Thesis
This is how we dance: the impact of Riverdance on Irish step dancing
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/73k2-rg85
Abstract
This thesis discusses how the popularity of Riverdance correlates to the expansion of Irish dance, and how the administration of the previously sheltered and localized Irish dance community capitalized on sudden global popularity to expand the reach of the art form. This thesis utilizes quantitative data from the World Championships of Irish Dance, along with anecdotal and historic evidence to document the increase in overall participation, as well as spread and expansion of Irish dance across the globe, juxtaposing data from before and after Riverdance's 1994 premiere. Although, due to the limitations of this study, no definitive final statements as to causation can be made regarding the effects of Riverdance on the Irish dance world as a whole, through careful observation of patterns in the data collected, reinforced by anecdotal evidence, this thesis finds a correlation between Riverdance and the increased participation and increased global reach of Irish dance.
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Details
- Title
- This is how we dance
- Creators
- Olivia Steffan - DU
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 6199; 991014632204904721