Set dancing

I have been a little under the weather over here in Ireland with a fever and infection and now I'm finally back on my feet, but still on antibiotics so there is no drinking allowed and I can't say I have a ton of energy. Despite these minor details I really wanted to get out of the house last night (3 days no exercise = major cabin fever). Scott agreed.



A long time ago a local in town told me about the set dancing that takes place at The Atlantic bar every Sunday night. She told me that people get all dressed up and they even bus in from Black Valley! Woo hoo! So Black Valley is rumored to be the last place in Ireland to get electricity (in 1977) but the first to get the internet (in 2002?). Intriguing. I want to see these people! AND I want to see them dance! Not to mention, the local who recommended I go is also about 86, spends half her time in Barcelona, and made her now husband court her for a few months (and spend about 10,000 euro) before she agreed to date him because she "needn't any men's shirts to iron". Fiesty.




Set dancing is like square dancing. Traditional. Generally the music could be anything but it is often either polka-ish or johnny cash.

I had never been to the Atlantic and it was awesome! It felt like I stepped into a time warp and came out in 1958 Reno, NV. Neon green lights highlight the fake folliage at the top of the walls and the mirror behind the bar leaves you guessing: does the bar continue around to the other side? Not to mention the long plush red couches full of folks gussied up for the affair. The lady who played the keyboard (and guitar, cause god forbid you play only one instrument in this country) reminded me an awful lot of Marty and Bobbie Culp, the middle school music teachers from SNL.

I love the irish people. The are not pretentious. They could actually care less what you think. Although I did feel a little silly taking pictures in a place that is so sincerely "locals only". (Thus, no flash...sorry) My favorite thing has got to be the cross-generational pub scene. It is so easy and comfortable. Kids are not ashamed to be hanging out and talking to their parents or grandparents or grandparents friends. It is normal and I appreciate the honesty.

As usual the pub can be quieted by a ballad. I know you can't see him well, just listen. Yes, it is english. And this young man is probably 20 at best. Declan Finnegan's nephew. (Give me a few more months and I'll know his whole life story. Him and every other person in this town.) This could happen anywhere at any time. Normally they don't have a mic, but the impact is about the same. Everyone quiets for a beautiful voice.

(If you can't see the videos very well, try to view them on my flickr account instead. There's also another video of them playing Johnny Cash and quite a packed dance floor...if you can see it.)