We use the name “The Joy of Sets” because it really does describe how we feel about set dancing. There is a feeling of joy and exhilaration while set dancing. The jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas and slides require an exertion of energy as in physical exercise, but, in addition to the endorphin high, the sharing of smiles and laughter among the dancers while pounding out the beat to traditional Irish music together is its own reward. The challenge of learning new sets can sometimes be frustrating but, once mastered, there is a great feeling of accomplishment and pride - a quiet but joyous satisfaction.
Why a blog? We want to share our love of set dancing with anyone who is interested. A blog is a quick and easy way to post information, photos, and videos about set dancing.
Our names are not really Joy S. Dancer and Frank Lee Irish, in case you didn’t already suspect that; but it doesn’t really matter who we are. We are set dancers. We are enthusiastic. We speak to, for, and about set dancers, set dances, set dancing, and the lively traditional Irish music that goes hand in hand (and foot in toe-tapping foot) with the dances.
Here’s a quick bow to Bill Lynch in recognition of his Set Dancing News (setdancingnews.net) website, his widely acclaimed magazine, and the wonderful photos and stories he has made available to Irish set dancers all over the world. The Joy of Sets Blog is not affiliated with Set Dancing News nor is it connected to Bill Lynch. We acknowledge Bill’s article “The Joy of Sets” published on his website which was (in his own words) “written to explain set dancing to people who are unfamiliar with it and to encourage them to give it at try. It originally appeared in the newsletter Inside Ireland in February 2004 and in Hornpipe magazine in June 2005.”
Signed: Joy S. Dancer
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