Irish stepdance is a style of performance dance with its roots in traditional Irish dance. It is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and quick and precise movements of the feet. It can be performed solo or by groups. Irish stepdance is performed in most places with large Irish populations. Aside from public dance performances, there are also stepdance competitions all over the world. Costumes are considered important for stage presence in competition and performance Irish stepdance. Riverdance, an Irish stepdancing interval act in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest that later became a hugely successful theatrical production, greatly contributed to its popularity.