A social adult’s Irish dance class is changing preconceived ideas about Irish dancing in order to create community in Waterloo, London.
Irish dancing was popularised around the world in the 1990s due to theatrical dance show Riverdance and is now known for its’ high kicks, wigs and elaborate costumes.
However, ‘Jig and a Swig’ is a non-competitive, inclusive dance class for ex-professional dancers as well as inexperienced adults wanting to join something new.
The class was founded in 2019 by Jessie Leach, a former Riverdancer and International competition winning Irish dancer .
She said: “We really emphasise that you really don’t have to know anything.
All you need to have is that willingness to put one foot in front of the other.
Be able to smile and say hi to other people and the rest just comes naturally.”
Watch the video down below to find out more:
There are a range of classes on offer in both hard shoe and soft shoe Irish dancing as well as Ceili dancing.
Irish Ceili dancing is a group form of folk dancing to traditional Irish music derived from the Irish word for a party or social gathering.
Megan, a former student and now teacher at Jig and a Swig is from Dublin and did Irish dancing for sixteen years.
She joined a Jig and a Swig class when she moved to London after finding it hard to make friends.
She said: ‘I think London can be a really lonely place so the fact that it’s encouraged to meet people and make friends is just so important and unique about it”
Mary, 40, is a full time carer who has attended Jig and a Swig classes since last year and has little previous experience in Irish dance.
She said: “It’s harder to learn as an adult but Jessie and co. really try their best to make things as easy and smooth as possible for us”
“Irish dancing, I have always wanted to do since I was a child and I’m so glad that I have been able to.”
Around 300-400 people attend Jig and a Swig classes every week.
Featured Image Credit: Saskia Lonergan
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