Favorite Answer. in jail, they would dance to keep from going insane. Why do Irish dancers always dance with arms straight by their sides? Elaborate steps are made with just the legs, and it's primarily the lower legs that generate the most movements. This is something most people notice about Irish dancers right away. Tight arms and body, with nimble skilful footwork. 0 0. Answer Save. 4 years ago. Yes, Michael Flatley's arms love to flail about every which way in Riverdance, but proper Irish dance technique requires that your arms are straight with hands hidden behind your back at all times. Some dancers keep their arms directly at their sides. A company of dancers crammed into the claustrophobic confines of a celtic kitchen, could only form a line, keep their arms tight by their sides, and do steps & kicks to the front. Performance Irish dancing is recognized by rapid leg movements accompanied by stationary upper bodies and arms. why in Irish dancing, do you have to keep your arms straight and down to the side? Whether it is because of the English or the Catholic Church, straight arms have become as common as curled hair in Irish dance. Others put their arms slightly behind their backs so their hands are hidden. Sources: Sources: Antonio Pacelli Irish Dance. 4 years ago. Put your hands into fists, but be careful not to clench them -- you don't want to tense up. a1ways_de1_lorri_2004. Anonymous. 8 Answers. To prepare for proper stance in Irish dance, the dancers feet are crossed, the right toe is pointed, the arms are held down straight by the side and the hands are curled into fists. The dancers do not move their arms, at least in the more traditional form of step dancing. Keep your arms straight and at your sides. Cause they do. Irish dance is well known for its distinctive feature of keeping the upper body and arms still, while below the feet move very quickly. How to build up your core strength for Irish dance – Part 1 Now you know that core strength is crucial for Irish dancing , you need to know how to get it. In order to achieve and maintain the posture, the core muscles must be strong and controlled. 3 ~ Point Your Toes It's a huge element that makes Irish dance unique. Macedonian folk dancers: ... Kristen. Irish step dancing is a unique form of artistic expression. Answer Save. Relevance. In competition, most performance step-dances are danced solo, characterized by a controlled upper body, straight arms, and precise movements of the feet. The dancers had to keep their backs straight, their arms down and the smile was taken off the face. 1 decade ago. Our experts have some beginner level and intermediate level exercises that will help you strengthen your torso, improve your posture, and take your dancing to new heights. 4 years ago. Lv 4. Whatever the reason, Irish dancers are continually reminded by teachers to keep their arms straight and back. They liked etiquette, and disapproved of the unruly arm movements of Sean Nos dancing. The torso and arms need to remain stable but relaxed while the lower limbs complete fast, explosive and intricate movement. The most believable theory, which is supported by many historians of Irish dance, is that the Dance Masters of the 18th century were responsible. 16 Answers. In Irish dance, maintaining the upright posture is stylistically very important. Relevance. Irish dancers keep their arms straight down because back then, people would put the Irish in jail. The positioning of the arms is a major element of the Irish dance. Anonymous. 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