The early history of Irish dancing is vague. The first Irish dance groups may have been the druids of Ireland who were known for circular dances around trees, during rituals. The Celts arrived in Ireland over 2000 years ago and integrated their own folk dances into the existing culture. By the 16th century, three Irish dances are mentioned in writing. They are the Irish Hey, Rinnce Fada (long dance) and the Trenchmore. Irish jigs are mentioned in writing all the way back to 1569. Beautiful costumes were worn even then, and carried through until today. The bag pipe and harp were the traditional instruments that accompanied Irish dance.
The Coyle School of Irish Dance is an Irish dance school long established in the Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pa. areas. They teach a more traditional style of Irish dance and emphasize the dance competition known as the Feis, with less emphasis on performance Irish dance. Their dress is very original and traditional at the same time, with a predominate Royal blue.
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2005 Harrisburg St. Pats Day Parade
2006 McLain Celtic Festival Article
2007 Harrisburg St. Pats Day Parade
[...] -New photos of Coyle School of Irish Dance at World Championships -County breakdown of those reporting Irish ancestry in Pa. [...]