When did England take over Ireland and ban Irish dance?

Question

If you could tell me how harsh the ban was, and why and all that. I would really apreciate it!

I hear in every class that Irish dancers hold their arms down because through the windows, the British soldeirs couldn't tell they were dancing. (I know there are toher theories, but that's one)
Was there ever a law against Irish dance?

Answer 1

The penal laws of the late 17th century introduced by the English were more to forbid the practicing of religion, ownership of property and education to the Irish Catholics. Dancing would have continued to take place in peoples houses and at cross roads as it did for many centuries from the time of the Normans who have been credited for introducing the round dance into Ireland around the 12th century. There were two types of dance, solo step dancing where a dancer taps out rhythms with their feet whilst keeping their upper body rigid, and group dancing.

It was in the early 1900s that nationalism led to the standardisation of Ceili dances. The Catholic clergy saw the introduction of foreign dances like the fox-trot and waltz, where couples were in close contact, as a threat to the morals of youth. The Gaelic League, an organisation which was committed to the revival of Gaelic culture, saw it as an opportunity to spurn set dancing which also involved close contact, partly because it was associated with Britain and they organised dances which were more formal. This is when the form of the arms held rigidly at the sides was started. The 1936 Dance Hall act introduced by the church influenced government, which was put in place to regulate (by license) dancing venues, put an end to house, cross roads and platform dances.

Answer 2

The Normans conquered the eastern part of Ireland beginning in 1167.

Henry II landed in 1171. He gave the Irish territory to his son John. when John became King John, the "crowns" of Ireland and England were for the first time unified.

The Statute of Kilkenny in 1367 banned English descendants from speaking Irish or intermarrying.

Complete control of Ireland by the British did not occur until 1607 under King James 1.

Answer 3

It was probably in the time of Elizabeth I. As a Brit, I'd like to apologize. I am sincere about this. I think what we did to the Irish was unforgivable.
I don't recall them banning dancing.

Answer 4

It was the Monarchy which decided to take over Ireland when people didn't have the vote and Kings were bloody despots.

Answer 5

ummmmmmmmmmm.........i think you got your facts slighty wrong there.....