Strathern on November 13, 2014 at 2:20pm

I like it. Peppy...thought you had to keep your hands at your sides or is that step dancing.

Comment by Ryan O'Rourke on November 13, 2014 at 2:55pm

That's step dancing, John.  The sean nós is more casual, more improvisational, and (in many ways) more accessible for anyone of any age.

Comment by Rose Maurer on November 20, 2014 at 10:03am

Incredible talent! Thank you Ryan for continuing to educate us :-) 

Comment by Terri Rushton on December 8, 2014 at 10:37pm

 It reminds me of something they do in North Carolina, USA called clogging. Out of the North Carolina mountains were a lot of Irish settled.

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