It’s the Irish Dance World Championships and nerves are high for the members of Fusion Fighters. They’ve spent months practicing their routine. Now it’s time to shine! The group shakes off their fears, walks proudly before the judges and waits for the music to begin. In a flash, everyone is jigging, stepping and sashaying across the dancefloor. No one watching can believe their eyes – and now we all get to witness their impressive dance display!

Before Irish dancing was a way to share the country’s rich history, it was used as a form of celebration and merriment! While there is little record of dancing in early texts and documents, pieces from the 17th century indicate dancing was an essential part of Irish culture at the time. In the decades to follow, hundreds of tiny dance troupes formed (just like the Fusion Fighters). People from all over the island came together to create these groups – and they would travel from city to city, spreading cheer and dancing on bartops! Nowadays, traditional Irish dancing is a popular way to honor the heritage and history of the spirited island inhabitants!

This drive to acknowledge their roots is what pushed the Fusion Fighters to come together in the first place. According to their official website, the members wanted to bring a modern touch to the sometimes old-fashioned style, “For the past five years, they have branched away from what has become the typical Irish dance experience in order to evolve for a modern audience while still preserving their traditions.” They are world-renowned for their fast footwork and eye-catching, state-of-the-art acts. Watch their World Championship performance for yourself in the video below. We can only hope to see more of the Fusion Fights stateside!