Jigs and Wigs: The Extreme World of Irish Dancing
On January 16th Riverdance launched its world tour in the National City of Culture 2014 Limerick, to mark the twentieth anniversary of its first performance at the 1994 Dublin Eurovision Song Contest. As a result of Riverdance, Michael Flatley and Lord of the Dance over the last two decades Irish dancing has grown in popularity becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Subsequently there are now more Irish dancers across the world than in Ireland. As this traditional art form has risen in popularity it has become more intricate, absorbing ideas from other cultures, and evolving into huge stage productions. It has also evolved from a traditional dance discipline performed in simple woollen dress with Celtic designs to an extravaganza of jewelled dresses, wigs and fake tan. In the wake of the renewed interest Riverdance’s anniversary tour has sparked BBC One Northern Ireland have launched it documentary series Jigs and Wigs: The Extreme World of Irish Dancing.
This six part series follows the stories of individuals trying to make their mark on Irish dancing. In episode one the show recounts the experiences of the O’Briens, an Irish traveller family from Wicklow, as they battle to overcome prejudices, whilst episode two follows Cathy Desmond’s attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Irish Dance Championships. As well as documenting their journeys however, the programme focuses on the extravagant fashions that are beginning to dominate Irish dancing. Indeed in order to successfully compete, Irish dancers will spend between 700 and 2000 Euros on a dress plus up to 60 Euros on wigs.
The programme also highlights the international element of Irish dancing following Ex-Lord of the Dance Ronan Morgan as he helps with the set up of a school in Taiwan. The next episode, which airs on Wednesday 2nd April will examine the experiences of male Irish dancers on the Las Vegas Strip. Finally episode five will go behind the scenes of Riverdance as it follows Lauren Smyth as she makes her debut.
Riverdance’s UK tour starts this September at the Cliffs Pavillion in Southend but until then Jigs and Wigs provides an excellent insight into an unusual and vibrant dancing discipline.