The Irish Dance genre is an essential part of the heritage and culture of Ireland. From its early roots in Celtic history, to the global growth inspired by shows such as Riverdance, to the modern- day competitive championships and Feisanna, it continues to be a vibrant and evolving dance form. The Essential Guide to Irish Dancing delves into the history and culture behind the world of Irish Dance, offering technical instruction from beginner-level to advanced, including how to prepare exciting set dances and choreograph innovative sequences. Topics covered include: Irish dance music; the fundamentals of solo dancing; traditional dance movements and set dances; Ceili dancing; competitions and careers; choreography, and finally, physical fitness and mental health.

Every community has its good cooks-those people who have a personal touch, who can take the same recipes and the same ingredients as everyone else, but make everything taste so much better. Mary Hayward is one of those cooks and she shares her favorite recipes (most of them she learned from her own mother) and her best instructions here inMy Personal Touch. Mary raised nine children on these recipes, and many became her children's particular favorites. For the benefit of beginners, she lays out each recipe in first and second steps. For the more experienced, she shares her skill and the secrets that give her dishes such a personal touch."