Hard shoes, also called jig shoes and heavy shoes, as pointed out by dance student Theresa, are neither tap shoes nor clogs. Modern hard shoes have fiberglass tips with elevated heels. Historically, the shoes were constructed with wooden heels. Although Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, not all of her costumes contain green. In fact, not all authentic costumes necessarily contain any green at all.
Men sometimes wear high top hats with wide brims and buckles.
Lower on his body are a white shirt and darkly colored tie, fitted knee trousers, and woolen socks with low quarter shoes. The women s costume is a simple one, though sometimes is complex with intricate patterns and ornamentation. Characteristics of Irish Dance To demonstrate control and grace, arm movements are restricted when dancing. There was a time in the early nineteenth century when participants wielded shillelaghs, club-like sticks. Step Dances Step dances are of the clog and shuffle type of dance.