History traces Irish Step dance up to the 17th century because the traditional Irish dances and music faced interferences from Queen Elizabeth 1 during the 16th century.

The Dancing Masters

Different Cultures Influence Dancing in Ireland

The formation of Conradh na Gaeilge, reinvented or improved the traditional standardized Irish Step Dance, especially its control and the selection of the dance movements.

Gaelic League appointment of the Irish Dance Commission, which enhanced control of the Irish Step Dance. The appointment ensured that the commission regulated and required all Irish dance teachers to register.

Class/school costumes were established

Solo costumes become in vogue

The Irish Potato Famine The Great Potato Famine, along with the political tension with England, caused the mass immigration of the Irish people to other places around the world, mainly the United States. These immigrants brought with them Irish culture and heritage. That was how Irish Step started to become more internationally known.

Riverdance and other Irish dancing shows become popular