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In the modern language the two words used to describe dancing ('damhsa' and 'rince') are borrowed from other countries. 'Damhsa' is derived from the French word danse or its English equivalent dance, and the earliest use of the word in the written language dates only from around 1520. 'Rince' is a borrowing of the English word rink, meaning to skate on ice.
The words 'cor' and 'port', which we use today to describe reels and jigs, do not properly signify these dances but are meant to describe quick lively pieces on the harp. 'Jigeánnai' and 'rileánna' are borrowings from the English. The word `jigeánnai' derives from the Italian word giga, an old dance. 'Reel' is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word rulla meaning to whirl. There is also a suggestion that the word 'reel' comes from the Swedish word ragla which means to stagger, incline or move in walking, first to one side and then the other.
from the Appletree Press title Irish Dance by Arthur Flynn |
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