Sean-nós dance (/ˈʃæn.noʊs/ SHAN-nohss; Irish: damhsa ar an sean nós [ˈd̪ˠəusˠə ɛɾʲ ə ˈʃan̪ˠ n̪ˠoːsˠ], lit.
Sean-nós dance is characterised by its "low to the ground" footwork, improvised steps, free movement of the arms, and an emphasis upon a "batter" (which sounds out more loudly the accented beat of the music).
Stepdancing is noted for its stylised clothing, high kicks, fancy footwork, and good posture, with arms kept rigidly to the side of the body.
In comparison, sean-nós dancers generally do not place emphasis on any particular costuming, wearing any clothing they happen to have on.
Sean-nós dancers' arms also usually move more freely, swinging with the natural rhythm of the dance, or are kept more loosely at the side rather than rigidly.
This is very similar to the Scottish-based dance of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in which many dancers incorporate larger arm movements in their performances.
In those cases, the skill of the dancer is shown by how well they can produce the various steps within the narrow bounds of the wooden surface.
Sean-nós dancing is a very impromptu, rhythmic, and low key accompaniment to a lively traditional Irish band.