Dancing2

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Since the broadcast of the world renown shows Riverdance and The Lord of the Dance Irish dancing has become much more popular around the world. Unfortunately over the years the traditional part of it has faded away. Competitions among dancers have become very political. Dancers are now judged on their appearance rather than their dance technique. The traditional outfit of the dancer has turned into a provocative image. Judging of the competitions has changed over the years as well. Now the question that is often arisen is did the right dancer win for the right reasons. Sportsmanship once seen among dancers has disappeared into real negative attitudes.

Traditionally simple costumes were worn, usually made of velvet. They were hand embroidered with traditional Celtic designs that come from the book of celves in Ireland. Certain socks called poodle socks were worn on the dancers feet. It wasn't until 1893 when the costume started to become more decorative with mini rhinestones lining the neckline, and a bit of crochet done on the collar and sleeves.

From there was just the start of the what seems to be the appearance now.

The whole traditional appearance of an Irish dancer has vanished. The once simple dress is no longer seen. Velvets were replaced with other fabrics such as gabardines, silks, and different types of laces. Instead of one solid color used on the dress bright color and metallic began to appear black tight and nighlans replaced the socks and the dresses became much shorter. Wigs, fake eyelashes, body glitter, glittery hair spray, makeup and jeweled crowns are just some of the new styles seen at competitions. So, by the time the dancer is fully dressed in her much shorter elaborate dress it's a little tougher for the judges to concentrate on just the feet of the dancer. It is known that costumes and the way the girl looks can be the deciding factor for who takes the first place trophy home.

Results of competitions seem to be rigged at times. When judged final results of the winning is suppose to be judged on the performance and dance technique of the competitor. The results can be very deceiving. Did the best dancer win? Did the dancer from a certain dance school have a better adnantage over another dance school? Or did it matter if you were an American or not? Depending of where the competition is locating in the world it is a known factor that the over seize dancers are the ones who win.

It used to be that dancers in different dance schools worked together as a team. Even though indivial competitions take place the girls usually were very supportive of each other. But over the past years this has also changed significantly. Even girls from the same school are in competition with each other and sometimes jealousy and poor sportsmanship is shown. The fighting between schools almost becomes unbearable. Dance teacher don't even get along with each other anymore. If a dancer decides to change from their original dance school they cannot compete for 3 months and teachers become competitive with each other. The competition in the end turns out to be one big rivalry. Girls will do anything to win the trophy such as dancing the other competitor off the stage.

The worst was when a girl from Ireland made a Website of other dancers on a pornographic site. She took the faces of some dancers from other schools and pasted them onto the bodies. This in all proves that sportsmanship doesn't exist anymore in Irish dance world.

Competiting in Irish dancing no longer becomes fun anymore. It's become a very political scene. Competitions are supposed to be fun and bring dancers together with similar interests. But, this has become a negative way to expose girls to. Competitions aren't suppose to be beauty pageants. Looks should be the least of all. Dance results shouldn't be questioned of if the right dancer won. Good sportsmanship should always be apart of any athletic sport. It's a shame how Irish dancing has changed. That's why I've stopped.

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