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Keepers of the Steps

January 13, 2022 @ 12:00 am - January 30, 2022 @ 11:59 pm

PLEASE GO TO THE NEW KEEPERS WEBSITE.

CLICK HERE>>

 

 

 

Celebrating 150 years of Irish Dance in the SF Bay Area! Don’t miss this special exhibit exploring the roots, rhythms, and rituals.

There most certainly was green among the gold in the hills of California in the mid-1800s. The prospect of striking it rich during the Gold Rush was the hook needed to drive people to the west coast of a young nation—including the Irish! With their hopes of fortune, they brought their culture too. The centuries-old oral traditions of Irish music and dance made their way to California and took root in growing communities.

Irish dancing is a centuries-old tradition that continues to capture the hearts of dancers and onlookers alike. Long before gold was found in the hills of California—a couple of centuries to be precise—the Dancing Masters of Ireland were promoting the rich tradition of Irish Dance by traveling around Ireland, teaching their steps, and sharing their stories. This critical piece of our Irish heritage and history has evolved over the years into local dance schools in various regions around Ireland—and eventually around the world. Casual dance-offs or competitions at the crossroads of Ireland in the days of yore gave way to feisanna (Irish dance competitions). The entertainment industry has broadened the reach of the art form through massive stage shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance as well as through film and music.

Our special exhibit aims to explore the people, places, and things that have sustained Irish dancing in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are ever grateful to the modern Dancing Masters who brought Irish Dancing to San Francisco and the Bay Area more than 150 years ago and created a rich legacy that thrives today through dance classes, competition, and cultural opportunities. To all the dancers who share in the joy of Irish Dancing, know that you are part of a long and storied tradition. And not unlike those Dancing Masters in 16th century Ireland you, along with your dance teacher, are the “Keepers of the Steps.”

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeepersOfTheSteps

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepersofthesteps/

Use #keepersofthesteps when posting!

How to Get Involved

  1. Dance teachers: please help us promote this exhibit AND the collection of stories and memorabilia to help visually tell the story. Hang a flyer (attached) in your studio. Share and encourage dancers to complete the “Dancer Information” form ( HERE ). Post on and follow/share our content on Facebook/Instagram @keepersofthesteps
  1. Dancers (past and present): We need your stories! Using the “Dancer Information” form (attached/linked here) Post on and follow/share our content on Facebook/Insta @keepersofthesteps
  1. Download and Display the Flyer  (HERE)—this is a great way to share a story or let the committee know if you have memorabilia to loan/share.

CONTACT/SUBMISSIONS:
Anne Cassidy Carew
Keepers of the Steps Committee Chair
acarew@irish-centersf.org
or
Anne Cassidy Carew
Keepers of the Steps Committee
c/o United Irish Cultural Center
2700 45th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94116

Details

Start:
January 13, 2022 @ 12:00 am
End:
January 30, 2022 @ 11:59 pm

Organizer

Anne Cassidy Carew
Phone
650-359-5268
Email
annecarew@yahoo.com

Venue

United Irish Cultural Center
2700 45th Avenue
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
(415) 661-2700
View Venue Website