Maldon Meehan offers performances, lectures, workshops, residencies and calling for traditional dances. All workshops are adapted to suite the individual venue, age level and/or dance experience.
IRISH SEAN-NÓS DANCE Sean-nós literally meaning old-style is a highly improvisational, low to the ground, rhythmic dance form. Unlike Irish step dancers, Sean-nós dancers swing their hips and use their arms as forms of expressing the music. Traditionally a dancer danced solo on the hardwood of a half door or the round top of a barrel; as a result the steps are confined to a small space. In Sean-nós dance, the dancer is tied closely with the musician and the music. The dancer interprets the music.
IRISH BRUSH DANCE In this workshop we cover the basics of the traditional Irish brush dance. The brush dance is done with a brush or broom. There are many stories behind the brush dance. One story is that it was performed by the Travelers when they went from house to house selling items, including brushes(brooms). It is told that they would perform the dance and display the brush.
IRISH SET DANCING Explore the most popular form of traditional social dancing in Ireland today. Sets are dance in square formation with intricate and rhythmic footwork. Learn to dance to reels, jigs, slides, polkas and hornpipes.
BATTERING STEPS for SET DANCING Learn battering steps for reels, jigs, polkas, slides and hornpipes. Clare, Connemara and more.
PERCUSSIVE CHOREOGRAPHY This workshop will focus on improvisation, rhythmic footwork and performance techniques. It can draw from Cape Breton dance, Québécois, American Clogging, Sean-nós Dance, Irish Old Style Step dance, Waltz Clog and more. Please bring smooth leather soled shoes.
LECTURE & DEMO in the HISTORY of IRISH DANCE Explore the rich history of Irish dance. We will cover the history of Irish dance from the earliest records to the present. We will explore the individual dance genres: Céilí dance, Set Dance, Sean-nós dance, Old-style Traditional and Step Dance, as well as ‘Riverdance’. This demonstration will utilize video material, handouts, lecture, demonstration and performance.