Irish CultureIreland is deeply rooted in its culture. Architecture and dance are just two aspects of their culture. The Gaelic League is one of the main reasons why Ireland has been able to share its traditional dancing with the world. Architecture in Ireland evolved from simple to beautiful and grandiose during the Saxon, Norman and medieval periods. The first written record of dancing dates back to 1520 with the use of the word “damhsa” or “dance” in English (Whelan 9). Country dancing, popular until the 17th century, is said to have “spread from England to Ireland” (Whelan 10). However, in the late 17th century, the term "jig" began to be used for Irish dancing (Whelan 10). Jig is the most modern term to describe Irish dancing. It is amazing that Irish dancing technique is so uniform throughout Ireland. The greatest contributors to the spread of Irish dancing technique were the Old Irish Dancing Masters. The masters are the ones who made everything fall into place. They developed “footwork for solo dancing” as well as teaching and directing uniformity and discipline for group dancing (Whelan 11). Masters traveled across the country for anywhere from nine days to six weeks (Whelan 11). He was always “accompanied by a piper or fiddler” who played music while he taught (Whelan 11). Barns were built on farms before he arrived with the trade so that farmers' children would receive free lessons (Whelan 12). The most basic lessons taught by the master were “the upward step of the jig and the side step of the reel” (Whelan 12). Most of the students were children and learned the moves quite easily. However, if students were having difficulty, the...... middle of paper...... in the shape of a cross. Tall lancet windows also marked this period (Archer 288). Eastern Ireland had churches that were more elaborate and complex in design due to the influence of England. Unfortunately, few churches remained in good condition due to the "suppression of the Catholic Church in the 18th century" and are more ruins than anything else (Archer 288). Ireland has been influenced by many countries, but mainly by England. We see and see over time that England was the country that first brought many things to Ireland, but the Irish quickly adapted and made it their own. Architecture improved and primarily saw growth within churches. Romanesque and Gothic styles continued to be seen in church structures. Irish dancing spread throughout the world thanks to emigration. Europe and North America were heavily influenced by Ireland.