Jiga is an old British dance. His origin is Celtic. The jig speed is fast. Jiga is one of the main melodies used in Scottish and Irish dances.
The jiga got its name from a musical instrument, namely, a small violin. On such a violin, melodies for dancers were played in the 12th century. At first, jiga was a pair dance, but gradually it began to spread as a solo dance, and later as a solo comic dance. At the beginning of the 18th century, the Italian jiga was widely developed. In the 18th century, the jiga gave way to the minuet, gavotte and other increasingly popular European dances and became entrenched in the people.
Jiga in Irish dances
The jiga later became the basis for many Irish dances, and its melody, as a rule, sounds in three versions. Depending on the speed that the dance gained, the jiga was divided into single jig, double jig and treble jig.
Single jig
Single jig is one of the simplest varieties of this dance. This type is most widespread in Europe. In modern times, learning to jig begins with a single jig, since this type is easier to learn.Double jig
Double jig is performed at a faster pace. When dancing a double jig, dancers put on soft shoes and beat the rhythm in the manner of Irish tap dance during the dance.
Trable jig
Trable jig is danced at a slower pace. The dancers wear hard boots. The main dance elements are all kinds of pirouettes, jumps, swings. Many dance moves are performed alternating between single jig, double jig and treble jig, thereby changing the pace of the dance.
At the present stage, jiga is popular in narrow circles. In some European countries and the United States, specialized schools are being created to teach this historical dance.
Jig history
Jiga was originally a pair dance; however, among sailors it spread as a solo, very fast dance of a comic character. William Shakespeare in his plays emphasized the buffoonery nature of the jig. Jiga soon found its way into professional music. Pieces under this name are found in English virgin and lute collections of the 16th century. In the 17th century, jiga entered the dance life of many countries of Western Europe, although in different countries its development went differently.
At the turn of the 17th-18th centuries, the Italian jiga acquired European significance. It was she who entered as the final part in the preclassical sonatas and suites by Arcangelo Corelli, Antonio Vivaldi, J.F. Ramo. The finale of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, without the designation of a jig, also reveals the character inherent in this dance.
Displaced from the European salon life by new dances (minuet, gavotte and others), jig gradually loses its significance in professional music throughout the 18th century. In the future, jiga existed mainly among the people, successfully surviving to this day in Ireland and Scotland. In the twentieth century, some composers again turn to jig as a musical genre. Among them are Claude Debussy (Images, 1912), IF Stravinsky (Concert Duo, 1932; Septet, 1952-53), Max Reger (op. 36, 42, 131c), Arnold Schoenberg (op. 25 and 29).
Jiga in Irish dances
Jiga is one of the most popular Irish dance tunes. It is presented in several versions. Depending on the speed of the melody in which the dance is performed, single jig, double jig and treble jig are distinguished. Depending on the shoes in which the dance is performed, light and heavy jigu are distinguished. The slip-jig, performed to a special rhythm of 9/8 and exclusively in soft shoes, stands out as a perfect apart.
Single jig
Double jig
Trable jig
Slip-jig is currently performed exclusively by women in competitions, but until about 1950, both men's and doubles competitions were held in this dance. Since the 1980s, the question of the return of men to competition in this dance has been discussed. The 9/8 slip jig is the most graceful and graceful dance performed in soft shoes and is highlighted in the Riverdance show.
A slip jig is sometimes called a slide jig or hop jig. But sometimes a single jig is also called a slide jig.
see also
Notes
| folk music | |
|---|---|
| Folk music genres | Ballad · Epic · Jig · Spiritual Verse · Drinking Song · Kalanda · Lullaby · Shanti Sea Songs · Hornpipe · Chastushka |
| Regional and ethnic scenes | |
Jiga is considered one of the most ancient Irish dances, preserved to this day in this national culture, although it is currently performed mainly in staged form.
This expressive Irish dance has several options. Moreover, they are divided according to rather unusual classifications - depending on the speed that the dancers gain, and depending on the types of shoes used.
History of origin
It is believed that the name of the dance was given by the melody of the same name, which was performed on the violin during public fairs in the 12th century.
The jig dance was originally a pair. However, picked up by the sailors, the jiga turned into an energetic, fast and comical solo dance.
English colonization assumed the eradication of Irish culture, so in the 17th century there was a ban on national music and dancing. For more than a century and a half, folk dances were taught in secret under the guidance of itinerant teachers.
The emergence of the first dance schools in the 18th century is associated with the dance masters who pass their skills on to everyone. The Gaelic League's efforts to standardize and formalize Irish dances in the 20th century have raised the demand for teaching and performance.
Currently, jiga, among other solo dances, exists both as a competitive form and as a dance show. The dynamism, expressiveness of the jig movements, the emotionality of the performance amaze the imagination and fascinate the audience.
Due to its entertainment, Irish dances have become popular in many countries of the world, they are studied, as well as in Ireland, in specially organized dance schools.
What is Jiga?
The term "jiga" denotes both the dance itself and the music to which it is performed. Different types of music correspond to specific types of jigs. However, the time signature of all types of jigs, except for slip-jigs, is 6/8, and the latter is performed to music with a 9/8 time signature.
For each type of jig there are requirements in what kind of footwear it should be performed - hard or soft. Stiff shoes are shoes, usually black with a special heel on the nose, a small heel and an additional fastening in the form of a strap. Soft shoes for women are soft leather slippers with long laces without a heel, somewhat similar to ballet flats, for men - boots with soft soles and a small heel.
Jig types and their features
There are several types of jigs, depending on the time signature and character of the dance:
- simple, soft or single - single jig (single jig)
- double - double jig (double jig)
- triple - treble jig (treble jig)
- slip jig
According to the types of shoes worn during the dance, we can distinguish:
- light jig
- heavy jigu
Single jig
One of the most common and simplest types of jigs. It is performed more often by beginner dancers and usually in soft shoes, i.e. performed without percussive movements and sounds.
Double jig
Performed in both soft and hard shoes. By the nature of the movements, this is a predominantly male dance with the spirit of a warrior inherent in it. The main pattern in choreography is a line. Danced at a faster pace than single jig, beating the rhythm.
Trable jig
Slower in performance than other types. Performed exclusively with stiff shoes. The dance features characteristic jumps, pirouettes and swings. Traditional treble jig is danced at 92 beats per minute, and unconventional even at a slower tempo - 73 beats per minute, which requires special skill.
Slip-jig
Currently exists exclusively as a female dance. Although in the middle of the 20th century it was performed both by men and in a double version. It differs from other types of jig in musical size and performance in soft shoes. Due to its special manner of performance, the slip-jig is called "Irish ballet". This is due to specific movements in the form of pirouettes, swinging and jumping. For example, "reindeer jump" is performed with hovering, as if lifting the dancer above the stage. This dance is technical because of the complex movement groups.
Initially, a jig was a small violin that was accompanied by dancers. Back in the XII century, jiga was a pair dance, but among sailors it became a solo dance, and with a comic overtones. For example, William Shakespeare in his plays emphasized the comic nature of the jig.
Jiga migrated to the melody of Irish origin. Today jiga is found in various types of Irish dances. The jig is presented in various versions.
1. Single jig
One of the simplest melodies that is danced in 6/8 or 12/8 times. This type of jig is very popular in Europe; they do not like to perform it in the USA. This jig is performed by beginners in dancing and continuing to learn, dancing in soft shoes.
2. Double jig
It is performed in both soft and hard shoes, always with beating the rhythm. If it is performed in stiff shoes, then in a size of 6/8 and then it is called a heavy jig.
3. Trable jig
It is performed in hard boots. This is the slowest type of jig. It is characterized by pirouettes, swings and jumps. Beginners dance the trabl jig at 92 beats per minute, but the pros dance at 73 beats.
4. Sliding jig
It is also called a slip-jig. Performed in 9/8 measures. Due to the slower phrases, the melody is also slower. This kind of dance is performed with very high half-toes and is therefore called Irish ballet. This jiga is often performed by women. She is a very graceful and airy dance.
We all remember the beautiful dance of the Hatter's jig-jiggle from the movie "Alice Through the Looking Glass", performed by Johnny Depp. In fact, jiga is the national dance of the British and Irish, the movements of which are quite complex and require intense and constant training. Jiga is very incendiary, she charges with her mood and manner of performance.
Ireland is an extraordinary and mysterious country, whose unique charm is given by evergreen hills, ancient castles, and of course amazing dances. National dances are performed only to Irish music and look very beautiful and spectacular, thanks to the speed of movement and rhythm. Nowadays this dance direction is extremely popular in many countries. There are many schools and studios teaching jig, riela or hornpipe, but you can learn to dance Irish dances on your own. Depending on the technique of performance and the number of participants, the following varieties are distinguished:
- Solo, represents rhythmic and clear movements of the legs, while the body and arms are motionless, one person is dancing.
- Group, performed by a group of up to 16 people, and include elements of solo dances with rebuilding in a circle, line or column and the inclusion of hands.
- Folk or social, characterized by simple quadrille-like movements, dance in pairs.
For those who decided to learn how to dance Irish dances on their own, video tutorials for beginners will be an excellent guide. It is better to start with a solo direction, which includes: jig, reel, hornpipe and solo sets.
Jig
Performed to the music of a violin. A fun and cheerful jig, consisting of traditional jumps and special steps. The jumps are high enough, which makes an indelible impression, but at the initial stage, you should not jump high. First you need to learn how to properly hold the body and press your hands, and most importantly, land softly. Dynamic and spectacular Irish dancing can be a serious challenge for beginners.
Reel
Riel is believed to be of Scottish origin, but has undergone a dramatic change to incorporate true Irish elements. Great for beginners and is usually the place to start learning how to properly dance Irish dance. Can be fast or slow.
Fast-paced reels have a set of simple movements, while slow reels have a more complex set of figures, including high jumps. The technique of execution, depending on the type of shoe, can be soft or hard.
Hornpipe
Includes bounces and tap-dancing elements, touching the floor alternately with heel and toe, creates the effect of a drum roll. Hands are usually placed on the belt or extended at the seams, and swings are done with the leg bent at the knee. It is performed only with stiff shoes and is the most difficult to master. Somewhat similar to reel, the hornpipe features a distinctive dotted rhythm and an emphasis on the first count. It can also be slow and fast.
Set solo dances
A distinctive feature is a special set melody, which can be traditional or author's, and in its structure differs from ordinary Irish music. To such melodies, unique dance compositions are developed, designed for participation in competitions, which include complex steps and non-traditional elements. From generation to generation in Ireland, music and the steps of solo sets created in the distant past and called traditional are transmitted.
Irish dancing is not only a tremendous boost of positive energy and energy, but also a great way to increase your stamina and improve your physical fitness. Having mastered the basic elements, you can continue to use lessons for beginners to study Irish dance, or contact a special studio. Speed, clarity and rhythm of movement will come with regular practice.