Comhaltas is an international organization based in Dublin, Ireland. The North American Province of Comhaltas consists of four regions in the U.S. and Canada. St. Louis Irish Arts is one of eleven branch organizations in the Midwest Region. Irish traditional music is folk dance music consisting of reels, jigs, hornpipes, mazurkas and polkas. Irish traditional dance is of three types.
Step dancing is performed by tapping rhythms while performing intricate steps.
All of the dances require practice to master, but they are easily enjoyed by all ages, and are excellent aerobic exercise. St. Louis Irish Arts provides adult recreational dance classes and instruction in dance, instrumental music, voice and language to youths from the age of 5. All youth beginning dance students are required to take elementary instruction on the tin whistle. Students in all age groups perform at various schools and festivals throughout the U.S., and at local dinner dances sponsored by St. Louis Irish Arts. Live music by advanced students and local Irish musicians is featured at all performances and at the dinner dances.