Dance Encyclopedia: Jiga. Irish Dance Lessons for Beginners: Simple Jiga Dance Movements

Initially, a small violin was called a jig, on which the dancers were accompanied. Back in the 12th century, the jig was a pair dance, but among sailors it became a solo dance, and with comic overtones. For example, William Shakespeare in his plays emphasized the comical nature of the jig.

The jig has migrated to melodies of Irish origin. Today, the jig is found in various types of Irish dances. Jig is presented in various versions.

1. Single jig

One of the simplest melodies that is danced in 6/8 or 12/8 time. This type of jig is very popular in Europe, but they do not like to perform it in the USA. Such a jig is performed by beginners in dancing and those who continue to learn, dance it in soft shoes.

2. Double jig

It is performed both in soft and hard shoes, always with the beating of the rhythm. If performed in hard shoes, then in time 6/8 and then it is called a heavy jig.

3. Treble Jig

It is performed in hard boots. This is the slowest type of jig. It is characterized by pirouettes, swings and jumps. Beginners dance the treble jig at 92 beats per minute, but the pros dance at 73 beats.

4. Sliding Jig

It is also called slip jig. Performed in 9/8 bars. Because of the slower phrases, the melody is also slower. This kind of dance is performed on very high toes and therefore it is called Irish ballet. This jig is often performed by women. She is a very graceful and airy dance.

We all remember the beautiful jig-jump dance of the Hatter from the movie "Through the Looking-Glass" by Johnny Depp. In fact, the jig is the national dance of the British and Irish, the movements of which are quite complex and require intensive and constant training. Jiga is very incendiary, it charges with its mood and manner of performance.

Ireland is an unusual and mysterious country, the unique charm of which is given by evergreen hills, ancient castles, and, of course, amazing dances. National dances are performed only to Irish music and look very beautiful and spectacular, thanks to the speed of movement and rhythm. Currently, this dance direction is extremely popular in many countries. There are many schools and studios that teach jig, reel or hornpipe, but you can learn how to dance Irish dances on your own. Depending on the technique of execution and the number of participants, the following varieties are distinguished:

1. Solo, represents rhythmic and clear movements of the legs, while the body and arms are motionless, one person is dancing.
2. Group, performed by a group of up to 16 people, and include elements of solo dances with rebuilding in a circle, line or column and the inclusion of hands.
3. Folk or social, characterized by simple movements reminiscent of a square dance, dancing in pairs.

For those who decide to learn how to dance Irish dances on their own, video lessons for beginners will be an excellent tool. It is better to start with a solo direction, which includes: jig, reel, hornpipe and solo sets.

Jig

Performed to the music of the violin. Fun and cheerful jig, consists of traditional jumps and special steps. The jumps are quite high, which makes a lasting impression, but at the initial stage, you should not jump high. First you need to learn how to properly hold the body and press your hands, and most importantly, land softly. Dynamic and spectacular Irish dances can be a serious challenge for beginners.

Ryl

It is believed that Reel is of Scottish origin, but has undergone strong changes, with the inclusion of true Irish elements. Great for beginners and is usually the starting point for learning how to dance Irish dance properly. May be fast or slow.

Fast paced reels have a set of simple movements, while slow reels are characterized by a more complex set of figures, including high jumps. The technique of execution, depending on the type of footwear, can be soft or hard.

Hornpipe

Includes jumps and tap dance elements, touching the floor alternately with the heel and toe, creates the effect of a drum roll. Hands are usually located on the belt or extended at the seams, and swings are made with a leg bent at the knee. It is performed only in hard shoes and is the most difficult to master. Somewhat similar to the reel, the hornpipe is notable for its particular dotted rhythm and emphasis on the first count. It can also be slow and fast.

Set solo dances

A distinctive feature is a special set melody, which can be traditional or author's, and differs in its structure from ordinary Irish music. Under such melodies, unique dance compositions are developed, intended for participation in competitions, which will include complex steps and non-traditional elements. From generation to generation in Ireland, the music and steps of solo sets created in the distant past and called traditional are transmitted.

Irish dancing is not only an amazing boost of positivity and energy, but also a great way to increase stamina and improve physical fitness. Having mastered the basic elements, you can continue to use lessons for beginners to learn Irish dances, or contact a special studio. Speed, clarity and rhythm of movements will come with regular practice.

History of the jig

Originally, the jig was a pair dance; however, among sailors it spread as a solo, very fast dance of a comic nature. William Shakespeare in his plays emphasized the buffoonish nature of the jig. Soon the jig made its way into professional music as well. Pieces under this name are found in English virginal and lute collections of the 16th century. In the 17th century, the jig entered the dance life of many countries of Western Europe, although its development proceeded differently in different countries.

At the turn of the 17th-18th centuries, the Italian jig acquired pan-European significance. It was she who entered as the final part in the pre-classical sonatas and suites of Arcangelo Corelli, Antonio Vivaldi, JF Rameau. The finale of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, without having the designation of a jig, also reveals the inherent character of this dance.

Squeezed out of European salon life by new dances (minuet, gavotte and others), the jig gradually loses its significance in professional music throughout the 18th century. In the future, the jig was mainly used by the people, successfully preserved to this day in Ireland and Scotland. In the twentieth century, some composers again turn to the jig as a musical genre. Among them are Claude Debussy ("Images", 1912), I. F. Stravinsky ("Concert Duet", 1932; septet, 1952-53), Max Reger (op. 36, 42, 131c), Arnold Schoenberg (op. 25 and 29).

Jig in Irish dancing

The jig is one of the most popular Irish dance tunes. Presented in several versions. Depending on the speed of the melody in which the dance is performed, single jig, double jig and treble jig are distinguished. Depending on the shoes in which the dance is performed, light and heavy jig are distinguished. The slip jig, performed to a special 9/8 rhythm and exclusively in soft shoes, stands apart from the others.

single jig

Double jig

treble jig

Slip jig is currently performed exclusively by women in competitions, but until about 1950, both men and pairs competed in this dance. Since the 1980s, there has been discussion about the return of men to competition in this dance. Slip jig, danced on 9/8, is the most graceful and graceful dance performed in soft shoes and highlighted in the Riverdance show.

A slip jig is sometimes called a slide jig or a hop jig. But sometimes a slide jig is also called a single jig.

see also

Notes

The jiga is considered one of the most ancient Irish dances, preserved to this day in this national culture, although it is currently performed mainly in staged form.

This expressive Irish dance has several versions. At what they are divided according to rather unusual classifications - depending on the speed that the dancers gain, and depending on the types of shoes used.

History of occurrence

It is believed that the name of the dance was given by the melody of the same name, which as early as the 12th century was played on the violin during public fairs.

The jig dance was originally a pair dance. However, picked up by the sailors, the jig turned into an energetic, fast and comical solo dance.

English colonization meant the eradication of Irish culture, so in the 17th century there was a ban on national music and dances. For more than a century and a half, folk dances were taught secretly under the guidance of wandering teachers.

The emergence of the first dance schools in the 18th century is connected with the dance masters, who pass on their skills to everyone who wishes. The activities of the Gaelic League to standardize and formalize Irish dance in the 20th century increased the demands for learning and performance.

Currently, jig, among other solo dances, exists both as a competitive form and as a dance show. The dynamism, expressiveness of the movements of the jig, the emotionality of the performance amaze the imagination and fascinate the audience.

Thanks to the entertainment, Irish dances have become popular in many countries of the world, they are studied, as well as in Ireland, in specially organized dance schools.

What is a jig?

The term "jig" denotes both the dance itself and the music to which it is performed. Different types of music correspond to specific types of jigs. However, the musical size of all types of jig, except for the slip jig, is 6/8, and the latter is performed to music with a time signature of 9/8.

For each type of jig there are requirements in what type of shoes it must be performed - in hard or soft. Hard shoes are shoes, usually black, with a special heel on the toe, a small heel and an additional fastening in the form of a strap. Soft shoes for women are soft leather slippers with long laces without a heel, somewhat similar to ballet flats, for men - boots with soft soles and a small heel.

Types of jigs and their features

Depending on the musical size and nature of the dance, several types of jigs are distinguished:

• simple, soft or single - single jig (single jig)
• double - double jig (double jig)
• triple - treble jig (treble jig)
• slip jig (slip jig)

According to the types of shoes worn during the dance, we can distinguish:

• light jig
• heavy jig

single jig

One of the most common and simplest types of jigs. It is performed more often by beginner dancers and usually in soft shoes, i.e. performed without percussive movements and sounds.

Double jig

Performed in both soft and hard shoes. By the nature of the movements, this is a predominantly male dance with the spirit of a warrior inherent in it. The main drawing in the choreography is the line. It is danced at a faster pace than the single jig, with a beat.

treble jig

By the nature of execution, it is slower than other types. Performed exclusively in hard shoes. The dance contains characteristic jumps, pirouettes and swings. The traditional treble jig is danced at 92 beats per minute, while the unconventional treble jig is danced at a slower pace of 73 beats per minute, which requires special skill.

Slip jig

It currently exists exclusively as a female dance. Although in the middle of the 20th century it was performed both by men and in pairs. It differs from other types of jig in musical size and performance in soft shoes. Due to the special manner of performing the slip jig is called the "Irish ballet". This is due to specific movements in the form of pirouettes, swings and jumps. For example, the “deer jump” is performed with a hang, as if lifting the dancer above the stage. This dance is technical because of the intricately organized groups of movements.