geography project: where/how did irish dancing originate from,

the reason why i have chosen to write my series of blog posts on irish dancing is because i am an irish dancer and have a lot of interest towards it.

Roundelays, reels, jigs and rince fada start being mentioned in English and Anglo Irish literature in the 16th, 17th centuries. Writers noted that the Irish were very keen on dancing. In 1850+ travelling dancing masters became popular and refined the dance developing the stepwork and solos and laying the foundation of Irish dance as we see it today.
There are several theories about the rigid upper body and straight arms. The one I favour is that it was the influence of the Catholic church trying to prevent contact between the sexes, and introducing an air of restraint. But it was probably the dancing masters trying to distance their dance from unruly country dances.

in human geography many people have been employed by irish dacing teachers as in some parts of the world it is very popular and strict so people dance every night of the week.