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Conor Simpson (born 1994) is a competitive performer of Irish stepdance from Canberra, Australia. Having begun dancing at his mother's school at the age of nine, Simpson has been highly successful in local and international competition. He is one of the few Australians to win a title at Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne (the Irish Dancing World Championships), and has also performed professionally.
Born in Canberra in 1994 to Irish dancing teacher Monica Simpson, Simpson grew up with his father, mother and sister. He played soccer and rugby league as a child during his education at Marist College, taking up Irish dance only after being "bribed" by his mother and sister into taking classes. [1]
He graduated in 2018 with a double degree in finance and economics at Australian National University. [2]
Simpson took classes at his mother's Simpson Academy of Irish Dance from the age of nine. [3] He won seven age group titles at the ACT Championships, as well as winning his section at the Australian Irish Dancing Championships in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. [4] [1] In 2006, he competed at Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, the World Championships of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, for the first time, receiving a recall medal in his section. [5] He returned in 2009, 2010 and 2013, placing third, third and fourth respectively. [6] [7]
In 2013, after finishing his secondary education, Simpson spent a gap year in Belfast, Northern Ireland, training and competing with former world champion dancer Gerard Carson at the Carson-Kennedy Academy. [8] That year, in addition to Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, he competed in a number of other major international championships, including the All Scotland Championships and All Ireland Championships. [9] [10]
After placing third at Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne in 2014 and second at the North American National Championships the same year, Simpson returned to Carson in Ireland for six weeks at the end of 2014. [1] After a period of intense training, Simpson won the men's 20-21 years championship at Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne 2015 in Montreal, Canada, becoming only the sixth Australian to win an individual title at the World Championships. [8]
Simpson returned to the Worlds in 2017 after spending time as a professional dancer, placing third in the open age men's competition. [11] His preparation for competition, though restricted by his university studies, had expanded to four dance classes a week in addition to a strength and conditioning program, totalling some 20 hours a week. [12]
In late 2015, following his competitive success, Simpson was approached by producers for the Australian tour of Irish dance show Lord of the Dance . He successfully auditioned along with another local male dancer, and was immediately flown to Adelaide to join the tour, which left Australia for Broadway shortly afterwards. [1]
Irish dance refers to a group of traditional dance forms that originate in Ireland, encompassing dancing both solo and in groups, and dancing for social, competitive, and performance purposes. Irish dance in its current form developed from various influences such as earlier native Irish dance, English country dancing and later possibly French quadrilles, as it became popular in Britain and Ireland during the 19th century. Dance was taught by "travelling dance masters" across Ireland in the 17th and 18th centuries, and separate dance forms developed according to regional practice and differing purposes. Irish dance became a significant part of Irish culture, particularly for Irish nationalist movements. From the early 20th century, a number of organisations promoted and codified the various forms of dance, creating competitive structures and standardised styles. Irish dancers who compete for competitive reasons dance in a dance style that is more modern than traditional Irish dance. It is mainly done solo, but there is some team dancing in groups of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 and even numbers onwards.
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Events in the year 1970 in Ireland.
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Irish stepdance is a style of performance dance with its roots in traditional Irish dance. It is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and fast and precise movements of the feet. It can be performed solo or in groups. Aside from public dance performances, there are also stepdance competitions all over the world. These competitions are often called Feiseanna. In Irish dance culture, a Feis is a traditional Gaelic arts and culture festival. Costumes are considered important for stage presence in competition and performance Irish stepdance. In many cases, costumes are sold at high prices and can even be custom made. Each costume is different, with varying colors and patterns, designed to attract the judge's eye in competitions and the audience's eye in performance. General appearance beside the costume is also equally important. Female dancers would typically curl their hair before each competition or wear curled wigs, while male dancers would neatly style their hair to a shape to their liking. Poodle Socks are worn by female dancers while males wear plain black socks. Poodle socks are white socks that stretch to typically 1-4 inches above the ankle, depending on the dancers preference. They also have distinctive ribbing, and can be embroidered with gems.
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An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha is the oldest and largest governing body for competitive Irish step dancing globally. Founded in 1927, CLRG is responsible for creating a standardised system of Irish dance, music and competition for its member organisations in 26 countries. It organises Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne as well as Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann, and is the central authority for teacher and adjudicator accreditation. It is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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