Why do the irish keep their arms by their sides in traditional irish dancing?

Answer 1

That's the way it's choreographed.

Answer 2

What I was told was that it has become a tradition based on an ancient British law that forbade the Irish from dancing. So they invented dances where they didn't move their upper bodies around very much, in case any British should happen by. The British constables apparently couldn't recognize dancing that didn't involve flinging one's arms about.

Answer 3

Neisha,

The reason is because the Catholic
Church, way, way back, prohibited
(In Ireland) the women to use their
arms when dancing as it was too
'provocative'! Thus they had to keep
their arms straight down to their sides.

Isn't it amazing how a silly ruling
created an amazing dance -- The Lords
of the Dance are now more free-form,
but if you look closely at the women´s movements
you will notice they are still few and far
apart.

Enjoy!

Answer 4

When I was in Ireland, I was told that the Irish danced this way (behind stone walls) where the british walked past...so they could not tell they were actually dancing (because they could only see the top of their bodies).

Answer 5

Evolved long ago during some time of repression when they weren't allowed to dance; (I don't remember the particulars now....) with only their feet moving it could be made to appear that way.

Answer 6

Do you see how they move their feet? If they did that with the arms people would be getting hurt! Would not want that now would you!

Answer 7

Keeps the drunken ones off the stage...

Answer 8

It is to stop the boys and girls touching each other!