<P> In the 19th century, the Irish diaspora had spread Irish dance all over the world, especially to North America and Australia . However, schools and feiseanna were not established until the early 1900s: in America these tended to be created within Irish - American urban communities, notably in Chicago . The first classes in stepdancing were held there by the Philadelphia - born John McNamara . </P> <P> According to the BBC's A Short History of Irish Dance, "The nature of the Irish dance tradition has changed and adapted over the centuries to accommodate and reflect changing populations and the fusion of new cultures . The history of Irish dancing is as a result a fascinating one . The popular Irish dance stage shows of the past ten years have reinvigorated this cultural art, and today Irish dancing is healthy, vibrant, and enjoyed by people across the globe ." </P> <P> Sometime in that decade or the one following, a dance teacher had his students compete with arms held firmly down to their sides, hands in fists, to call more attention to the intricacy of the steps . The adjudicator approved by placing the students well . Other teachers and dancers quickly followed the new trend . Movement of the arms is sometimes incorporated into modern Irish stepdance, although this is generally seen as a hybrid and non-traditional addition and is only done in shows and performances, not competitions . </P> <P> The first television broadcast of Irish stepdance, on CBS in 1945, contributed to the increased popularity of a stepdance style originating in Ulster . This style, which incorporated balletic movements and high elevation on the toes, gradually usurped the Munster style with fast, low footwork which had prevailed up to that point. ‬ </P>

Why do irish dancers dance with their arms by their sides