The speed to play for dancing depends on the situtation. In Irish dance competition the temp is strictly controlled or should be to ensure an equal starting point. The dancers all prefer certain musicians and tunes within this because it is the playing that lifts the dance. Some musicians make a good living out of playing for dance competitions. Outside competitions Irish dancers will dance at a range of speeds. The size of the range will depend on the experience of the dancers. In very fast sessions eperienced dancers wil use cut back steps to fit in with the timimg - you just won't notice.

For social dancing ( yes I've forgotten how to spell the C word again Celi in Irish) the range can be very wide as it is possible to do dances like Strip the willow and its variants as fast a it can be played.

In answer to the question - play at the speed you feel comfortable with- all speeds have their advantages. Variety is the spice of life.

Julie