In this book, scholars and performers debate the dynamic interplay between innovation and tradition in the world of Irish dance. ""Close to the Floor"" brings together a distinguished and diverse cast of dance ethnographers, dancers, teachers, choreographers, and dance historians to discuss and reflect on a variety of topics in the world of Irish step dance and related percussive dance forms. This volume includes essays that originated at a symposium held at New York University in 2006 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of ""Riverdance."" The contributor list is impressive and includes the most well-known names in both Irish dancing scholarship and performance.