FESTIVAL DANCERS

NATIONAL/ETHNIC IDENTITY: Irish
COMPANY DIRECTOR: Mary Jo Feeney
First Appearance in SF EDF: 1987
Email: murphydancers@aol.com

Throughout the history of Ireland there was a constant shifting of populations that occurred through migration and invasions. These included the Celts, the Vikings, the Anglo-Normans, and the English. Each population brought their dance and music to Ireland. Although much of Irish dance's early history is lost, there is common belief that one of its roots came from the Druids, who used circular dances in religious rituals honoring the oak tree or the sun. Celts arrived in Ireland from Central Europe 2,000 years ago and left an indelible mark on the Irish dance and music, costumes and calligraphy seen today.

While performed in the courts of the royalty or funerals of the aristocracy, Irish dance is predominantly a social form. Participation in the music and dance was a way for local peasants to find relief and enjoyment while living under the strict codes of English rule. The Irish word céili originally referred to a gathering of neighbors in a house or town hall where all age groups would come together to dance, play music and tell stories. Gathering to dance at the crossroads was a popular rural pastime too. Often held on Sunday summer evenings, dancers would try to outdo one another with the fancy footwork of their jigs and reels.

Murphy Irish Dancers has always been a family tradition. Company Director, Mary Jo Feeney, grew up dancing from an early age. First picking up steps from her mother in the kitchen at age four, she was further encouraged by Irish nuns at her grade school. The company was born in 1963 upon the retirement of Ms. Feeney's first formal dance teacher, Annie Slattery, an Irish immigrant. Mary Jo's daughter and grandchildren continue the family tradition, and there are numerous siblings in the company. She sees the learning and performing of Irish dance as a way for young people to connect to a rich tradition, build self-esteem and maintain lasting friendships. Starting out with 35 members, today the company boasts as many as 175 participants!