News 19. 9. 2010

Interview with Emma O´Sullivan

In less than five years she has become Irelands most well known and loved sean-nós dancer, however Emma has no plans for slowing down and continues to push her creativity and test her abilities. She is just after performing all summer with shows such as Trad on the Prom and Trad in the West and shortly she will be going on a world tour with Rhythm of the dance show.

We were lucky enough to catch Emma before she headed off on tour and she did this interview with us… 😉

1) What do you find so interesting about sean nós dancing? Does it have any boundaries? How is it different to other Irish dancing styles?

I love sean nós because I love Irish music and sean nós dance makes a lovely accompaniment to it. It is easy to learn and it is loose and you can use your imagination to make your own style and skill level. It is great fun and it is the best thing I ever did for fun! It is different to other dance styles because it is freestyle. There is very little freestyle in step dance and none in set dance. It is easier to learn and you don’t need a dance partner which is good for me because i can never get a man!

2) When did you start sean nós dancing? Who inspired you? Who were your teachers?

I started sean nós dancing in 2005. My teacher was Padraic O’Hoibicín. When I got more proficient I took workshops with Roisín Ní Mhannin, Ronan Regan and Mick Mulkerrins. Seosamh Neachtain inspired me at the beginning and still does. He is the best young male sean nós dancer in Ireland.

3) How popular is sean nós dancing in and outside of Ireland? Is it difficult to learn first steps? Do you have to be talented to be able to dance sean nós?

Sean nós is growing in popularity around the world. All places with Irish diaspora are reviving the sean nós style. The Irish are all over the world so the sean nós is growing everywhere. Especially America and Europe! It is simple to learn the basic steps in sean nós but you need good timing and musicality to become advanced in the stepping.

4) You are currently dancing in a couple of shows. Have you ever thought of directing your own show?

I enjoy being part of a team in the shows but I have no interest in directing my own show. The dancing is all very new to me so I am still learning my craft so that’s enough challenge for me. I like to make choreography for different things and that is something maybe I could do in the future- choreographer for shows??

5) Has your life changed much since you appeared in RTE’s All Ireland Talent show?

It’s changed a lot. My work is very busy now and there is lots of demand now. I get to do very interesting work now and meet very interesting people. I am very involved in the community now and now I am an ambassador for sean nós and Connemara which is the best thing!

6) How is it with competitions in sean nós dancing? Are there any rules for competitors? Is it divided into different levels or just in age groups? What does it mean to sean nós dancer to actually win the competition?

There are many different competitions for sean nós. some are very formal and televised and others are just relaxed and in the corner of a pub! It is divided into age groups. Some competitions are only for invites. You need to have a good level to get invited. Others have qualifying heats and only a good level proceeds to the comp. There is no male/ female category! To win a competition is good for sean nós dancers who teach. There is one main competition the oireachtás which is very important for professional dancers. The more informal ones are the best though. More fun and lots if very old style dancers so a good challenge. These can be found in the gaeltachts.

7) What are the judges looking for from each dancer – is there any set criteria that must be met to satisfy the judge – rhythm, step difficulty, arm movements, etc.?

The main points are confined space. Close to the floor, timing, musicality, variation of steps, traditional steps, good interaction with musician and audiences and judges, fluid movement throughout the body, strong rhythms and stage persona. It’s like judging art work. Sometimes it’s just the judges taste and it’s difficult to say what they like. Something unique I suppose??

8) How much time do you spend practising for competitions and shows? How do you make new steps – what is your inspiration?

In competition preparation possibly three hours a day. For new show choreography I am always dancing all day long whenever I can. This is not normal for adult sean nós dancers though. I must do it because I am dancing too short a time and I must work harder. I make new steps always. I have possibly fifty steps!!! Or more!

9) Is sean nós dancing different in other parts of Ireland (for e.g. Connacht/Munster)?

There is a difference yes. It is like the accents. We are speaking sale language but the accents are different. It is the same for the dancing. You can nearly guess where someone lives by their dance style!

10) How did you like Prague?

I loved Prague. Amazing!!! The buildings are so beautiful. It is great to see the interested in the Irish culture that grows there 🙂 Very excellent dancers!

Václav Bernard