Irish dance comes in several forms, which can broadly be divided into social dances and performance dances. Irish social dancing can be divided further into céilí and set dancing. Irish set and céilí dances are usually danced by couples arranged into formations (sets) frequently squares of four couples, but many other formations are found, also. Irish social dance is a living tradition, and variations in the way a particular dance is danced are found across the Irish dance community in some places, dances are deliberately modified and new dances are choreographed.

Irish performance dancing is traditionally referred to as stepdance. Irish stepdance has been recently popularised by the world-famous show "Riverdance" and its followers. Aside from public dance performances, there are also stepdance competitions. Most competitive stepdances are solo dances, though many stepdancers also perform and compete using traditional set and céilí dances. When performed as a solo dance, it is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and the quick and precise movements of the feet.

The dancing traditions of Ireland probably grew in tandem with traditions of Irish traditional music. The very first roots were in Pre-Christian Ireland, but Irish dance was also partially influenced by dance forms on the Continent, especially the quadrille dances. Travelling dancing masters taught all over Ireland as late as the early 1900s.

Irish social, or céilí, (IPA pronunciation:['ke?li]) dances vary widely throughout Ireland and the rest of the world. A céilí dance may be performed with as few as three people and as many as sixteen. Céilí dances may also be danced with an unlimited number of couples in a long line or proceeding around in a circle (Such as in Shoe the Donkey or the Gay Gordons). Céilí dances are often fast-paced and may be quite complicated. In a social setting, a céilí dance may be "called" -- that is, the upcoming steps are announced during the dance for the benefit of newcomers.

The term céilí dance was invented in the late 19th century by the Gaelic League, to distinguish non-quadrille dances from the quadrille-based set dances, which were thought to be a British or foreign influence in Ireland. Today, céilí dancing is rarely performed in the Republic of Ireland[citation needed] but is active in Northern Ireland and the U.S.

"Céilí"
There is a distinction between the noun céilí, and the adjective. A céilí is a social gathering featuring Irish music and dance. Céilí dancing is a specific type of Irish dance. Some céilithe (the plural of céilí) will only have céilí dancing, some will only have set dancing, and some will be mixed.

  
     
 

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