STEPS OF FREEDOM - Irish Film Festival
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25/08/2022 until 26/09/2022
I was keen to watch Steps of Freedom in hopes of finding the answer to everyone’s burning question about Irish dancing, and that is, why do they dance with their arms stiffly down at their sides? Well, while my curiosity was not completely satisfied, there were some ideas - The story goes, that a group of Irish dancers were brought to dance for the Queen. As these dancers had no choice, they refused to raise their arms to her, and kept them rigidly by their sides as they danced out of defiance, and possibly to show their fellow countrymen they were not enjoying themselves as they danced for her and the English.
Another version (featured in the film), although a bit far-fetched, is that it dates from the time when Ireland was continuously rebelling against rule of the British over them. While in turn the British trying to dominate the culture by stamping out all traditional aspects of Irish identity, including traditional Irish songs and dance.
The Irish then had to started to their dancing behind the hedge rows, stable doors and behind the bar in pubs with their upper body straight and arms tight by their sides, so if spotted by English soldiers they wouldn’t be able to see them dance. Although a great story it seems a bit of a stretch to believe that a soldier wouldn’t know what you were up too with all the bouncing up and down in the same spot whither behind a bar or not.
Whatever the truth may be, it in no way hampers the enjoyment watching Steps of Freedom. This absorbing documentary reveals how Irish dance was developed over centuries through interactions with many cultures as it evolved from a simple folk dance to become a global phenomenon loved by millions around the world. The film shows how Irish dance has both been influenced by and influenced the dance of many cultures, including African-American dance, and how it developed as an expression of resistance.
Directed by Ruan Magan and starring the Irish Dance Master Jena Butler and the unforgettable Michael Flatley (amongst others) it features brilliant original performances by some of the greatest Irish dancers of the present day and a wealth of archive materials including films, photographs and witness accounts revealing how Irish dance has been practiced through history.
Interestingly, there is a strong American current running throughout the film as links between American and Irish dance are teased out. Hosted by young Irish dance phenom and viral TikTok sensation Morgan Bullock the film is an eye opener if your only exposure to Irish Dance is Lord of the Dance. If you are a devotee, you will love the performances and history you may not have seen.
Steps of Freedom is a captivating, educational and fascinating expose of a dance form which is a mystery to many people!
Reviewed by Barry Hill