Our partner Mary Gabriele of the Temple University Irish Dance and Culture club introduces us to some of the most important steps of Irish dancing, teaching us a basic reel.

In All Around This World class we also try an Irish Jig. The Jig is a lively dance that originated in England in the 16th century but over the centuries has become most closely associated with Ireland and Scotland. The term jig may have come from the French word "giguer," which means "to jump," or the Italian "giga," but whatever the origin of the term, the resulting dance sure is a good time.

There are many different kinds of jigs, such as the light jig: a fast jig, usually danced in 6/8 time, the slip jig – a dance performed in 9/8, time. (Slip jig dancers often perform high on their toes and seem to glide gracefully across the dance floor) – and the treble jig: a 6/8 dance performed in heavy shoes and full of slow stomps.