Keeping Traditions Alive: Irish American Heritage Month

Learn the steps to an Irish jig, discover Irish traditions and rituals, and explore the history of Irish writers for Irish American Heritage Month. This March, we recognize the many contributions Irish immigrants and their descendants have made in the U.S. through their writing, dancing, and customs.

AARP members and guests are invited to join us for a series of active and educational events to learn the foundations of soft shoe Irish dancing, cultural practices, the impact of Irish writers on modern Irish identities, and more!

1. Irish American Heritage Museum Webinars
*Both events are from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Irish Traditions, Customs, and Rituals: February 29, 2024

Register: https://events.aarp.org/IrishTraditions022924

• Life in 20th Century Ireland Through Literature: March 7, 2024

Register: https://events.aarp.org/IrishLife030724

Connect with us for two informative discussions on the various Irish traditions and cultural practices, as well as how history and writers’ representations of society have participated in the negotiation of contemporary Irish identities.

The first talk will discuss traditions and customs for various rituals, and will discuss holidays like St. Brigid's Day, Samhain, Lughnasa, and Bealtaine, as well as the various customs surrounding birth, marriage, and death. See what old customs Ireland has kept, and what superstitions still inform life events in everyday life in Ireland.

The second talk will examine how the portrayal of women evolved and developed in twentieth century literature, as the country changed from colony to republic.

2. Introduction to Irish Step Dancing Webinars
*All events are from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Part One: March 14, 2024

Register: https://events.aarp.org/IrishStepDance31424

• Part Two: March 21, 2024

Register: https://events.aarp.org/IrishStepDance32124

• Part Three: March 28, 2024

Register: https://events.aarp.org/IrishStepDance32824

Connect with us for a virtual three-part beginners' series with Irish dancer Michael Putman. Learn the foundations of soft shoe Irish dancing through lively choreography and aerobic exercise while engaging with other members. By exercising new steps, dancing is a fun physical and mental challenge that could help you improve your balance, stability, coordination, and brain health.

For more information, visit our blog: https://local.aarp.org/news/introduction-to-irish-step-dancing-with-aarp-ny-ny-2024-02-02.html

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