Portland Set Dancing

Set dancing is a unique form of traditional social dace in Ireland similar to American square dancing. Each ‘set’ consist of four couples arranged into a square. Both the eight dancers in the group and the dance itself are called a ‘set.’ The dance consists of a sequence of dance figures, which usually have a common theme or structure. The ‘figures,’ which are the distinct parts of each set, usually begin and end with repeated parts that everyone dances called the ‘body.’ During the figure each couple will take turns dancing separately, with everyone joining in on the body. The repertoire of sets is diverse and many from particular regions in Ireland usually have similar elements. Distinct sets emerged in the course of the 19th century and evolved as popular house dances separate from the more formal Irish step-dancing and céilí dancing traditions. Some of the most popular are the Plain Set, the Clare Lancers, and the Connemara. Info: Portland Set Dancing | Facebook Group