To an Irish dancer, St. Patrick’s Day parades are much more than weekends of drinking too much and being rowdy through the streets. The dances an outsider sees as they line the curbs and sidewalks took weeks, months and even years of preparation. There is so much history and culture found within the moves, sparkly dresses and big curly hair. Here are some things to look out for when Irish dancers hop their way through your town:

The Dresses.

As you watch dancers march the streets during parades, you may notice the elaborate dresses they wear. Traditional dresses have Celtic embroidery and classic colors, while solo dresses are glitzy and bright colored. Although these dresses don't truly symbolize Irish origin, they are fun and contemporary and look awesome during performances. They have evolved into unique fashion creations individual to each dancer.

The Shoes.

Irish dancers wear two types of shoes: Hard shoes and soft shoes. Soft shoes are formally known as "ghillies." Their light leather material allows dancers to be light on their feet. Hard shoes can be compared to tap shoes as they make a loud sound and make cool beats and patterns when dancers wear them.

The Hair.

If it wasn't already obvious, those bouncy curls aren't natural! Dancers began wearing wigs in the 1980's. Natural ringlets were seen as the most attractive hairstyle when dancing. Wigs came about when dancers (and their mothers) quickly realized that sleeping in curlers and rollers all night was tortuous. The wigs have become much more elaborate and bigger as headbands and tiaras are used to accessorize.

The Steps.

Those jumps, leaps, hops and skips are all particular to different kinds of dances. Dances range in tempo and moves based on the music. Such dances are called Reels, Slip Jigs, Light Jigs, Treble Jigs and Hornpipes. Each dance school has dances and moves particular to their school that they use to compete and perform. Group dances are called Ceilis. These dances can range from 2 people to as many as 16. You will probably see a Ceili or two performed during parades!

A personal favorite parade moment is watching terribly drunk bystanders join in with their best attempt at a jig. If you’re planning on joining in on the dancing fun, just remember: Feet crossed, arms tight, shoulders back, jumps high! With those tips and a few too many Guinness pints, you'll be an Irish dance star by the end of the day, no doubt.