The Global Story of Irish Dance
You can tell the condition of a man’s kingdom
by the state in which you find the dance there.
CONFUCIOUS
STEPS OF FREEDOM, a major entertainment documentary tells for the first time the story of how Irish dance developed over centuries from the traditional dance of the Irish people to become the global phenomenon it is today, where major Irish dance shows reach audiences of millions and dance schools in more than 60 countries teach Irish dancing to people often with no links at all to Ireland.
Produced with a cinematic sensibility and featuring specially choreographed original performances by some of the greatest Irish dance practitioners of our day, stunning cinematography, a host of expert dance practitioners and historians and a wealth of archive including films, photographs and witness accounts, the documentary reveals how Irish dance has been practiced and has changed over the last 2,000 years.
All art is assimilation. All music is assimilation. All dance is assimilation.
LENI SLOAN.
In the worst and best of times, the Irish danced. As it grew and changed through time, the Irish form was shaped by political and social forces and by interactions with cultures from across Europe, Africa and America. Irish dance, which features some of the fastest and most intricate footwork of any dance in the world, carries with it echoes of many other cultures with whom the people of Ireland interacted with over time.
We were colonised for 800 years, that’s bound to make a mark on how we dance.
DR. CATHERINE FOLEY
A strong American current runs through the story as it reveals how interactions between African-Americans and the Irish diaspora played a pivotal part in shaping the form. Gene Kelly was among those whose style, though strongly American, drew on his Irish roots.
At the heart of Irish dancing is a one upmanship.
It is about distinguishing yourself from others.
JEAN BUTLER
Written and Directed by Ruán Magan, produced by Tyrone Productions with original music composed by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Steps of Freedom is deeply informative documentary that captures the raw energy and vitality of a live show.
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STEPS OF FREEDOM features a host of dancers including Jean Butler, Donnie Golden, Edwina Guckian, Jonathan Kelleher, Stephanie Keane, Morgan Bullock, Siobhan Manson, Garreth Coleman, Noel Spillane, Ty Knowlin, William Jackson, The Gardiner Brothers and Cuthbert Artura.
Musicians include Cormac Begley, Rhiannan Giddens, Liam O Maonlaí, Steve Cooney, Cíarán Ó Maonaigh and Colm Mac Con Iomaire.
Expert interviews include: Jean Butler, Morgan Bullock, Simon Dwyer, Helen Brennan, Catherine Foley, Kevin Whelan (Notre Dame University), Siobhán Manson, Edwina Guckian, Jonathan Kelleher, Stephanie Keane, Donnie Golden, Niamh Gallagher (Cambridge University), Conor Mulvagh (UCD).
Broadcasters Partners include: RTÉ, BBC, ARTE BR, American Public Television.