Celtic women?

The traditional Irish singer holds the arms at the sides just as the traditional Irish dancer does. It's simply part of the culture. Riverdance has little if anything to do with Irish traditional dance and Celtic Women has almost nothing to do with Irish musical culture. They are both Broadway productions intended to cash in on what was the great 'Celtic Revival Wave' several years ago. Tens of thousands of people flocked to these synthetic atrocities and then later would seek out legitimate Irish arts. They were, of course, disappointed to find that traditional music and dance is nothing as flashy as Broadway. The majority of legitimate Irish traditional performers would have seen Michael Flatley lynched for his portrayal (or should I say betrayal) of Irish tradition.

The old saying among Irish artists is that the arms are held to the sides because that is the only way you can perform in British handcuffs.

I watched their program. I was disappointed. They are technically excellent. Their choice of compositions was trite, and immature. Their performance was dull and uninspired. They have a great deal of potential, and it's being wasted. I hope they get a good manager and music director soon.

I think it is just traditional. I have seen similar vocal performance groups and the focus is suppose to be on their voices, so they stand still and try to entertain with their voices alone.

So they sing beautifully..