Irish Set Dances
Irish Set Dancing will start with the basic patterns and simple footwork of this traditional social dance form, which pairs particular sequences of dance patterns (similar to American contra or square dances) with the reels, jigs, polkas, hornpipes and slides of traditional Irish music. Each day we will learn and dance (to fabulous live music!) a different set or two in the class, so we will be ready to dance them at the evening Set Dances on Monday and Thursday!
About Michael Riemer
Michael Riemer has been set dancing for about 25 years, initially learning from local dancers but still continuing to attend classes and workshops with Patrick O’Dea, Padraig McEneany, Mairead Casey and Larry Lynch. He has taught the sets for about 15 years through classes at Comhaltas (CCE) and at special events including dance weekends and music camps.
Michael’s teaching style emphasizes the way the different portions of the dance flow together and fit the music. When not actively dancing or teaching, Michael also plays music for Irish dancing, and loves the way musicians and dancers can complement each other’s best efforts.
About Dale Russ
Throughout Dale’s 45 years of experience playing traditional Irish fiddle, he has steadfastly held to traditional ways of playing – not through stubbornness, but because of his deep belief in the beauty of the unadorned heart of the music. Having taught for decades, his focus is not on developing playing styles meant to impress, but simply to open doors to enhance the enjoyment of playing. Being self-taught has sharpened his ear to the subtleties that make Irish music sound Irish, and have developed his ability to break down elements into their most basic parts.
Dale has taught at The Swannannoa Gathering, Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, and at Lark Camp for 16 or more years. He had a one-month residency gig with Kevin Burke at McGurk’s pub in St Louis, and has toured several times with the legendary accordion player Paddy O’Brien in the band “Chulrua”.