A Passion for Irish Dance

1
A Passion for Irish Dance
2

• There are many references to group or social
  dances performed in Ireland throughout the 16th
  and 17th centuries. However, most accounts were
  written by visiting English historians who were
  concerned with the social and economic conditions
  of the country rather than the dancing itself.
  They inform us that group or 'country' dances
  were performed by the Irish at social gatherings
  including weddings, fairs and holidays. These
  would have been simple dances which almost anyone
  could have joined and indeed they were not
  distinctly Irish but rather dances that were
  common throughout western Europe.

3

• The Marie Duffy Foundation has been established
  to provide financial assistance to aspiring
  dancers, musicians and choreographers so they may
  fulfil their dreams in the world of Irish Dance.
• Irish Dance is constantly changing and evolving
  and it is the aim of the Foundation to identify
  and support the creative and inspirational
  individuals who will be at the cutting edge of
  dance excellence in the years ahead.

4

• The Foundation is already attracting huge
  interest and support and we believe it has a
  great contribution to make to the future of Irish
  Dance.
• The Foundation is a registered private company
  and as a non-profit making organization, all net
  proceeds will be used to finance the awards which
  will be granted annually. See how we can help you
  for further information. For more details visit
  Irish Dance Funding website.