Under the multicolored lights of a Brooklyn pub on a recent Monday night, a small crowd skipped and swung in circles, scrambling to keep up with the tempo of an Irish reel.
Some were seasoned professionals; others were dipping a toe into Irish social dancing for the first time. People came close to colliding as they advanced and retreated in rows of four, hands linked, or spun with partners in the tightly packed space.
A formation that was supposed to resemble a square, with one couple stationed neatly on each side, wound up looking more like a wavy half-circle.
Faces were flushed with confusion and joy. In Irish dance, a form known for its upright posture and exacting rhythmic footwork — as well as its culture of high-pressure competition — precision is prized.