CELTIC RHYTHM DANCERS Q&A:

What is Ceili Dancing? Ceili dancing (pronounced KAY-lee) is Irish social dancing. From its humble beginnings on the crossroads and in the kitchens of rural Ireland, ceili dancing, has been spread throughout the world by her emigrants. It is very much like square dancing or Contra dancing, but with more complex footwork: there are a few basic steps in ceili dancing, and each dance combines these steps in different ways with a caller and Irish music. The movie “The Titanic” featured some ceili dancing in the “steerage” scenes. Many of the dances involve a partner, or are in groups of three or four. Some dances are in a large circle, some in progressive lines with couples facing, others in groups of three or four.

Do I need a partner? No. Although many of the dances involve a partner, there is no need to bring one.

Do I need to know the steps first? No. All ceili dances locally have a brief instructional period at the beginning for newcomers to learn the basic footwork. Newcomers are welcome, and you do not need to have any prior experience to have a great time.

What about kids? This is definitely family entertainment; well-supervised children are welcome, although child care is not provided. Children of about eight or nine (your mileage may vary) should be able to follow the dances with ease and seem to have a lot of fun.

What should I wear? What should I bring?

Shoes: Many ceili events are on a dance floor that needs to be protected from grime and damp. Please bring clean shoes to change into when you reach the dance. Athletic shoes are a fine way to start, or any shoes that are reasonably flexible and do not have too much tread. Special dancing shoes are not necessary.

Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Ceili dancing is very aerobic and ceili dancers are by-and-large not fashion plates.

Water: You'll be glad you brought a bottle of water. You may even find yourself searching for a way to refill it.

What ceili dancing is not: Ceili dancing is not competitive Irish step dancing, such as what you have seen at Riverdance and the various spawn of Riverdance (although they do ceili dancing too, they are best known for their step dancing).