A Feast of Irish Set Dances

If you love the flash and pomp of Riverdance and Feet of Flames , you may find this very back-to-basics exploration of Irish set dancing a bit tame. But in fact, therein lies its true appeal. This 50-minute video, shot entirely in West Kerry, focuses on the real native folk who gather in pubs to do these centuries-old dances. The dances are often distinguished by the region in which they flourish, and this video demonstrates three Kerry or polka-type sets: one from North Kerry, one from South Kerry (knows as Sliabh Luachra, or the Mountain of Rushes), and one from West Kerry. They generally feature four couples dancing in a circle, then pausing for some interaction with each other--not unlike American square dancing. While it's not ideal for learning the dances yourself, the video does a great job of presenting the tradition in its own environment; lovers of Irish music and culture will find a lot to enjoy. --Anne Hurley