Join us for a high energy Ceilidh dance at Lunasa, with live music from the incredibly talented musicians of Roughtown, and dances skilfully called by Kevin Durkan.
Ceilidh (pronounced kei-li) is traditionally a social gathering with music and dance, poetry & storytelling, originating in Gaelic parts of Ireland and Scotland. Contemporary ceilidh now happen all around the world and focus on dancing, usually in groups of 4 – 8 couples known as a “set”. The couple nearest the band are termed the top couple and usually have some experience of ceilidh dancing. Whilst a Ceilidh is group dancing to live music, no partner is needed, and you will get to dance with many different people in the sets.
Before starting a dance the “caller” has the sets walking through the dance so that everyone can see how to do it. Once the music starts dancers are reassured by hearing the caller telling them what comes next. The main idea is to have fun and getting it right is an optional extra, although most people quickly learn from the repetitive sequences to become increasingly proficient. Ceilidh dancing can appeal to anyone aged 10 or above, and those under 10 can even join in if partnered by an adult.
If you think you can’t dance then come along and be proved wrong. Be assured; this is not Riverdance. Have a fun time stripping the willow and doing a do-si-do, while dancing to the exhilarating music of Roughtown.
