In the jig figure of the plain set : NOTE how the ladies come back straight to their partner after the chain WITHOUT turning under the partner's arm . But instead doing a subtle little step in and straight into waltz hold! This IS how THE PLAIN SET was danced BEFORE Pat Murphy's publication.
Just one of the MANY ERRORS introduced by this book which misinformed or new set dancers call "bible" of set dancing.
Yes, the book should not be considered a "bible" but an "introduction". For most of us in North America without any of the communal set dancing on the island, and only one organisation interested in showing/teaching these dances, there's the risk of over-dependence on the book once the second generation of teachers not raised on the island started coming in. Is it better than nothing? That debate will probably never be settled...
Add in the constant influx of interested beginners and the old age of the regulars, and we often get only a steady stream of a few basic sets taught, and sometimes slightly simplified over the years, with none of the fine battering steps (where appropriate), only basic walking steps. When I went to Ireland last year, I was rather overwhelmed by the difference. Of course, this has only increased my determination to learn, but I am quite aware of how much I have to unlearn first now! :)
Is it possible to find clean cut youth dancing with all generations TODAY.....I doubt it. I notice that you rarely see a smile on these dancers. Is it because they feel dancing is serious or is it because they have to concentrate on these complex steps & manoeuvers?
Michael Falsey is still going strong, though mainly playing whistle these days. I saw him playing at "The Blonde's" in Miltown Malbay only last night.
Is that Joe Cuneen on flute?
clocprior 9 months ago
Many thanks griffind2000 for posting - brings back so many memories of childhood!
mjw12345 1 year ago
The Martin Morrissey interviewed in this video clip is the father of RTE Sports Reporter Marty Morrissey. Am I right?
clarebannerman 1 year ago
Yes. That is one in the same.
griffind2000 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Alfie Marrinan on the accordian; a living legend!
Cuchullain10 1 year ago
To all set dancers out there :
In the jig figure of the plain set : NOTE how the ladies come back straight to their partner after the chain WITHOUT turning under the partner's arm . But instead doing a subtle little step in and straight into waltz hold! This IS how THE PLAIN SET was danced BEFORE Pat Murphy's publication.
Just one of the MANY ERRORS introduced by this book which misinformed or new set dancers call "bible" of set dancing.
ainelucie 3 years ago
Yes, the book should not be considered a "bible" but an "introduction". For most of us in North America without any of the communal set dancing on the island, and only one organisation interested in showing/teaching these dances, there's the risk of over-dependence on the book once the second generation of teachers not raised on the island started coming in. Is it better than nothing? That debate will probably never be settled...
NiallOT 3 years ago
Add in the constant influx of interested beginners and the old age of the regulars, and we often get only a steady stream of a few basic sets taught, and sometimes slightly simplified over the years, with none of the fine battering steps (where appropriate), only basic walking steps. When I went to Ireland last year, I was rather overwhelmed by the difference. Of course, this has only increased my determination to learn, but I am quite aware of how much I have to unlearn first now! :)
NiallOT 3 years ago
Fab
johngotting 3 years ago
Michael Falsey Is My grandfather Is .. My Mother (Bernie) is here dancing in the Jounior Set. This Is Amazing.
Jakewexford 3 years ago
Great piece of social history! So weird to hear the man talk about reviving a set that we dancers take for granted today! Thx for posting
RinceBox 3 years ago
My mother would have known Michael Falsey very well!
clarebannerman 3 years ago
I love these old clips. The memories come flooding back.
clarebannerman 3 years ago
Is it possible to find clean cut youth dancing with all generations TODAY.....I doubt it. I notice that you rarely see a smile on these dancers. Is it because they feel dancing is serious or is it because they have to concentrate on these complex steps & manoeuvers?
Wanderwd 3 years ago
Is that Michael Boyle from Quilty standing in the background? He could teach them a step or two! Clip from late 60's early 70's?
clarebannerman 3 years ago
I only know Michael Falsey on flute. I'll check on the other folks.
griffind2000 3 years ago
Michael Falsey is still going strong, though mainly playing whistle these days. I saw him playing at "The Blonde's" in Miltown Malbay only last night.
Legacyrxawd 3 years ago
@clarebannerman ya dat was Michael Boyle RIP he was a great dancer
Mpower211 1 year ago