Today’s guest post comes from Alex, an 8th grader at Innovation Academy. She traveled to several European countries this summer, and wanted to share a bit about her experience in Ireland. Sounds like a great adventure!
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This summer, I traveled all over Europe, but I am specifically talking about Ireland, where most of my relatives are and we had a reunion. I experienced all sorts of Irish culture, from the food they eat (there is a certain type of food that has blood as an ingredient) to their dances (I attended a dance night at a house in the country). I had a lot of fun. I took a tour of Derry (in Northern Ireland), I danced some traditional dances, I learned about Irish history, I met some distant relatives, I explored abandoned castles, I went on hikes to see many beautiful landmarks, I had tea in an a traditional tea house, and saw sheep, sheep, and more sheep.
This is my family photo at the reunion I went to. In the bottom row, from left to right, there is my cousin Andrew, my cousin Mary, and my sister Sarah. In the second row, there is my cousin Joe, my grandmother Elaine, my grandfather Eugene, my brother Sean, and me. In the top row there is my aunt Bevin, my uncle Steve, my aunt Laura, my uncle Barry, my father Brian, my mother Meg, and my aunt Brenda.
One example of Irish culture is step dancing. In the dance, dancers stiffen their upper bodies, and they do a series of complicated, intricate steps. Costumes are also key to the success of a performance. It can be performed solo or with a group. There are two types of shoes used, soft shoes, which are similar to ballet slippers, and hard shoes, which are similar to tap shoes. Irish step dancing is an important part of Irish culture.
This is an Irish step dance called the four hand reel. It is danced with soft shoes. The girl in the short black dress is my second cousin Maggie, and other girls are more distant relatives of mine.
~Alex
Categories: Guest Posts
Innovation on Earth 
I tried Irish step dancing, it was very hard. When you tried Irish step dancing did you find it pretty easy , or was it hard for you too?
Oh, I didn’t try it. That looks way too hard! I danced some different ones that were more simpler. They reminded me of square dancing.
What an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing it, Alex!
I think it is so amazing that you could travel to Ireland. I was surprised to hear that you tried Irish step dancing because my sister did too and she loved it. I am part Irish and I think it would be a great experience to see Europe for myself.
Wow! Amazing Irish Step Dancing is so cool I’ve tried but it didn’t turn out so well.I would love to go to Ireland also it looks so cool! My parents were planning to go Europe. It is amazing though really cool!
I think step dancing is really cool. My mom went to Ireland and said it was beautiful. I’d like to go some day too, as I’m part Irish.
the sound that the make is cool.
Okay,awesome. I love how you described what actions and garments are needed for each type of dancing. I can’t help but wonder why the people who made the dances didn’t make it so that there weren’t any specific requirements?
I think it is very cool that you went Ireland, one day i would love to try step dancing,and I think it is cool how people especially kids can move their feet that fast!!!
Hi Alex, nice job! It’s exciting that you visited Ireland this summer, what was your favorite part?
My aunt is in Ireland with her boyfriend, John. When she is in Ireland she lives with John in Killarney. She tells me about all of her adventures in Ireland, like how she had tea with two little girls, when she saw people doing girls hair on the street, and when she drives, she drives on the other side of the road! How weird is that? She says that one day she will take me to Ireland and I hope she does, unless my mom stops her 🙂
I am also very Irish. One day I would like to visit to meet all my relatives that live there
Do you like to dance in America? Was your family in Ireland from your mom or dads side of the family?
I liked reading about your trip to Ireland. My family is also from Ireland and Scotland. We are hoping to do a trip there in a few years and see some of the castles like you did. Your picture shows the girls step dancing, but I was wondering if many of the boys like to try it as well.
I am also Irish so I have never been there though. And I have two questions did eat hagges, and do you know how to say any words in Irish
I have never tried Irish Step Dancing. It looks very hard. It must take a lot of practice. The costumes are very pretty.
I really liked reading about your trip to Ireland. My mom says that the people there are really friendly. Did you think that they were friendly?